Takeaways
- Digestive symptoms are highly prevalent: Nearly 94% of perimenopausal and menopausal women surveyed reported gastrointestinal symptoms, most commonly bloating, constipation, stomach pain, and acid reflux.
- Limited diagnosis and care: Only one-third of participants had a formal diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, and over half found professional support inadequate despite frequent or severe symptoms.
- Clinical awareness needed: Hormonal transitions during menopause may contribute to gastrointestinal changes, underscoring the need for greater clinician awareness, patient education, and integrated management approaches.
Digestive health issues are highly prevalent among perimenopausal and menopausal women, with many reporting the onset or worsening of symptoms during this life stage. Despite the symptom burden, formal diagnoses and effective treatment remain limited, according to new findings to be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Orlando, Florida.1,2
Hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. These are often dismissed as part of normal aging or attributed to unrelated health conditions. Common digestive complaints include bloating, gas, stomach pain, constipation, and acid reflux—symptoms that can overlap with other disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Study design and population
The study, conducted by Nigel Denby, BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics, of Harley St at Home: Menopause in the United Kingdom, used a cross-sectional online survey disseminated through a menopause support platform. A total of 564 women aged 44 to 73 years who self-identified as perimenopausal or menopausal participated.
The survey collected data on digestive symptoms, IBS diagnoses, symptom progression, management approaches, and the impact of symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used to evaluate relationships between menopause stage and symptom patterns.
High prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms
Of the nearly 600 women surveyed, 94% reported experiencing digestive health symptoms. The most common were bloating (77%), constipation (54%), stomach pain (50%), and acid reflux (49%). Despite this high prevalence, only one-third (33%) of respondents had received a formal IBS diagnosis.
A large proportion (82%) said their digestive symptoms began or worsened during perimenopause or menopause. Statistically significant associations were observed between menopausal status and specific GI symptoms, especially bloating and stomach pain.
Management strategies and perceived care gaps
Although 53% of participants sought professional support for their digestive issues, more than half (58%) found the care inadequate. Most women (89%) turned to self-management strategies such as dietary changes, stress management, and supplements to alleviate symptoms.
Symptom frequency and severity were notable, with more than half of respondents reporting daily or weekly symptoms. Approximately 55% said their digestive problems had a significant or regular impact on quality of life.
Clinical implications and need for improved awareness
The findings highlight an overlooked area of midlife women’s health. While menopause is commonly associated with vasomotor, sleep, and mood disturbances, the study underscored the importance of evaluating GI health during the transition.
"Digestive health problems at midlife are often brushed aside, yet our research shows they are both widespread and impactful for women," said Denby. "By raising awareness of this hidden burden, we hope to encourage healthcare professionals to ask the right questions, validate women's experiences, and work towards better support and treatment options during menopause."
Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA, medical director for The Menopause Society, noted that the findings demonstrate a pattern of unmet need. "These results are noteworthy because they demonstrate how many women are experiencing frequent gastrointestinal symptoms and either not seeking care or receiving what they perceive to be inadequate care," she said. "Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes are more widely recognized as symptoms of menopause, so it can be easy to overlook or underestimate the significance of digestive issues that may be happening at the same time."
Conclusions
Digestive health concerns are both common and disruptive for women navigating menopause, yet remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. The study’s authors call for greater clinical awareness, targeted management strategies, and further research into the intersection of GI and hormonal health. Improving education for healthcare professionals and expanding research efforts may enhance recognition, diagnosis, and care for affected women.
References
- The Menopause Society. Digestive Health Issues More Common During Perimenopause and Menopause. Press release. October 21, 2025. Accessed October 21, 2025.
- Denby N. Menopause and the Gut: Uncovering a Hidden Health Burden. Abstract. Presented at: The Menopause Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting. October 21–25, 2025. Orlando, Florida.
