"Sluggish" Digestion

[momto2grls]

When my hormones started taking my body on this lovely roller coaster ride several months ago, I noticed that my digestion had become very sluggish. I never had any digestive problems, and suddenly, at 43, there are so many foods I can't tolerate. I eat small meals and still get indigestion. I no longer look forward to eating out or going on trips with my family for fear there will be nothing on the menu I can eat. I go through short periods throughout the month when it seems to ease up, but it always returns.
I am thinking about seeing a specialist to rule out any underlying cause other than perimenopause. I have already been to a cardiologist, neurologist, and had 2 trips to the ER in the past 6 months and nobody can find a thing wrong with me, yet I feel like a train wreck.
Has anyone else experienced digestive problems associated with perimenopause?

[Kassy103]

I used mastic gum for h pylori and it has actually messed up my stomach and slowed my digestion down a great deal. In fact it seems as i have delayed gastric emptying. Am very surprised to hear you say that it has improved your digestion.

[bubbishipoo]

This is what I needed to read as I have been in this roller coaster ride for two years now and I am 45.I lost my job because of all the stuff happening to me and my body!!I have had every test under the sun, to have them all come back fine. I am waiting for my husband to get his V so I can go off the pill as i didn't get a period for 14 months and than it came back.I have constant gas, cramps and my new addition to my bed at night is my hot water bottle!My chiropractor has recommended a vitamin called Healthy Hormones by Can Prev.i am waiting though till i go off the pill to start as chastaberry can affect the pill. Don't want any ooops esp. now.I feel a constant IBS problem, and almost everything I eat bothers the hell out of me!pain constantly and esp. in my back and burning.I sound like I am a mess but I am searching for remedies.

[LuciLoo2]

I too am going through menopause and it really is a surprise everyday.  I never had a problem with my digestion but ever since I have started on this menopause journey my stomach is in an uproar.  Bloating and gas sets in right after eating or about an hour later - and the burping does not stop!  I have been searching the internet to find answers for my stomach issues and went to my primary care physician (a male) who told me to take a Pepcid everyday and that should help. . .well, it doesn't.  

I have read all of your posts and will now look into HCL and Mastic Gum.  I also sent an email to Andrew Lessman (vitamin guru on HSN) and asked him if he would dedicate one of his show airings to vitamins that can help perimenopause and menopause women.  I am hoping he will have a few vitamins to choose from since I know his products are 100% natural.  I have purchased Align (did not start it yet) and I noticed that hot oatmeal seems to calm my stomach and it's supposed to be very good for you.

I hope this roller coaster my stomach is riding will become smooth sailing and good luck to all of you.

[cc101]

So what exactly is Mastic gum? I wouldn't be able to do it in the AM (unless you ca eat right after) because I have breakfast immediately upon rising, then I have two hours of marathon training so I need food to fuel my body...

I've been using Super Cleanse from Wholefoods (its a brand name so I'm sure a few health food stores would carry it) taking 4-5 tablets in the AM - it has helped alot actually as far as elimination is concerned - no remedy yet for bloating, cramps, pain during the day, unless I seriously just don't eat anything.

Doctor says if I would just agree to go on hormones all my symptoms would disappear... maybe, but then cancer might appear instead!

[sick and tired 47]

One thing that has helped me immensely... Mastic Gum . It is found in health food stores and it helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, pain.. but sometimes takes a few doses til I am feeling better. I take one in morning and one at night ( always on empty stomach). Directions say to take 2 in am... but this seems to work better for me.
Also HCL aids in slow digestion... I take it if I have a really big meal to help digest... but I forget every meal as you are supposed to do- besides all these things are so $$. So I pick the ones that help me the most. I love the mastic gum. Good luck to all.

[cc101]

Been reading the posts and this is SO me right now! I've been in meno full-blown for ovr a year now, but in the past two weeks my stomach, digestion the works, have been causing me terrible pain and distress. Severe, bloating, cramping, painful gas... nothing has changed in my diet, I'm vegan so no fatty foods, no dairy, not even coffee or sugar - so is it my crashing estrogen doing this again? Remedies?

[sfly]

H pylori is usually checked by doing a breath test(or so I understand). I did not have one done I know 2 friends who have. I would think that your primary Dr could order the test...but he may prefer you see a GI in case other follow up is needed. .

[sick and tired 47]

H pylori is checked by dr./ lab tests.
  I had my GB out 1  1/2 years ago... still cannot eatt fatty, spicy foods... oh well. I am better off, eat much healthier... just miss some foods some times.
Good luck to all going thru menopause.... I can not wait til its over. Its like every day is a surprise just waiting to happen!!!!!!!

[momto2grls]

What do they have to do to test for H Pylori? Is the test for H Pylori something I can ask a primary physician for or is it something you can test for at home...?

[sfly]

   How long ago did you have your gall bladder out? It took a while to get totally better., 6-8 months . I still had some of the same symptoms for a while after.
   There is a medication that helps with digestion for people who have had their gall bladder out. I don't know if it is used indefinately....or only for the first few months...
    I do have a low thyroid also.Some people have great results if its H pylori, its a simple test to check.
   I am ready to go on to stage 2 also. I am older than you and this roller coaster stinks.

[sick and tired 47]

Yep, I am perimenopausal and older than you but have very slow digestion, no appetite. I had my GB out and it seems worse since. Have you been checked for H pylori?? I had it... nasty, nasty bug in your stomach.
  Also hypothyroidism slows your digestion down ( I am hypo) so you might want to make sure your thyroid levels are normal.
A nutritionist recommended HCL ( natural acid for stomach) ... saying the problem is not to much acid but not enough.It helps when I remember to take it..
  Good luck, this menopause ride is NO fun at all!! I am ready for the next stage of my life to begin and this to pass.... lucky, lucky men!!!

[sfly]

  I had to burping too,and bloating.  I have heard of others who took 6 months before the problem was severe enough to do something about or discovered. I did not have any real pain, mostly discomfort. I never thought it was my gall bladder.Good luck finding a doc(GI)

[momto2grls]

I never have any vomiting. Usually I notice the discomfort within an hour after eating, sometimes right after I eat. Also get a bloated gassy feeling, and find myself burping quite a bit after eating, which I never did before. When I was pregnant 4 yrs ago, the ultrasound tech. told me I have gall stones, but I have never had pain or discomfort in that area.Imentioned it to my primary several months ago during my physical, and she just sort of blew it off, so I figured it must not be my gall bladder?? I plan to make an appointment with a Gastroenterologist, I can't seem to find a good primary doc.

[sfly]

  I am perimenopausal and developed digestive issues about 3 years ago. I was tested for reflux which came out negative but I was put on Aciphex for approx 6 months. I was under stress and developed irritable bowel symdrome and my Dr told me to use Align the probiotic(now over the counter) and I had gall bladder issues and ended up having it removed. Has your Dr ruled out Reflux,hiatial hernia or gall bladder problems? Are you having any vomiting? When does the indigestion occur? An hour or so after meals,or get worse at this time?