Stomach bloating typically describes what happens when too much gas fills up the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. With no exit for expulsion, the tummy tends to stretch and swell. This may result in painful cramps that last for hours, diminishing a person’s overall quality of life. For woman, it could be an indicator of the menopause.
Hormonal changes during the menopause transition have been shown to affect a woman’s gastrointestinal (GI) functions with results such as bloating.
A new study suggests that a woman’s race/ethnicity and menopause status may partially determine the severity of these symptoms.
In the study, which was published in Menopause, how a bloated belly and its relation to the menopause was further investigated.
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“This study highlights significant associations between GI symptoms and menopause status, with postmenopausal women generally reporting a greater number of symptoms and more severe symptoms,” said Dr Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director.
She continued: “It also shows important racial/ethnic differences in GI symptom reporting, similar to what has been shown with menopause symptoms.
“Additional study is needed to confirm these findings and to determine optimal management strategies for midlife women with new, bothersome GI symptoms.”