Has anyone else found their stomach can’t cope as it used to with food? I’m finding I suffer regularly with acid indigestion and I’m constantly reaching for my pink bottle to cool my throat (as it burns) and my stomach, and often feel nauseous.
- Nichola, UK
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Kaz66 years ago
I spent a few years like you; then saw a dietitian, followed FODmap for a few weeks and identified the foods that were the issue. I now exclude those from my diet and I am so much better; I can sleep a whole night without the wretched burn.
Anonymous6 years ago
Constantly and the pain from GERD, it’s so horrible
Yvie6 years ago
I have also had lots of digestive Issues but no nausea though. My tummy is really delicate
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes I do as well.
Jen6 years ago
Absolutely!!!! I have always had what I like to call an underprivileged digestive system but this is at a whole new level. I just came off of a six day juice cleanse which was unbelievably successful. I think doing 1 to 3 day regular resets will really help you. I did a variety of different juices and vegetable-based soup that we’re all homemade and I took liquid acidophilus culture three times a day and I feel amazing
Warty6 years ago
Hi I’d really like more info on this - can you help?
Jen6 years ago
The other thing that it seems to have done is help my liver process my hormones which is curved my hot flashes and my other symptoms
Anonymous6 years ago
I’m suffering from bloating after food & it’s really uncomfortable.
Anonymous6 years ago
I agree with the bloating after eating, l find that l am constantly lifting my bust it’s that uncomfortable!! The sagging boobs is another thing!! ? Also l thought feeling nauseous first thing in the morning was because l had taken my medication on an empty stomach, little did l know it was another symptom of the menopause?. Seems like the list of symptoms is endless, l can relate to quite a few of the replies. Thanks for sharing ladies ?
Pattyreplying to Anonymous4 years ago
I also feel bloated up high and also find myself moving my breasts up! I also recall a simile “heavy” feeling in my belly, a fullness, that brought back pregnancy memories and no way am I pregnant! It’s just a very uncomfortable feeling that almost leaves me breathless at times.
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes absolutely! Cannot eat white bread anymore either
Nichola6 years ago
Yes white bread, baked beans, beer, now my menthol vape (mint... which I read) all play a part in brick, gurgling, constipation to finally loose, forgive me, explosion! I’m not alone. I can’t discuss this, I have a phobia about discussing digestion. Thank you Caria for giving me the strength to ask, and the friends to comfort
Anonymous6 years ago
Snap I doing all the same ....... thought it was white bread but no it’s all foods ??
Anonymous6 years ago
Yep . Always get it now , especially when I go to bed.
Nichola6 years ago
My mum still raises the mattress at her head to help. We suffer from small top half and longer legs. I remember carrying my two boys (9lb 6oz and then 9lb 10oz) and I’m only 5 ft 5 in. I thought they’d come out my mouth they were so high. Probably all this... my short top half, big kids, have made my insides week. I may prop up my mattress too
Gwenith6 years ago
I’ve recently started suffering from the same thing. I’ve never experienced it before however a shot of organic apple cider vinegar does the trick for me. I also add a shot of it to my morning tea. ?
Lisa6 years ago
This is a good remedy. However, you have to be careful. Sustained over time it can hurt your stomach and destroy your tooth enamel because of the acidity. I know because I used to use this method for relief.
Anonymous6 years ago
Hello just this week I’ve started to have these symptoms of acid reflux.. I think I’ve every side effect going constipation, brain fog, anxiety, dry mouth, hair breakage, weight gain, sore boobs, crying over anything and very bad mood swings... I’m just wondering would the apple cider vinegar tablets be as the liquid for digestion
Tara6 years ago
I also am getting indigestion frequently and feel nauseous some mornings and throughout the day on and off, as well as bloating!
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes! I had a period of horrible stomach issues that included heartburn (which I never get), nausea, painful stomach aches, etc. I discovered that I was constipated. And yes, things that bothered me mildly before are more intense. My appetite increased and my "full" sensor broke. I have kind of figured it out now. I hope this gives you some insight.
