Bowel

Menopause and perimenopause can significantly impact the digestive system, including the bowel. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in oestrogen and progesterone, can affect gut motility, leading to changes in bowel function. Oestrogen helps regulate gut function and maintain the balance of the digestive system, while progesterone affects smooth muscle tone, including the muscles of the bowel. As hormone levels fluctuate, many women experience issues such as constipation, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.