For the past few months it seems like I just "blow up" for no reason.  I can't link to any kind of food or drink - it doesn't seem to matter what I eat (or not eat).  At first I realized it was some Fiber One bars that did it, but now it doesn't seem to matter what it is.

Now - I was reading that there are 4 stages of Menopause... and in stage 2 is bloating.  I know that's the stage I'm in, and my menopause is starting to move along some... so I'm wondering if it is contributed to that?  I'm not gassy - just bloated.... mornings are usually my best time... 

Any ideas what I can do to get rid of it?  I'm already taking 2billion of probiotics a day.  

It's making my clothes fit different and I look FATTER than I should!! I kid you not - my whole front stomach area can pooch right out... sometimes I feel like I look pregnant!

Help!

I don't remember bloating with menopause but since I had a hysterictomy, mine could have been different.  Have you tried gasx?  Or if it isn't gas, is it fluid?  there are homopathic water pills that I took when my knee was swelling and they helped that.

 Thanks Price!  I may try that... just some days it gets SO uncomfortable!

Jody, hope you can find out what is causing it and get some relief.

I don't remember bloating with menopause either.  I had the heat waves/flashes so bad I didn't worry about anything else!!!  I know they did blood work to find out if I was in menopause but I don't know if they can tell by that what stage you are in-might be worth checking with your OB/GYN about.

I only have that problem now if I eat a lot of carbs.

Linda

 I started having some hot flashes about 9 months ago, but they lasted for a few weeks and went away.  Not sure if they were true hot flashes. Lucky so far (knock on wood) that I'm not suffering from those - yet...

What's strange is I can eat just chicken and bloat.  Maybe it is gas... perhaps I'll try the gas-x when it happens again... but it gets quite uncomfortable when my stomach distends like it does.  Looks real strange too...  Yes carbs will cause it too sometimes, but not always... I can't pinpoint a particular food...  

I need to find a new GYN.  I loved mine in Northern MI... 

I easily get bloated from lots of things (carbs, dried fruit, artificial sweetener) and milk powder so if you're on protein shakes that could be an issue.  If artificial sweetener is a culprit then stevia is a good choice as it won't bloat you (even if doesn't taste quite as good as the artifical stuff).

I hope you figure it out.

I have the bloating problem as well but my bloating was very uncomfortable and caused me to eat less at first. I was diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth. I'm better now but it still looks like I'm pregnate and after I eat or drink sometimes, I still bloat. I take gas x, which is what the surgeon said to take. Watch for other symptoms as well.

 So gas-x was the only thing you were treated with?  No other type of treatment?

 He said Gas X, a strong probiotic & yogurt. When I have a SIBO flair up I take a antibiotic for 10 days.

 Thanks!  Just read up on it a bit... very interesting...

Flagyl/Fishzole would be the antibiotic.

 Jody, try eliminating things one at a time.  That's the only way to figure out what's causing it.  I try givin up sugar first, including high sugar fruits.  Still bloating?  Add wheat to the sugar.  

Flour products do it to me. I recently gave up suar and grains and it's amazing how food cravings left me along with bloat etc.

Good luck!