Menopause, a natural part of a woman’s life, occurs between the ages of 45 to 55. During this phase of a woman’s life the female reproductive system shuts down, the ovaries stop producing eggs and the body produces less estrogen and progesterone. It is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. However, many women experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms.

Menopause bloating is a common symptom that many women experience. In menopause bloating, air fills the abdomen creating a feeling of fullness and discomfort along with pain. Excessive intestinal gas and fluid retention is caused by fluctuating hormones, particularly estrogen, which is often associated with weight gain.

Estrogen affects water retention and during menopause when estrogen levels are erratic, water retention increases leading to bloating. Estrogen also influences the production of bile, a substance which keeps the intestines lubricated.   As estrogen levels decrease during menopause so does bile.  Without bile, the stools become hard and dry accumulating in the small intestine causing constipation and bloating.

Eating certain foods can also cause bloating.  This includes foods such as cauliflower and broccoli which are gas producing and can add more gas to an already bloated intestine. A diet high in protein may add to a bloated feeling because your body may not be able to digest it. Foods loaded with sugar can contribute to extra bacteria. High salt intake causes intestinal fluid retention and bloating. Calcium supplements can cause bloating in some people.

Swallowing air could be causing bloating. Some individuals swallow more air when stressed or anxious. Chewing on gum and smoking can make you inhale more air. Talking while eating is another common reason for swallowing air.

Although menopause bloating is a common occurrence and is not a serious ailment, if the bloating is persistent you should see a physician. Seek medical advice immediately if bloating occurs with a change of bowel habits, persistent diarrhea and constipation, blood in stool, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be a sign of some serious underlying medical condition.  Some medical conditions that can cause bloating include; bowel obstruction, colon and rectal cancer, diabetes, diverticulitis and liver cirrhosis.  In women it could also be due to ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.

In treating Menopause bloating its best to start with lifestyle changes. If menopausal bloating is caused by excessive intestinal gas, start by making dietary changes. Avoid dairy products, sodium and gas- producing foods such as broccoli and beans.  Chew your food slowly and eat several small meals throughout the day. This will prevent swallowing air and improve digestion. If poor digestion is a major problem add enzyme-rich foods such as pineapple and papaya to your diet. A comprehensive digestive enzyme product is appropriate.

Add dietary foods that decrease gas and fight bloating.   These include bananas, grapes, rice, peanut butter, herbal teas and yogurt.  Add foods that promote more consistent estrogen levels such as soy, apples, alfalfa, cherries, rice and yams.

If menopausal bloating is caused by constipation then increasing fibre in the diet should relieve the bloating. An herbal fibre supplement containing several sources of dietary fibre works great. Make sure you are drinking lots of water, at least 8 cups per day.

Stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help. Core exercises such as Pilates that improve the muscle tone of your abdomen also helps.

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A year ago I went through an emotionally devastating experience where I started to lose my hair. To some this might sound vain and trite but any women who has gone through significant hair loss will understand this type of grieving. I’ve always had dark, thick, curly hair, lots of body-too much body;  hairdressers always raved about my hair.

Secretly, I wanted the hair I didn’t have; silky, straight blond hair. However, when I looked around and saw my hair on the floor, instead of being attached to my head, I surely appreciated what I was losing.  At the time, wherever I went, I left a trail of hair behind me. When I washed my hair handfuls of hair would fall out. When I brushed my hair, after a few strokes, the brush would literally disappear in all the hair on it. I felt so vulnerable that I cried constantly. When I put my hair up in a ponytail and its thickness was a fraction of what it used to be I finally decided I had to do something drastic.

My first step was to visit my doctor. There are many medical conditions that cause hair loss such as cushings, hypothyroidism, diabetes, polycystic ovaries, etc. I underwent a number of tests and they all came back negative. Although I was pleased to know I was in perfect health, it did nothing to settle my anxiety about the hair loss.  Now I was convinced I had inherited the curse of baldness which runs rampant in my father’s family.  This catapulted me into a deeper depression.

My next step was to scan the internet looking for solutions. The internet was filled with all sorts of miracle cures for hair loss and baldness. I was alarmed at how compelled I felt to try something, anything, that would stop this hair loss. Particularly appealing were all those hair transplant clinics offering a permanent head of hair. But none of these advertisements offered an explanation.  Why was my hair falling out so rapidly?  I did find a sensible solution. Through the internet I found a medical clinic with a dermatologist who specializes in hair conditions.

I called the clinic and was told I had to have a referral from my physician with test results to rule out other medical conditions. Once I called my physician and the results of the tests were sent over we set up an appointment. I saw the specialist and he did a thorough check of my head and my medical history. After talking to me for half an hour he knew the cause of my shedding. I don’t remember his name but he will forever be “GOLDDOC”.  Previously that year I had suffered from pneumonia which was very stressful to my body.  Mother Nature being what she is, decided my body needed all the nourishment possible and nourishing my hair was not necessary. “GOLDDOC” in his infinite wisdom told me that the loss of my beautiful locks of hair would be temporary.

True to his word my hair stopped falling out after another five or six weeks. Then I went through the opposite experience. No hair fallout at all, not even the normal fallout of 100-200 hairs per day. This lasted for six months or so. Now I have all my hair back and I sure appreciate it.

If you, or any woman you know, are experiencing hair loss, please do what I did. See your physician; get the needed tests done to rule out underlying medical conditions. If these turn out to be negative, find a dermatologist who deals with hair loss. He/she will give you information and options that allow you to make a more sensible choice. 

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