Straight Talk on. Women s GI Health. By Judith Reichman, MD, women s health specialist. A new nationwide health campaign for women over age 40

Transcription

1 Straight Talk on Women s GI Health By Judith Reichman, MD, women s health specialist A new nationwide health campaign for women over age 40

2 welcome! As a gynecologist for more than 25 years, I have seen (and experienced) how our bodies change as we get older. The onset of menopause causes our hormones to fluctuate, often resulting in hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and even a lack of sexual desire. And with each passing birthday, many of us worry about losing our memory, gaining weight, developing joint problems, and yes, those ubiquitous wrinkles. What you may not realize is that age is also linked to an increase in digestive health problems, especially constipation. A recent nationwide survey of women over 40 found that more than 25% of women did not associate chronic constipation with aging. But constipation may be, in fact, a condition that occurs as we mature and can disrupt our lives. Let s face it and talk about it: You re now constantly aware of your bowel habits when you last went, if you had to strain, when you might go again. You probably didn t focus on your digestive tract when you were younger. Like so many other body functions, you took it for granted. Alas, as we grow older, we just can t afford to ignore our inner workings. Yet we are far more likely to acknowledge and discuss our regular periods (or the fact that we re not getting them) and irregular heartbeats as problems that may come with age. We are constantly reminded to discuss all hormonal and heart issues with our healthcare practitioners. Digestive health is also important, and its impact on our quality of life should be acknowledged and talked about. are hormones to blame? Many of my patients complain about constipation and often blame it on misbehaving hormones PMS, perimenopause or that final transition menopause. The answer: Most likely, hormones are not to blame for chronic constipation. Gynecologists are routinely consulted by their patients who are concerned that their bloating, pelvic discomfort and expanding abdominal girth are due to their hormones, gynecologic problems, or even tumors. A history of their bathroom habits together with a thorough examination often reveal, however, that these symptoms may be due to chronic constipation. The answer: There are many factors that may influence the GI tract and the muscular action that propels its contents, which may trigger chronic constipation. These factors may increase with age.

3 could you have chronic constipation? Look for these symptoms Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in the United States. It affects up to 42 million adults in the U.S. and is more prevalent in women than men. Chronic constipation is defined as unsatisfactory defecation that is characterized by infrequent stool, difficult stool passage, or both. 3 Difficult stool passage includes: Straining Hard/lumpy stool Difficulty passing stool Incomplete evacuation Prolonged time to stool Need for manual maneuvers to pass stool 3 Symptoms must persist for at least three months chronic constipation is UNEXPECTED Unlike menopause, many women aren t aware of their increased risk of chronic constipation as they get older. 3 Only 28% of women age 40 and older recognize constipation as a common part of aging. 3 33% of women age 40 and older with chronic constipation wish they had been warned about the condition. UNCOMFORTABLE Chronic constipation can make you uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. In a survey of women age 40 and older with chronic constipation: 3 87% report that the condition has made them physically uncomfortable. 3 66% say the condition has negatively impacted their mood. and can RESTRICT your lifestyle Chronic constipation can stifle the desire for an energetic, enjoyable life. Among women age 40 and older with chronic constipation: 3 50% say the condition has impacted their personal life. 3 42% say constipation has kept them from enjoying activities, such as spending time with friends, traveling and exercising. 3 31% report that constipation has kept them from leaving their home.

4 take action to end your discomfort! I tell my patients that the best thing they can do to reduce their risk of constipation is to condition and exercise their GI tract. To do that, put the following steps into action. The result: You re likely to feel more like yourself. say no to: X Being a couch potato X Overeating, particularly junk food X Skipping fluids say yes to: 4 Exercising regularly. Not only do your weight, waistline, heart and bones benefit from a workout, your digestive system does, too. Exercise conditions all the muscles in your body, including those that keep your digestive system working properly. 4 Eating nutritious, fiber-rich meals and snacks. Pass on processed foods and fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and beans. These fiber-rich ingredients help normalize the time it takes food to pass through your colon. D. I. G. E. S. T. An easy way to remember the important steps that can improve digestive health Diminish stress. Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation. Take a moment to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, gardening or spending time with a friend. Increase your intake of fiber, bran and water. They may help reduce discomfort and enable your colon to pass stool more easily. Also, keep a food diary to help your doctor determine if any specific foods could be triggering your digestive health problems. Get more exercise. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day. Establish a daily bathroom routine. Set aside an adequate amount of bathroom time so that you don t feel rushed. And never ignore your urge to have a bowel movement. Stop what you re doing and go! Stay informed. Many people fail to recognize the discomfort or bloating they feel could be an indication of a more serious condition, such as chronic constipation. It is important to be aware of these symptoms in order to find relief. Talk with your doctor. Don t be shy. Describe all of your symptoms. It s the best way to ensure that you receive an appropriate and effective treatment for your condition. If your condition is persistent or chronic, you may need more than over-the-counter medications. 4 Drinking lots of water. Staying hydrated helps stool move through your digestive tract.

5 know your treatment options Some of my patients have found that laxatives provide relief from chronic constipation. But I worry about overuse. Increasing dosage and dependence on laxatives can be dangerous. That s why I tell women to always talk to their doctor about prolonged use of any medication, even if it s over-the-counter. What s more, there are prescription treatment options that may provide effective relief for your condition. 82% of women with chronic constipation have taken over-the-counter medications for relief; however, nearly 60% of these women report that the treatments work some of the time or not at all. Changes in diet and exercise, while a foundation for therapy, may not always work. If you are not getting the relief you want, be persistent about finding an appropriate treatment option. Make an appointment with your doctor today.

6 be prepared for your doctor s visit why you must tell your doctor about your symptoms Nearly one in five women age 40 and older who suffer from chronic constipation has not discussed possible remedies with anyone, including her doctor. Chronic constipation does not have to be part of getting old. You do not have to live with the symptoms of chronic constipation or shrug them off. I encourage all women to talk with their doctors. Doing so can greatly improve the quality of your life. During your exam, ask these questions: 3 I think I have a digestive health problem, but I don t know why. Can you help me figure out what might be causing it? 3 How do I know if I have a digestive health problem? 3 What causes digestive health problems? 3 How can I reduce my risk of digestive health problems? 3 What treatment options are right for me? 3 Do these treatment options come with any side effects? The questions your doctor may ask you: 3 When was your last bowel movement? 3 How often do you go? 3 Do you strain? 3 What other symptoms do you have? 3 What steps have you taken to manage your symptoms, including taking medication?

7 When my patients talk to me about their digestive health problems, they often express extreme frustration about how they can t find relief for constipation, abdominal bloating and discomfort. Take charge of your health. You have to keep an ongoing dialogue with your doctor about treatment options if you want to get help for your symptoms. Judith Reichman, MD, women s health specialist For more information about the Straight Talk on Women s GI Health campaign, go to Led by women s health specialist Judith Reichman, MD, the national campaign s goals are to educate women about digestive health problems and provide them with educational resources so they can address their symptoms and talk with their doctors. Straight Talk on Women s GI Health The Straight Talk on Women s GI Health campaign is sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Based in Deerfield, IL, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. Sucampo Pharmaceuticals is an emerging pharmaceutical company based in Bethesda, MD. For more information about constipation, visit the nonprofit IFFGD website at