Harmony26 years ago
O wow. Is that menopause, too? Yes to all of your statements re acid reflux. Also, after eating (or even drinking water) I cannot lay down or bend over to pick something up for about 30 minutes. I have to eat smaller meals, avoid greasy food (though I generally have done so), and avoid spices. Yes I need the pink stuff for the burning. Sigh. Though maybe mine is genetic. I just chatted with my mom on this topic before reading this because I remember my dad frequently chewed antacid tablets (he kept a stick of them in his pocket every day)! Yes, she said, he had this daily problem as well. Hmmm....
Nichola6 years ago
I get this from my mum. Short in the body so after any meal my top stomach swells and feel bloated. Too many organs and not enough space. Yes, I agree, I can’t bend over as this brings on nausea. This is super interesting. I’m so pleased I asked
Nicky6 years ago
Hi Nichola, I’m 51 and been on hrt patches for approx 2 years now. My digestive system has gone into meltdown since then. I sometimes feel as though I’m carrying a brick around in the top of my stomach after a big meal or spicy foods. Prosecco and beers too!! I have started taking pro biotics to try and calm it and know I need to make lifestyle changes quickly to help it. Acid reflux is horrendous and leaves me with a burning throat in the morning too. From what I’ve read... it’s a common symptom. I used to think my Mum was boring when she wouldn’t eat what we did... now I get it!!!
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes I suffer with this as well and also bloated all the time
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes!!! I was diagnosed with GERD before being peri menopausal and it’s just gotten worse. I find the best and fastest relief comes from chewable anti acid tablets called Gaviscon. Definitely a life saver. I’ve had to make some dietary changes, too. Not fun at all!!!
Nichola6 years ago
I’d be interested what you’ve cut out your diet... my pink bottle is gaviscon. Quicker for me in liquid. Just as well you can’t overdose on it. I’m surprised my children didn’t come out pink!
Anonymousreplying to Nichola6 years ago
LOL! I’ve had to cut out red meat, fried food like donuts, French fries (which I absolutely love) and acidic drinks like orange juice. It’s really moderation at this point. I don’t know how you do the liquid! I give you lots of credit.
Gina6 years ago
I have real problems with Gas !! I seem to be chewing Rennie all the time :(. A process of elimination means i can’t eat apples on their own or raw peppers any more ...not even cooking them helps...and don’t even get me started on grapes ! For the past 18mths I have completely phased out red meat (still eat chicken once a week) and really upped the plant based protein substitutes- and it is starting to help. I try and excercise - walk or a you tube Pilates Everyday - and that helps keep moving stuff through and relieve symptoms - Good Luck! X
Anonymous6 years ago
Yesssss! I believe am now lactose intolerant and my stomach grumbling after each meal no matter what I eat. ? so confusing /frustrating.
Anonymous6 years ago
Find I can’t cope with any kind of spices at all anymore!
Sara6 years ago
Meeeee, toooooo!!! I want to get off the pink stuff, but don’t know how.
Cynthia6 years ago
No acid, but I do feel the other type of digestive problem - diarrhea - which is something I rarely had before. And a grumbling stomach. I never had these issues before until my periods became irregular, when all my symptoms suddenly started overnight. My diet has remained the same (mostly vegan). It’s been annoying.
Anonymous6 years ago
Thanks, l have been experiencing diarrhea on and off. First time l thought it was food poisoning. Few days later same thing and l cook and everyone else is fine in the house.
PLreplying to Anonymous5 months ago
You are not alone!!! I have experienced diarrhea off and on…for days at a time. Last year I had it for almost 3 months straight off and on. Currently experiencing it again. I am going to try a probiotic and see if it helps. I have changed my diet a lot since last year, so Strongly feel it’s related to my hormones. I have been in peri-menopause for years and the symptoms are getting worse. I have read more and more that this isn’t uncommon, but it’s not addressed enough!
Susan6 years ago
Yes I have had the same thing get bloated really easy have bad ingestion my tummy makes funny noises too susan
LF6 years ago
Yes I’m on omeprazole from the doctor it’s been bad for the last year, not eating any differently than before.
