52 Year Old. Missing Period And Having Foul-smelling Flatulence. Do I Have Hemorrhoids Problem?

Posted on Sun, 10 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 Answered on

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 52 year old woman with generally excellent health. I have not had a period in almost 2 years and consider myself to have entered menopause. Recently I have had foul-smelling flatulence for no apparent reason. I think I have hemrroids and I have done weight lifting and cardio for fitness on the last four years. My diet consists of wheat cereal, oat XXXXXXX orange juice, XXXXXXX cookies, spinach, tuna fish, cousous, greek yogurt without sugar, chicken,, fish, vegetables and salad. I do like dark chocolate and have it occassionally. I drink one cup of coffee per day, lots of water, and low-cal gatorade. I have not had a colonoscopy yet. Should I try charcoal tablets, etc?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (16 minutes later)

Hi there.
I note with interest your detailed hisotry & clinical symptoms. All foul smeeling flatulence does not warranty a colonoscopy. Relax. It seems like a temporary issue. Hemorrhoids per se too do not present with foul smelling flatulence. It may most likely be due to some sort of minor Gastrointestinal disturbance. The dark chocolate & coffee et al may have contributed but if you do enjoy them, i for one encourage it -in moderation of course ;-) Yes to your query...charcoal tablets are a very good option to begin with. It will most definitely help. Alternatively, you may go across to your chemist or GP & take a single dose of tinnidazole or secnidazole that may require a prescription in your parts. This should set you right. Notice you drink lots of water & please do continue to do so.
Wishing you continued good health & Godspeed!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar