Well Poop! Menopause and Your Guts

During menopause, many women experience a range of gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including bloating, gas, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. Some of the GI symptoms can be explained by aging, but some are clearly linked to the the menopausal decrease in estrogen and progesterone. The presence of estrogen receptors throughout the gut and progesterone receptors in the colon point to a direct effect of sex hormones on digestion and absorption. In addition, estrogen and progesterone participate in the production of the stomach acid and bile that is necessary to break down food. We know that stress, sleep, and exercise also have profound effects on gut function, and evidence is clear that menopause can negatively impact all of them. A weakened pelvic floor and/or medications used by mid-life and older women for common health conditions can also negatively effect gut health.

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