Hormonal changes associated with menopause can give you night sweats and hot flashes, but they can also make your IBS symptoms worse.

During menopause, the body stops releasing eggs and produces smaller amounts of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The hormonal changes can cause a range of symptoms — and they can even affect the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

If you already have IBS, going through the menopause might make your symptoms worse. However, you can manage these with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and some medications.

Here’s what you need to know about IBS and menopause.

Hormones like estrogen affect many of the body’s functions and systems, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Research suggests that estrogen and its receptors affect the progression of GI conditions like IBS.

Changes in hormones that occur before and during menopause can disrupt what you may perceive as “normal” for your digestive system. You might have GI symptoms like gas and bloating, and you might notice that your existing IBS symptoms are worse than usual.

However, menopause itself does not cause IBS to develop. Experts believe that IBS may be caused by a combination of factors, including stress, your gut microbiome, and family history.

Before menopause, the hormones estrogen and progesterone help regulate digestive system function.

However, menopause causes significant changes to your hormones. The drop in estrogen and progesterone production that comes with menopause means that food travels more slowly throughout the GI tract. This increases the likelihood of symptoms like constipation, bloating, and more.

A decrease in estrogen and progesterone can also affect your body’s production of stomach acid and bile. These are used to break down food. This drop can also affect your GI tract, potentially causing constipation, bloating, acid reflux, or diarrhea.

In general, IBS causes symptoms such as abdominal pain and changes in your bowel movements. Depending on the type of IBS that you have, you may have diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two.

You may also experience symptoms like bloating, cramping, increased gas or flatulence, changes to the appearance of your bowel movements, and the sensation of not having completely passed a bowel movement.

During menopause, you may experience many of the same symptoms. It’s very possible that the symptoms will worsen during this change in your body and fluctuating hormones.

The type of IBS you have may determine the most effective type of medication for you to try.

Some medications, such as laxatives and stool softeners, can help with constipation, while other types of medications are intended to address diarrhea. Antispasmodic medication may be able to help with any IBS-related abdominal pain, as can some kinds of antidepressant medications.

Regardless of whether you’re taking any medication to help manage your IBS, some lifestyle changes can help you manage your IBS during menopause and beyond. Some possible strategies include:

  • Increase your fiber intake: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber every day. If you have constipation, boosting your fiber consumption can improve your symptoms by making stool softer and easier to pass. You can eat more foods containing soluble fiber or use a supplement containing psyllium.
  • Exercise: Exercise is frequently recommended as a strategy for managing the symptoms of menopause. It also helps decrease bone loss and increases muscle strength. According to research, physical activity can also help IBS symptoms.
  • Try a low-FODMAP diet: In addition to eating more fiber, you may want to eliminate or reduce certain types of foods that can trigger IBS symptoms. According to research, eating a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which are specific types of carbohydrates, may improve symptoms that affect your GI tract. It’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or dietitian before trying a low-FODMAP diet.
  • Add in probiotics: Foods and supplements containing live microorganisms that can help restore or improve the gut microbiota may also help relieve some of your symptoms. Try adding fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir.
  • Reduce your stress levels: Anxiety and stress often trigger IBS flare-ups. You may experience some relief by embracing a routine like yoga, meditation, or other habits that can reduce your stress levels.

Navigating menopause can be very challenging. If you’re also coping with IBS symptoms at the same time, it can feel like a lot to handle. Let your doctor know if you’re struggling, especially if your IBS symptoms become worse.

If you develop any new symptoms, especially symptoms that could be a sign of another serious condition, contact your doctor. For example, symptoms like rectal bleeding are a sign to seek medical care.

Menopause causes changes in your hormones which can make IBS symptoms worse. While taking medication like stool softeners or anti-diarrheals can help, making changes to your diet and lifestyle are also useful strategies.

If you’re having difficulty with the effects of IBS and menopause, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.