Can peri menopause make IBS symptoms worse?

[Rubynoodles37]

I'm 45 and although I'm not sure if I'm in peri menopause or not (can tick off quite a few symptoms!), my IBS symptoms (which I've had on/off for 20 years) have really flared up the last 4/5 months. I have so much more wind and very gurgling, rumbling guts which are even waking me up in the night. I've seen my GP and a gastroenterologist who have just said it's IBS and left me to it basically. Im trying the low fodmap diet which doesn't seem to be helping me much and i drink loads of peppermint tea. I tried taking Buscopan and although it did calm down the grumbling guts it left me feeling weird and spaced out!! I'm so fed up as it's on an almost daily basis now and I don't know what else to try 😣

[Lovemyfamily89]

Hi,

Yes it can. It made mine worse too. Unfortunately, my IBS seems different to yours so I can’t offer any words of advice but try to read as much as you can about menopause/peri- menopause onnthe ibternet and hopefully you will find something to help you. I have found A.Vogel excellent for information and you can search it on google- good luck!

[Desanthony]

Hi, My wife had similar problems. You can be in perimenopause anytime after 38 - or even younger. She says the best thing to know is at what age your Mother went into menopause as you are likely to go into menopause at the same age and perimenopause can start 10 years or so before this. However, please don't just keep on because your Docs are saying it is just the IBS. If it keeps getting worse ask for a second opinion because, as with other things these symptoms are also symptoms of other diseases which may need treatment.