Had J-pouch since 1985. started having bad periods before finding out I had UC. Now I'm 43. Always had problems with frequent stools. Doctors thought if stool was more bulky I wouldn't have as many. Make since but it makes me miserable. More difficult to empty. I quess it feels like someone with constipation. I also feel like I have indigestion. I still empty a lot just less at a time. Wandering if it could have anything to do with the change. OB says if my periods are about the same time ever mnth. I wouldn't be going through the change. I know sometimes people experience constipation the older they get. Someone posted its a process so I'm wandering if thats what I'm experiencing. Seems like my ovaries are also sore. I'm miserable!!!! I'm either one way or the other. Nothing seems to be wrong with the pouch itself unless I get the pouchitus. I'd appreciate some feedback if anyone has experienced any of this.

I was just reading an article on menopause, average age is 52. Its considered menopause after one year without a period. What we are in is perimenopause. ( cool , we have our own stage, I'm 45) Actually, I used to work for an endocrinologist and menopause actually starts much earilier, its a very gradual process. Unfortunatley,as always, we all experience it differently and with other health concerns who knows what comes from what. I don't like the stool to thick either, so I don't do much to change it. And I have read some posts regarding stool stasis and bad bacteria overgrowth....Haven't really done any research, but it kinda makes sense to me...the sooner I empty the better. Constipation is not fun either. I don't think I've been any help, but I hope you feel better.
LoriP