It can be very painful and also embarrassing when you experience flatulence, indigestion and sudden bloating when in public.
Many women at menopausal age find themselves facing gastrointestinal problems.
During menopause, one experiences bloating as there is air filling the abdomen.
This also creates a feeling of fullness.
At this point though your stomach is the same size, there is a feeling of expanding girth and this is when you feel your pants don't fit you anymore.
The flatulence is usually caused by bacteria that are resident in the intestine.
The bacteria are formed from the sugar present in certain food.
Lactose is the enzyme that initiates breakdown of food and fluids.
Deficiency of this enzyme causes improper digestion resulting in gastrointestinal problems.
Another reason for gastrointestinal problems during menopause is the lack of estrogen.
Research has it that these problems arise in menopausal women due to the erratic diet patterns followed.
Inclusion of vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and onion along with inclusion of food that is rich in sugar cause increase in the growth of bacteria in the intestine.
The bacteria produce flatulence.
Bloating in menopausal women is caused by hormonal activity.
Progesterone has a calming effect when in moderation, however high doses can cause tenderness of the breast and bloating.
In some cases a hormone called as estradiol which is another form of estrogen, is administered to counteract bloating.
Abundance of protein intake can cause bloating in some as the proteins are difficult to digest.
Removing foods like cauliflower from your diet, along with soft cheese, milk and salt can help save you from the bloated state.
Drinking fruit juices instead of caffeinated beverages can help with the gastrointestinal problems.
Cleansing the colon is a good way to ease bloating.
Relaxation through massages helps with intestinal problems like bloating.
Exercising regularly increases your metabolism which in turn helps with intestinal discomfort during menopause.
Wearing clothes that are tight can cause a claustrophobic effect.
Try loosening your clothes and you will feel less bloated.
Though most women at menopausal age find some relief from the information provided above, some might still be unable to get rid of menopausal bloating and intestinal problems.
Such individuals would benefit by visiting a doctor and confirming that everything is fine.
If the bloating is accompanied with blood in stools, the doctor would recommend getting an ultrasound done to rule out any other complications.