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[Bren51]

Hi
I'm new to this only joined last night. Does any one else have ibs and going through the menapause . My ibs has become worst it's actually driving me mad . Can the menapause make ibs worst ? I'm not coping well with all this joint pain swollen tummy calf pain I could go on . I've just started taking menapace supplement today so I'm hoping that helps .im not in full menapause yet or so my doctor says cos I'm still having 2 small periods a year it's only this past couple of weeks that my symptoms have become unbearable . I'm at my wits end with this aching all over my body feels like I'm about 90 I'm 51 my doctor not really helpful just goes on about diet etc no real help I feel like I have no one to talk too .

[Cazikins]

Hi Bren 51 & welcome.
I'm off to bed soon but wanted to say hello. I have IBS (diarrhoea) & I'm on HRT.
My IBS only really started when I started going through the menopause (I am 58). I put it down to worry & anxiety which seems to go hand in hand with the meno.

The only thing that helped with the hot flushes & tearful outbursts & the aches & pains was HRT, but it's not everyone's first choice.

Have a good read of the forum as you will learn more from this than most doctors surgeries - as we are the ones going through it, & if you need any help just ask us.

You NOW HAVE SOMEONE to talk to....you are not alone.

Cazi.

[Mardy]

I had undiagnosed IBS for years. I developed Ulcerative Colitis when I became menopausal & eventually got that diagnosed.

Do you have a diagnoses?

Diet does play a very important part & it is important to know what causes symptoms, sometimes everything can seem to. Stress doesn't help & it is important to try & get some relaxation into your day especially if you are not sleeping too well.

[Bren51]

Hi
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my moans. Yes I got diagnosed with ibs in 2010 . It's never really been a problem could always cope with it just little flare ups now n again . But now it's got really bad but I don't know whether it's my ibs or menapause but doctor told me menapause will make ibs worst he says not to go down hrt route because breast cancer in my family he told me to try menapace  which I started last night gonna see how I get on .

[CLKD]

Whilst menstruating regularly, 10 mins. B4 a bleed began, even if a period wasn't due - I would have to rush to the loo with 'the runs' - so hormones certainly upset my gut. 

I was diagnosed with IBS in the late 1990s, my GP gave me Motillium and Colpermin capsules, to be swallowed within an hour of my main meals.  Within 3 days I was feeling much better.  After several years I began drinking Actimel which kept my bowels 'regular'.  It really is Trial and Error!

Your GP is not giving you good advice  .  What types of cancer have your family members suffered from; did they die because of cancer or treatment?  Quality of Life is important, if he/she is worried about your developing breast disease then has he/she suggested double mastectomy?  Not many GPs think to discuss this side of protective treatment.  Also the Research that many GPs still quote has been discounted!

I had breast disease in the 1990s, was told not to consider HRT in a vague kind of way but if I required relief from symptoms I would insist.  After all, that bus might be along far earlier than cancer would develop  .

Browse round.  Make notes.

[Bren51]

Thank you so much for the quick reply I feel bit better. My maternal Aunty had breast cancer and survived my mum had cervical cancer and survived there's ovarian cancer on my mothers side so this is why I'm reluctant to try hrt I really don't know what to do I'm new to all this and I really am at a loss as to what route to go down . Because of all this I'm getting terrible feelings of dread thinking all my menapausal symptoms are all cancer I'm googling things which I've now stopped because it always brings you to cancer is it normal to feel this negative all the time x

[Taz2]

Hi Bren - as you have ovarian cancer within your family I believe that you should make sure your GP is aware of this and that he/she knows about your swollen tummy. Is it swollen all of the time and has your doc given you blood tests or referred you for a scan? A swollen tummy that comes and goes can be part of IBS but if it is always swollen so that you look as if you are pregnant then this needs to be taken seriously. So many of the symptoms are vague and women are often dismissed instead of being properly investigated. I don't want to sound as if I'm scaremongering but it is important that you are listened to.

Taz x

[Bren51]

Hi
Thank you for your reply my stomach is only slightly swollen I don't look like I'm pregnant but it is swollen it also goes rock hard when I eat then relaxes again . My doctor just put me on mebrevine antispasmodic tablets and they ease it a bit . To be honest my ibs hasn't really bothered me until about 6 weeks ago doctor has said menapause can make it so much worst . My symptoms are worst since my periods have diminished to every 6 months . I'm hoping it's not ovarian cancer I can't sleep worrying about it I don't have any bleeding or any of the other symptoms of ovarian cancer but my heads wrecked all the time I have so many aches n pains in my joints back legs etc doctor has said menapause causes all that . I feel like up until about a month ago I was fine and all of a sudden it's hit me with all these symptoms . Can menapause symptoms come on you that quick ? X

[Taz2]

Menopause symptoms can come on quite quickly. What other symptoms do you have of menopause apart from the aches and pains? I'm wondering whether you have had your Vitamin D level checked lately? This can cause the types of aches and pains you describe and it's becoming more and more common for people to be deficient in it.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Your GP should talk to you about all the possibilities as you have those cancers in the family, however: there are blood tests and various screenings that he could refer you for.  Make a list of your main worries to discuss.  If necessary jot down his replies.

Jot down how any symptoms make you feel.  IBS can certainly be stimulated by worry, hormones, travel, foods  …….

[Bren51]

Thank you all for your really helpful replays . In answer to what other symptoms of menapause I have well how long have you all got 😢. Obviously the really bad joint pain which I've mentioned especially in calf area of one leg back ache etc . Mood swings , confusion sometimes and feeling pretty scatty , my ibs got so much worst . Don't suffer with night sweats but have occasional hot flush but too few to bother me. I just feel like my body is falling apart every day my body aches all over especially in morning but as day goes on it improves . My sex drive is zero my boons are sore I could go on n on is this gonna get worst or does it get better I feel dreadful most days x

[Bren51]

In my last post I meant to say boobs not boons 😊

[Bren51]

Hi sparkle
Thank you for your reply. It certainly has helped me so much joining this forum I feel like I'm no so alone. I just didn't realise just how many symptoms of the menapause there is. It's the not being in control of my body any more that gets me I wake up with more symptoms then they go then something else comes along its really depressing I feel like all the fun has gone out of my life I'm not the same person mentally that I was 3 months ago . I'm only 51 and to be honest couldn't care if I never have sex again and that's putting my marriage under pressure I'm sorry if I seem like I'm moaning but it's the only
Place I can actually be myself and say my true feelings my hubby is great but he does not have a clue how to cope with it all I do feel for him I do hope this gets better xx