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Corinne Menn, D.O.

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Struggling with digestive issues during menopause? Learn what helps to relieve bloating, reflux, and more.

What Helps With Digestive Issues During Menopause?

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Anna Johnson

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Probiotics and Prebiotics: Any Role in Menopause-Related Diseases?

Menopause and the vaginal microbiome.

The role of probiotics in vaginal health.

Microbiota in vaginal health and pathogenesis of recurrent vulvovaginal infections: a critical review.

Microbiotica in women.

The volume and characteristics of research on gastrointestinal symptoms in 'natural' peri- and postmenopause: A scoping review.

Medical (clinical)

Deepti Gandhi

Deepti Gandhi Headshot

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Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can influence the gut and vaginal microbiome, sometimes contributing to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, vaginal discomfort, or recurrent urinary issues. Probiotics are often marketed as a solution, but evidence for their effectiveness varies depending on the symptom and the strains used. Research suggests that certain Lactobacillus species may support vaginal microbial balance, while probiotic effects on digestive symptoms and broader menopause-related health outcomes remain inconsistent. 

Best Probiotics for Women in Perimenopause or Menopause - Alloy

What the science says about probiotics for digestive and vaginal symptoms during perimenopause and menopause

Best Probiotics for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

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Indy Lane

Dr. Indy Lane

"Digestive Health Issues More Common During Perimenopause and Menopause," The Menopause Society,

Cleveland Clinic, "Bloated Stomach: Causes, Tips to Reduce & When to Be Concerned," last reviewed September 10, 2021

AdventHealth Medical Group. "Menopause Bloating: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Littleton Gynecologist." AdventHealth

"Menopause Bloating: Causes, Relief, and Prevention," Healthline

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Increased belly fat in women during perimenopause and menopause is caused by hormonal shifts—especially declining estrogen—that slow digestion, increase water retention, and change how fat is stored in the body.

What is Menopause Belly? Why do I feel bloated? Causes & Relief

When Hormones Change, Bodies Change: Managing Menopausal Belly Fat																			

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Monica Molenaar

The Menopause Society

Nausea - Cleveland Clinic

Hormonal Changes and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Menopause National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – PubMed Central

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)

Darwana Ratleff Todd

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Nausea - Cause and Relief 800

Yes, while nausea isn’t one of the core symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, these life changes can trigger nausea due to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels.

Can Perimenopause Cause Nausea?  How To Get Relief | Alloy

Menopause and Nausea: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Doctor

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National Library of Medicine (Sex Hormones and Gut Motility): 

Cleveland Clinic (Menopause and Digestion): 

Harvard Health (Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis): 

Journal of Menopausal Medicine (Gut Microbiota and Estrogen): 

Woman hugging pillow in discomfort, suffering from cramps caused by diarrhea.

Yes, diarrhea during perimenopause is primarily caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, which interact with hormone receptors throughout the gastrointestinal tract. These shifts affect gut motility, water absorption, and the microbiome.

Is Diarrhea Normal During Perimenopause?  What Causes It?

Perimenopause Diarrhea: Causes, Triggers, and Hormone-Related Gut Health Solutions

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