Nichola6 years ago
My friend swears by these. May try my diet first then if all else fail, be brave and talk face to face with my doctor about bellys and poo. Lovely
Trez6 years ago
Hi Nichola, that must be very uncomfortable for you. I gave up eggs and all dairy in Feb and became a vegan in the hope that my heartburn, indigestion would disappear and for the most part it has. I found the cheese/butter combo just did not agree with me. Also since reading about the egg/diary industry I feel doubly glad to have given them up but that’s another story. I still have bloating, constipation and wind which I’m trying to manage. I find that mixing nuts with flour/grains or legumes with pasta/potato a big no no for me as I’m laid up for hours with aforementioned. ? ?
Sally6 years ago
Yes for the last 3 yrs - have had every scan possible as I suffer everyday with stomach pain. It’s the worst pain even worse than child birth!!! I can’t eat diary and meat! It’s been hell. Gastro consultant was completely baffled so put me in anti depressant as a form of pain control!!! I have been95% better with pain as long as I still don’t eat dairy and meat.
Tracey6 years ago
I was suffering the same issues. Had all tests and scans, was given omeperazole but nothing helped. I did intolerance testing with an online company, just sending a few of my hairs and they came back with a very long list of intolerances. I cut everything out and my stomach pain disappeared, and I lost weight. I have tried to re introduce the food stuffs I cut out but have only just been able to reintroduce eggs after 2 years. I have found a good probiotic has helped too
Nicholareplying to Tracey6 years ago
Who was the online company? And I’d be interested if anyone else has gone down this route. I’d be worried I wouldn’t have any acceptable foods on my list! lol
Nichola6 years ago
Sounds like Crohm’s disease? My sister and her daughter suffer with this so I’m lucky I guess. I just have IBS when I’m stressed. So try to keep this to a minimum. But it’s part of the job description of being a mum
D J6 years ago
Mines the same and feel so sick especially first thing!!! It’s a horrible feeling.
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes I’m struggling with increased burping, trapped gas and bloating. Never had this problem before. Yoga has helped with the bloating and gas however.
Rhian6 years ago
My stomach has been really unsettled for almost a year but in February I started taking Dida herbal supplements after seeing them in an advert in a magazine. I can honestly say that my stomach and digestion are so much better now. They aren’t cheap but definitely worth a try!
Mauri6 years ago
Yes, I’m having the same problems. I’m in perimenopause and symptoms get worst during the days that I’m supposed to have my periods. I’ve eliminated alcohol and drink much less cow milk. Things seems better. Have you tried changing your diet at all?
Nichola6 years ago
I have but lockdown stopped my progress. But it’s interesting the foods that most people are agreeing as the no-no foods. Eliminating alcohol... you’re brave. I may have to wait for my teenager to leave home first!
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes, I cannot handle whole milk any more. I have cut out all products made with cow milk. Almond milk has been my saving grace.
Nichola6 years ago
I just can’t get away with almond, soya, goat milk. But I may try lactose free
Anonymous6 years ago
Yep, I have to take anti acid medication every morning
Dolly6 years ago
I’m often nauseous, suffering indigestion as I did when I was heavily pregnant. I now prefer to eat smaller amounts more often as a ‘proper’ size meal makes me feel extremely bloated and nauseous. I’ve noticed I crave more salt too.
Nichola6 years ago
YES. This sounds so familiar...
Bevbea6 years ago
Yes!!! I think I am in the pre menopause stages. I have been tracking my symptoms lately and for the last few months have been experiencing heartburn like you described and also indigestion on and off. Sometimes with bloating. Some days are bad others not too much. Noticed is worse leading up to my period and just before I ovulate. Digestive issues is not talked about as much as the classic symptoms of peri and menopause. Though I wish you were not experiencing this symptoms I am kind of glad someone spoke up about this. It would be good to have some professional insight on this.
Sarah6 years ago
You described my issues exactly! I get horrible heartburn and nausea days before ovulation!
Anonymous6 years ago
Definitely sounds familiar.
