Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe ConnectionTreatmentOther CausesWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Connection
Treatment
Other Causes
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Menopauseis a transitional time for females that often beginsbetween ages 45 and 55. It is the time beginning 12 months after a last period and can last seven to 14 years. During this transition, people may experience a variety of symptoms associated with shifts in hormones. One of the more common symptoms of menopause is constipation.
Constipationis a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements per week, stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy, stools that are difficult or painful to pass, or a feeling that not all stool has passed.
This article will discuss the connection between menopause and constipation, what else causes constipation, and tips for managing it.
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What’s the Connection Between Menopause and Constipation?
No matter what triggers the menopausal transition, there is a change in levels of hormones in the body at this time. Sincehormonesact as chemical messengers in the body that help regulate many functions, the decline of estrogen and progesterone will cause changes, including constipation.
How to Treat Constipation
Making Dietary Changes
Increasing dietary fiber can help the body better form and eliminate stools. This includes soluble and insoluble fiber, which have different functions, as follows:
With increased dietary fiber, it’s important to increase fluid intake as well.
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are many over-the-counter (OTC, without a prescription) medications used to treat constipation. These are calledlaxativesand they are short-term solutions that have different ways of working to relieve constipation. Types of OTC laxatives include:
Ensure Medications Are Right for YouAs with all medications, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first before starting medications for constipation to ensure they are safe for you to use, how to properly use them, and when to discontinue use.
Ensure Medications Are Right for You
As with all medications, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first before starting medications for constipation to ensure they are safe for you to use, how to properly use them, and when to discontinue use.
Exercise
Daily exercise can help with constipation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 30 minutes per day of exercise to keep the body strong and healthy. Various types are recommended, including:
Home Remedies
In addition to increasing dietary fiber, fluids, regular exercise, and OTC medications, there are additional home remedies that are thought to help relieve constipation. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before trying these solutions:
Natural Constipation Remedies
Other Causes of Constipation
Other potential causes of constipation include diet, various medications, dehydration, and a lack of physical activity.
Diet
Diets with foods low in fiber and high in processed foods can cause or worsen constipation. These foods include:
To prevent constipation, eat a fiber-rich diet that includes:
How Much Fiber Do I Need?Most females do not get enough fiber. Here is your recommended daily fiber intake based on age:For ages 19–30: 28 grams of fiber per dayFor ages 31–50: 25 grams of fiber per dayFor ages 51 and older: 22 grams of fiber per day
How Much Fiber Do I Need?
Most females do not get enough fiber. Here is your recommended daily fiber intake based on age:For ages 19–30: 28 grams of fiber per dayFor ages 31–50: 25 grams of fiber per dayFor ages 51 and older: 22 grams of fiber per day
Most females do not get enough fiber. Here is your recommended daily fiber intake based on age:
Medication
As people age, they may take more medications. Many of these common medications may contribute to constipation, including:
Check the package for possible side effects and if they include constipation.
Dehydration
Research indicates that physical inactivity, such as sitting or lying down for prolonged periods of time, can cause constipation.Sitting can compress the abdominal cavity and slow digestion. Poor posture causes muscles in the core and pelvic floor to weaken, which can also contribute to more difficulty passing stool.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you’re experiencing constipation and diet and lifestyle modifications don’t provide relief, you may want to see your healthcare provider to rule out more serious problems. It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you notice:
Summary
Constipation is a very common symptom experienced during the menopausal transition. While hormones may be working to make bowel movements more sluggish and difficult, there are ways to treat constipation. Laxatives and other over-the-counter supplements can offer short-term relief, while dietary and lifestyle changes can help improve quality of life and contribute to easier, more regular bowel movements.
Constipation is a common symptom of perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. This is due to the shift in hormones that may slow down the digestive tract.Learn MoreSigns and Symptoms of Perimenopause
Constipation is a common symptom of perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. This is due to the shift in hormones that may slow down the digestive tract.
Learn MoreSigns and Symptoms of Perimenopause
Constipation doesn’t necessarily get worse as you get older, but it does become more common. This could be a result of poor diet, not getting enough exercise, dehydration, or using laxatives too often. Medical conditions and medications may also contribute to constipation.Learn MoreWhy Am I Constipated?
Constipation doesn’t necessarily get worse as you get older, but it does become more common. This could be a result of poor diet, not getting enough exercise, dehydration, or using laxatives too often. Medical conditions and medications may also contribute to constipation.
Learn MoreWhy Am I Constipated?
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Callan NGL, Mitchell ES, Heitkemper MM, Woods NF.Constipation and diarrhea during the menopause transition and early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study.Menopause. 2018;25(6):615-624. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001057Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12–19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754Jin J.Over-the-counter laxatives.JAMA.2014;312(11):1167. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.2078National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Healthy Eating and Women.Harvard Health Publishing.What to do when medication makes you constipated.Arnaud MJ.Mild dehydration: a risk factor of constipation?.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003;57 Suppl 2:S88-95. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601907Iovino P, Chiarioni G, Bilancio G, et al.New onset of constipation during long-term physical inactivity: a proof-of-concept study on the immobility-induced bowel changes.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(8):e72608. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072608
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Callan NGL, Mitchell ES, Heitkemper MM, Woods NF.Constipation and diarrhea during the menopause transition and early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study.Menopause. 2018;25(6):615-624. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001057Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12–19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754Jin J.Over-the-counter laxatives.JAMA.2014;312(11):1167. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.2078National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Healthy Eating and Women.Harvard Health Publishing.What to do when medication makes you constipated.Arnaud MJ.Mild dehydration: a risk factor of constipation?.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003;57 Suppl 2:S88-95. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601907Iovino P, Chiarioni G, Bilancio G, et al.New onset of constipation during long-term physical inactivity: a proof-of-concept study on the immobility-induced bowel changes.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(8):e72608. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072608
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Callan NGL, Mitchell ES, Heitkemper MM, Woods NF.Constipation and diarrhea during the menopause transition and early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study.Menopause. 2018;25(6):615-624. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001057Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12–19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754Jin J.Over-the-counter laxatives.JAMA.2014;312(11):1167. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.2078National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Healthy Eating and Women.Harvard Health Publishing.What to do when medication makes you constipated.Arnaud MJ.Mild dehydration: a risk factor of constipation?.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003;57 Suppl 2:S88-95. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601907Iovino P, Chiarioni G, Bilancio G, et al.New onset of constipation during long-term physical inactivity: a proof-of-concept study on the immobility-induced bowel changes.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(8):e72608. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072608
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Callan NGL, Mitchell ES, Heitkemper MM, Woods NF.Constipation and diarrhea during the menopause transition and early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study.Menopause. 2018;25(6):615-624. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001057
Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12–19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
Jin J.Over-the-counter laxatives.JAMA.2014;312(11):1167. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.2078
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Healthy Eating and Women.
Harvard Health Publishing.What to do when medication makes you constipated.
Arnaud MJ.Mild dehydration: a risk factor of constipation?.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003;57 Suppl 2:S88-95. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601907
Iovino P, Chiarioni G, Bilancio G, et al.New onset of constipation during long-term physical inactivity: a proof-of-concept study on the immobility-induced bowel changes.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(8):e72608. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072608
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