Help!!! Going through Menopause and am having severe constipation

[blnewsome]

I am a 52 year old woman going through menopause with my hormones all out of wack. I also have Hypothyroidism. I am having severe problems with constipation. All the stuff that I read about this says that laxitives, enemas, and taking fiber (stuff that you normally would use for this) doesn't work. I am wondering what else could be used or what else could be done to help me with this problem, or is it something that I will always have to deal with?  I am worried that something else may be wrong.

[maxie507]

I accidently found this site and I am so relieved to see I am not the only 57 (yesterday) having this problem.  I stopped taking all hormones and lost 20 lbs, still flashing and all the horrible things but the constipation is driving me nuts.  I have had this problem all my life but it has gotten ridiculously worse.  So I bought the Acai Berry 10-dAY Cleanse and it worked real good until I pooped in the car (4 pills 3 times a day and had only taken 4 2x that day). Of course I was just trying out my new girdle made of tree bark that I paid 165.00 for.  Me and my husband were laughing so much that it just continued to flow until we got home but because the problem was so annoying I was happy I could go.  I have seen the Oxy-Cleanse advertisement and I am going to try that after reading the above and I am also going to start back on Progesterone Creme because I now need that.  This is a good site and thanks for  everybody being so upfront and honest.

[Dahlia52]

Have you thought about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?  I recently have been having the same constipation problem, so I sympathize greatly.  I have Hashimoto's, so I had my thyroid checked recently and it's fine.  The only other thing it could be is menopause related constiaption.  Miralax is definitely safe to use regularly.  It took 4 days to work for me.  I found an herbal prep called Cleanse More.  I would not take it on a regular basis, but it can be used to help for quick relief until the Miralax kicks in.  It does not cause cramping!  I'd ask my doc for a script, as Miralax is rather expensive and the generic prescription is only about $6.00 for a huge bottle.  I'm 52 and about 4 months ago I noticed my pants getting tight and my stomach swelling. I had lower abdominal pain and looked about 4 months pregnant.  This literally seemed to happen overnight.  I've always leaned toward the constipated side, but never to this extent.   I immediately thought the worst, but CTs and ultrasounds showed severe constipation.  I've not been right since and am still struggling with the symptoms.  I'm on a mission to figure this out.  I have also experienced IBS symptoms during a very stressful period in my life and I'm wondering if this is an exacerbation.  Hang in there, you're not alone!

[amos1a]

I have recently diagnosed myself with acromegaly and ordered an MRI and they found a tumor on my pituitary. For 8 years my doctor was telling me I was getting old and I needed to eat right and exercise. I am 54. All of my symptoms he treated separately and not until I put them all together and researched online did I find what was causing the following: Hypertension, weight gain, sleep apnea, diabetes, constipation, high cholesteral, acne, skin thickening, a mass on my thyroid, enlarging of my hands and feet, lips and tongue swelling, jaw growing, bottom teeth spreading, excessive sweating and more. All of these symptoms were caused by excessive growth hormone. I was being told it was Metabolic Syndrome and to eat right and exercise. All they had to check was the box that said GH to know what my problem was. Don't let anyone tell  you it's menopause or aging if you know you don't feel right! Although they say acromegaly is rare the tumors are not according to autopsy results. So in my opinion its rare because it is not being diagnosed. What can it hurt to check your GH, growth hormone?

[carrie235]

Have to chime in....have problems like this of my own, but not lately.  What works for me is for lunch everyday, I have a smoothie with:
One cup of Coconut Milk (I don't do diary)
One Kiwi
About 3/4 cup blueberries
4-5 Strawberries
1/2 Banana
1/2 an Organic Apple
Some Mango or Pineapple, whatever else I have.
1 Scoop of Mila Seed by Lifetime (this stuff is wonderful and I swear by it...it's on-line)
2 Scoops of Protein Powder (don't have to do this part, I do because I need the calories)

Whir up in my Vitamix and it's delicious!  

I also take Calcium Citrate with Magnesium in liquid form with dinner.  I think the Mag helps.  And, two probiotic pills every night before bed.  Oh yeah, One HUGE Tablespoon of benefiber every night and sometimes one huge one in the morning too.

Geez....the things we must do to Poo!!!  ha ha

I have bad times though too, and if so, I take some Miralax.  It's a stool softener, not a laxative so it's pretty safe according to my GI doc.

[dolphins841]

I will be 53 november 2010 and my period was due last wednesday the 10th but it never has showed up and i had sex the wednesday before that and i am confused it was always on time but the last time it was alot but not like july it was like a faucet when you stood up but in September it wasn't like that but this month i have not seen nothing but my stomach been bloating just like before..
Having before that wednesday wouldn't make you pregnant would it i mean i have had them hot flashes many years but then they got better i ask about pregnant cause this guy told me he could open a woman up even with tubal that been cut and burned and now i am scared and don't know who to talk to and i found this site and thought maybe i would ask...Please i need a answer if anyone can help..Thank You

[katfen5]

Emerita progesterone cream and have your vitamin d levels checked.