One of the odds that many menopausal women have to cope with is constipation during menopause. Constipation causes a number of unpleasant and embarrassing symptoms. Defecating hard stool is definitely the most painful part of constipation. This particular digestive problem is often a result of a combination of several causative factors like raging hormones, medications, unhealthy diet and stress. Menopausal women will benefit from avoiding the things that could worsen the condition to manage the constipation effectively.
Symptoms that Constipated Women Experience
Menopause comes in different stages and constipation may occur in any of these stages while the symptoms are typically just the same. Menopausal women will experience the following nuisance:
- Defecating dry stools
- Reduced frequency of bowel movements (less than 3 times in a week)
- Defecation process seems partial
- Bloated stomach
- Straining when passing stool
- Traces of blood in the stool
Menopausal and middle-aged women should not be surprised by recurring episodes of constipation because this digestive problem normally occurs as a result of an aging digestive system. This has been proven by several studies which show high incidence of constipation in the older population. The condition could also be triggered by some maintenance medications for particular medical conditions like hypertension, calcium and iron deficiency, depression and heart disease. Tranquilizers and pain killers can also trigger constipation. Some women of the menopausal age also indulge in stress eating which results in making unhealthy food choices.
Effective ways to Manage Constipation during Menopause
Constipation is really a nuisance during menopause and so menopausal women are searching for effective ways to manage this digestive problem. Though there are medications that can help women manage constipation, many are going in favor of the holistic approach. This is proven safe and effective, unless constipation is caused by an underlying medical problem. Among the remedies that menopausal women can try, include:
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Becoming physically active
Menopausal women could engage in yoga exercises or brisk walking to stimulate digestion.
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Keep hydrated
Hydration has been proven effective in softening stools and preventing constipation.
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Healthy and balance diet
Diet must be high in fiber which is composed of fruits and vegetables.
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Natural supplements
Natural supplements may come in the form of fresh juices, figs and psyllium seeds which contain high amounts of fiber.