Anonymous6 years ago
Yes I suffer with indigestion and IBS. I’ve found apple cider vinegar has really helped. I have 2 tsp in 200mls of juice twice a day. This may help.cx
Erica6 years ago
Yeah, unfortunately I’ve had that too.... food sensitivities seem to increase in peri menopause
Grace - Licensed Nutritionist & Caria Coach6 years ago
Hi Nichola, it sounds like the acid reflux and indigestion that you're noticing is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While GERD is often left off of the list of typical menopause symptoms, it actually is quite common, thanks to how shifts in the hormones estrogen and progesterone affect the GI tract. GERD is uncomfortable, painful, and as you mention, sometimes even nauseating. Certain foods can worsen GERD. Mint, peppermint, greasy foods, spicy foods, tomato products, and alcohol can all trigger symptoms. It can differ from person to person, but reducing or eliminating some of these foods may help ease your symptoms. Consulting with a nutritionist can help in figuring out the right approach for you. It also helps to opt for smaller, more frequent eating occasions rather than 3 big meals per day. Try to also include high fiber foods in your day, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts; some research shows that eating more fiber is linked to lower GERD risk. Aside from the pink bottle, there are a few other over-the-counter medication options that your doctor or pharmacist could recommend. Stomach troubles are so frustrating - I'm sending you strength!
Nichola6 years ago
Your mention of food, and others, have described my chilli recipe. Tomatoes, onion, garlic and spice. Ok. That’s off the menu from today. Also fajita. Curry. English breakfast. Gosh, isn’t womanhood hard work. No wonder my gran just had a cup of tea and plain biscuits all the time
Marie6 years ago
Although I have read that acid reflux can be a menopause symptom, please don’t just assume that it is. A friend works for a charity that raises awareness of oesophageal cancers, and they recommend talking to your GP if you have acid reflux or heartburn or something similar, constantly or regularly for 3 weeks. Just to check things out xx
Anonymous5 years ago
I find any grains and pulses set me off, I went on keto last year and not only did I lose 21lbs but I also came off omeprazole and had no reflux for 10 months, however fell of the diet at Xmas struggling to find the motivation to get back on it after some stress and symptoms and bad sleep is back, stuck in a viscous circle at the moment ?
Karen2 years ago
I noticed you said peppermint can be a trigger. I always thought peppermint was good for stomach upset. That it soothed your stomach? I’ve been chewing on real mint peppermints constantly to help ease bloating and stomach upset. Maybe that’s a bad thing? Any thoughts?
Janet6 years ago
I’ve suffered with reflux for the past 5 years as I have a hiatus hernia. However, things have intensified lately with such bad nausea particularly first thing in the morning. I’d put it down to the Covid-19 lockdown and all the uncertainty, but reading these comments I think it may have something to do with the peri menopause and these patches I’m now using? It’s awful. I end up eating more often to stem the nausea. Things like oats or ginger biscuits help. But that’s not good for my waistline!
Nichola6 years ago
During pregnancy I devoured ginger nuts (biscuits) I can’t face them now. But could try crystal gingers? As ginger is supposed to be good for digestion. Nice idea. I must try and eat more often instead of once a day. I don’t eat as I’m frightened of the bad effects, but I’m probably making it worse. Catch 22 situation
Karina6 years ago
Hi Nichola. Sorry to hear that but yes tonnes of digestive issues since early menopause. I used to able to eat anything and now it’s a nightmare. Have tried gluten free, paleo diets but nothing helped. Now I just limit wheat and just recently cut out garlic an onion and that’s helped the most. Constant nausea as well, if I don’t eat/snack every 2-3 hours I get sick and energy crash with brain fog, and some heartburn.
Cee6 years ago
I developed IBS just prior to menopause, whereas I could eat very little of what I used to eat without feeling nauseous, stomach cramps and then vomiting and diarrhoea. I restricted my food to such an extent where my main meal of the day was rice and soy sauce. At one point they found I had a gallstone so removed my gall bladder to see if it would help. It was also felt by certain doctors that I had munchausens. I was eventually seen by a very sympathetic consultant who prescribed Amitriptyline for the very disabling stomach cramps and advised Sillicogel to help with the nausea and diarrhoea which works wonders. I have only had 1 attack in 6 months compared to 4-5 times weekly. I am gradually getting back to the foods I love. The consultant told me that IBS can sometimes be connected to menopause and he felt that with me.
