In the second of our blog posts for #MenopauseAwarenessMonth, we’re talking about how hormone fluctuations can cause changes in bowel movements and how this might affect your stoma.
What happens to the bowel during menopause?
Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has had 12 consecutive months without a period, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. In the years leading up to that point, the hormones estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate causing imbalance in many areas of the body, including the gut.
Estrogen and progesterone both play a role in digestion and overall gut health. Depleting hormones can affect the speed at which food moves through the intestines which forces more water to be absorbed back into the bloodstream, leading to constipation, heartburn, wind and bloating. Increased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, around this phase in a woman’s life can also increase stress and anxiety which can lead to diarrhoea.
Perimenopausal and menopausal women may experience irregular bowel movements or find that their symptoms get worse if they suffer from a chronic bowel condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
What does this mean if you have a stoma?
Constipation – Women may become constipated during the perimenopause due to the drop in both estrogen and progesterone and also as a result of weak pelvic floor muscles following childbirth. Constipation is a common problem among ostomates, especially for those with a colostomy. It’s important to watch out for changes to ensure your stoma doesn’t become blocked.
Trio tip: Make sure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to encourage bowel movements. It can also help to increase your intake of fibre-rich foods such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain foods, fruits and vegetables. Exercising increases blood flow and can help to move things along. If you’re concerned you may have developed a blockage, it’s important to speak to your stoma nurse for advice.
Diarrhoea – Loose stools can be the result of something you’ve eaten or drank, or may be related to medication, stress or even a virus. Hormonal imbalance can make the situation worse which is tricky for ostomates as an attack may come on suddenly without warning and the loss of fluids, particularly if you have an ileostomy, can make you feel unwell.
Trio tip: If you know that your diarrhoea is triggered by eating certain foods or drinking alcohol, it’s best to avoid those items until you feel well again. It may sound crazy but watery stools need more fluids! So, make sure you drink at least 2.5 litres of water per day.
You can also try thickening output with foods such as apple sauce, bananas, yoghurt and rice. Trio Pearls® are super-absorbent gelling crystals that help to firm up contents by turning it into a thicker gel. Check with your stoma nurse first if you’d like to try them.
Gas & bloating – Everyone produces wind, it’s a natural by-product of the foods we eat. But when you have a stoma, it can be a source of constant embarrassment. With hormonal changes, gas and bloating are even more common, so you may want to take extra measures to avoid certain foods.
Trio tip: By now, you’ll probably know what foods ‘set you off’ but the usual suspects to avoid include beans, onions, garlic, cabbage, eggs, sweetcorn and peas. Fizzy drinks, like beer, can also cause you to create more wind than usual. Try to eat more slowly and not swallow too much air while you’re eating food.
Irregular bowel movements – As your hormones start to fluctuate, so can your bowel movements. You may find you’re flitting between constipation and diarrhoea, which can be challenging with a stoma.
Trio tip: Follow the tips above during each episode of irregular bowel movements, such as eliminating certain foods. Both diarrhoea and constipation benefit from regular exercise and an increase in fluids. If you’ve recently had stoma surgery keep in mind that it can take some time for your stoma to settle down. But don’t worry, you will soon get into a good routine. If you’re experiencing any of these bowel problems with other symptoms, it’s important to discuss any unusual changes with your stoma care nurse.
Take our menopause survey. Keep an eye on our blog for more great hints and tips. If you’re interested in sharing your story for #MenopauseAwarenessMonth, we’d love to hear from you.
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