What Causes Severe Abdominal Bloating During Menopause?

Posted on Sat, 17 Sep 2016

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

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 Answered on

Fri, 7 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been bloated and feeling full, look like Iam retained water off and on and feverish at times, weight gain out of the blue, can not lose weight, diaharrea at times- digestive system has been wacky now for almost 3 years.....My blood pressure will be high at times. My physician started me on blood pressure medicine 5mg. I have been on that for almost 1 year. My sugar levels a little out range 103 to 110. The pressure is down and sugar level spikes here there. When, I eat food, I get bloated immediately. Some mornings I cramp and my bowels move at times. My bowels use too move faithfully every morning deposing healthy poop-long 6 to 12 inches light brown. The doctors can not find what is causing these symptons.. My menstrual has been on the wack too. The only thing that showed up in my blood work was the sugar levels being slightly off. The white blood cells was not conveying anything to be alarm. My thyroids was check and I was taking synthroid. I have been eating healthy taking my MEDS still can not lose wait. Still have the above symptoms. I took a full body Cat Scan nothing conveyed any danger. I am thinking early menopause. Now I have abcess on my gum. Do you think this was my problem all the long. Do you think possible this could have thrown my hormones out of whack. I do not have pain my tooth at all. This just showed up as of today? I've been feeling miserable for a long time. HELP Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

1. Having bloating and feeling full like having water retention are related to hormonal changes during menopause. At your age (47 years old) with a personal history of irregular periods, hormonal imbalance can also cause bloating and feeling water retention.
That is temporary until menopause is over and hormones levels will be stabilized.

2. You are taking Synthroid for thyroid problems (hypothyroidism). Thyroid problems will cause oscillations in blood sugar levels too as in your case, causing fluctuations at the upper range.

Hormonal changes at your age can also affect blood sugar levels negatively too.

3. The gum abscess should be immediately treated with antibiotics. I think it won't as long as to 10/8/2016. So, I'd advise to schedule and immediate appointment with dentist to check it out as soon as possible.

Feeling feverish is due to the presence of gum infection (abscess) and should be treated with antibiotics orally and local drainage of the pus.

4. For the bloating, what you eat matters. Limit sugar and salt intake. Eat more calcium/iron rich foods together with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating too fast or using straw while having your drinks.

Take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora that will subsequently reduce bloating.

5. Certain natural supplements for menopause containing evening primrose oil, ginseng and st. John's wort, and passiflora to improve mood and sleep.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Let me know if you have further questions!
Dr.Albana

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