Nichola6 years ago
I’m so sorry to read about your unhelpful doctors Cee. Munchhausen. Unbelievable!! I hope your progress keeps going x
Lois6 years ago
I have noticed this too. Sometimes it is every day and caused by everything I eat. I have started having a Yakult thingy everyday. It seems to help
Nichola6 years ago
Yes, this probiotic seems to be mentioned several times
Shaz6 years ago
White bread really bloats me more so than it ever did
Dani6 years ago
Hello ladies, 4th year in now and im still mystified as to what to eat to help my stomach with digestion/bloating/constipation/weight gain/heartburn/etc etc etc the only time im comfortable is in my pjs! Ive gone from a size 10 to a 16! I have literally tried everything! Im now a veggie and planning some acupuncture as soon as they are open! ?♀️?? oh and can we talk breasts? Mine have gone up 30D to G+ ?
Nichola6 years ago
I’m a size 16 and was a ten, three years ago. I know weight doesn’t help me as I do suffer more when I carry more. The breast problem. Well, apart from the backache, I hope you wear beautiful dresses to show your assets darling x
Nichola6 years ago
I am absolutely blown away by this little topic which I hesitated in posting. Thank you for all your support. I hope we continue to look for the answer and help one another. Keep coming back to update us! Thank you. And I wish you all the best of health, love and virtual hugs on this our journey to old age. ;-)
Jess6 years ago
I developed same issue and went to see specialist. A endoscopy showed I had mild gastritis and since then I have small hiatal hernia. I don’t eat foods that trigger symptoms and I have taken probiotics and drink alkaline water. I don’t know what else is next but take one day at a time
Elizabeth6 years ago
Look at your diet, I too get this and found keeping a food diary helped. Most bread caused mine as I am intolerant if all bread but rye . I learnt what caused me a problem and stopped it anything with cream or fat in. I have to eat very little if and not much milk.
Anonymous6 years ago
This is really interesting. I have suffered heartburn for years as I take pretty strong medication for another lifelong condition and take the usual Omeprazole. Lately I tried a Keto type diet, and my GERD disappeared. The diet was quiet unsuitable for me and I stopped, and back came the heartburn. I am back on the medication, but because I work in a hospital environment I can only take a low dose of this. I thought it was just the backlash of years of medications and did not realise that this was yet another delight of the menopause.
Helen6 years ago
I have been suffering the same for the last two years. I’m finding sheep’s yogurt a godsend - i take it when i have symptoms but i know another friend who just has hers for breakfast. I also find cucumber calms my acid - very useful if you’re out and gin is your tipple. Have a hendricks and make sure to eat the cucumber. No acid for me anyway!
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi I have found taking 3 teaspoons of Aloe Vera Juice neat in the morning very good 30mins before breakfast has helped me, if you don’t fancy trying the juice then try drinking boiled water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning to get your digestive system working, but let the hot water cool down and drink after cleaning teeth not before. I have cut out bread and pasta and having grains like quinoa or wild rice or buckwheat. I try to make sure I don’t eat after 7pm, cut our caffeine.
“At A Loss”6 years ago
I’m 51 and having serious IBS issues. I’ll be uncomfortably constipated for 2 days and I’ll have to drink some salt water that’ll clean me out. It’s become a vicious cycle. What makes it worse is that I’m a truck driver, so I sit ALOT and it’s not always convenient to pull over when I HAVE TO GO. It’s gotten worse since I’m perimenopausal. What makes this even more frustrating is that I primarily eat an Organic, raw plant based diet. I probably eat eggs and (non hormone, non gmo, imported from Ireland) cheese about once a week... sometimes twice a week. I do exercise about 5x a week as well. I also try to remember to drink warm water with lemon, apple cider vinegar and sea salt to flush my system and alkalize my body first thing in the morning. I’m at a loss right now. All I can think of to do next is a colonic to completely clean out my colon. But I can’t do that until I’m home again in about 3 wks. I’m eating prebiotic foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, capers, raw chocolate and fiber foods like lentils, garbanzo beans, and fibros fruits and veggies. What’s a woman to do?????? Add weight gain, Deteriorating Muscles, and extremely dry skin in the mix and then what? You got me.
Sara6 years ago
I have been struggling with this for almost a year. I was sent to hospital before Christmas 2019 with suspected heart attack. My heart was perfect and they guessed I had pulled my chest muscles. The same happened in February with the same outcome. During March/April I started feeling I had a lump in my throat and it was sore. I was confirmed as peri menopausal with a blood test in May. It wasn’t until July 2020 that I went to the doctor with my painful throat (which had also become breathlessness too). The doctor said everything was fine but asked for a blood test for my thyroid (I have hypothyroidism). The doctor has decided to leave me another 10 weeks with no treatment changes then another blood test. I asked him if my throat was acid reflux and he said “oh yes, that would explain it”. He wouldn’t prescribe anything as I was getting omeprozole from the chemist and wouldn’t recommend any foods. I’m a full vegetarian and I have an intolerance to onion/garlic. I can’t eat anything acidic, processed, spicy, or with onion/garlic in. In desperation I’ve had to start eating fish (only fish fingers/ tin tuna) because I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve eaten toast for every meal for a month. I still have the harsh chest pains daily (which induce a panic attack) but the doctor won’t advise me. Any advice would be great. I just want relief from the chest pain.
Cilb6 years ago
Hi Sara, I am sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. I am 42 and since March this year starting to get very bad heartburn so bad that I thought back in March I was having a heart attack. On top of the heartburn I started getting gnawing stomach pain and my gp thought I might have a gastric ulcer and put on omeprazole for a month. And referred me to have an endoscopy done. On top of the indigestion and heartburn I also started experiencing lose bowels on off. I just had the endoscopy a couple of weeks ago and it turns out I have a hiatus hernia that is causing GERD, the acid reflux has caused inflammation in my oesophagus and caused a chronic gastritis. I am waiting for the consultant to get back at the moment. My advice is ask your doctor for a referral and to get further testing like an endoscopy. I know that my GERD is worse, after tracking my symptoms for the last few months, before ovulation day and days before period. I do believe I am peri menopausal. But doctors are dismissing me as too young for that! Wish you all the best.
Anonymous6 years ago
I haven’t encountered stomach acid issues yet but seemingly out of nowhere food passes right through me. I reduced thyroid dose and eliminated anything that could contribute, but diarrhea (sorry for TMI) no matter what I do. I don’t feel ill otherwise and can’t figure out what’s going on. I’m really hoping this isn’t my new normal for the next decade
Anonymous5 years ago
So glad I am not the only one going through the crazy ride of digestive issues during perimenopause! I have never had such bad Acid reflux in the past like I do now for almost 6 months. During these past months of taking PPI’S I have become so sensitive to their side effects. Such as joint pain, dry mouth, sore throat. I don’t know what else to take that will nourish my stomach instead of going through the bad side effects of these types of medications.
RadRebecca4 years ago
I’m much more intolerant to rich, dairy heavy foods now. I get bad diarrhoea after eating a meal like this. I’ve moved to a more plant based diet now. Probiotic supplements have helped also, as has 16 hour fasting. These have also helped my reflux enormously.
Becks3 years ago
My digestive system has gone wild in the last few years. I’ve had IBS for 24 years but since hitting 45 (now 49), I have daily gurgling, indigestion, acid, burping, diarrhoea and sometimes constipation. The symptoms even now wake me through the night. I’ve tried all the IBS meds and diets, had endless tests but nothing helps. I’m sure my hormones are upsetting everything. I asked my Gastroenterologist if Perimenopause can upset the digestive system, he said he had no idea and to ask a gynaecologist- helpful ??
Nikki3 years ago
I’ve realised red meat can really start the acid indigestion off…my doc told me menopause can decease your stomach acid?
Karen2 years ago
My stomach has become so sensitive to foods that never bothered me before. Acid reflux and bloating and gas are my main symptoms. It’s very frustrating.
Anonymous2 years ago
I can’t tolerate anything lately even my favorite coffee upsets my stomach.
elle2 years ago
I’m getting terrible constipation, I can go 5 or more days without a movement then when I start to go I’m back and forth to the toilet 8+ times in the day. Or nothing for days on end then a couple of glasses of wine in an evening starts things off but I go from a normal movement through to diarrhoea quite quickly. Also some days I have the the constant feeling that I need to go again and again after Ive just been! It’s so distressing and uncomfortable. When I try the whole eat more fiber advice it can make things worse. Has anybody else had this? I feel alone with it. TIA x