IBS and weight loss
I'm new to here and have a huge question. My IBS has been extreme off and on mostly on since I was told I have menopause. I have lost a lot of weight because of stomach pain and nausea. Just can't eat when you are like that. I feel like everyone talks about weight gain all the time but not loss? Anyone else go through the same thing?
I'm so sorry that you're going through this! I've not dealt with menopause, however, my experience after giving birth was very similar to what you're describing and I do partly blame it on the hormones (here's an article about hormones and IBS: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/triggers/can-hormones-trigger-ibs). I had the worst flares of my life for about two weeks straight, then it took me another couple of months until I could finally eat somewhat normally again and I lost a lot of weight. In my case, the changes my body went through altered what foods trigger my IBS, so I had to start the elimination process all over again. In addition to that, I had caught some kind of stomach bug that lingered around for weeks until my doctor prescribed antibiotics.
If you have trouble eating and are losing weight, I would definitely talk to a doctor to make sure it's not something else. As IBS sufferers, we're so used to blaming all digestive issues on IBS, but there can be many other possible causes, and some of them (like my stomach bug) can be so easily treated. - Karina (IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team Member)
That's interesting. I managed to get pneumonia at one point and the strong antibiotics must have killed whatever causes my IBS-D b/c my guts sure felt better. I told multiple MDs about the FX of antibiotics on my IBS-D but they couldn't have cared less. 
It's interesting that you mention this, because I too find that my IBS improves after taking antibiotics. -Elizabeth (team member)
I lost about 30 pounds. just didn't have the urge to eat or want to.
I have since gained back 10 pounds, now that my symptoms are decently managed, and I know what I can safely eat.i was happy to lose the weight. It's the only "good' side affect of IBS ... hugs certainly can help. I always tell myself the same thing, although losing weight isn't worth being miserable all the time and I'd much rather be healthy! How have you been feeling lately? Karina (team member)
My IBS-D kicked in at menopause, too, but never found a sympathetic or knowing MD so no help. I found the explosions precluded exercise so I gained weight. I was also cooking for a teenage boy and spouse and I like cooking and do it well so food loomed large. That said, everything I've read suggests weight loss indicates some problem beyond just IBS. Strongly suggest pursuing deeper investigation to rule out the more dangerous possibilities. thank you for your response. I ended up having surgery on October 26th,a 5 hour one. My obgyn found a tumor on my right ovary the size of a grapefruit. When she went in to remove everything my insides were overtaken by scar tissue. Everything was matted together including my bowels. So that being said I'm like a new person and doing so much better 💕 Plus I'm on hormone therapy and all of that has pretty much saved my life 🥰 I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better! I can't believe doctors didn't take you seriously for so long although your symptoms were so terrible. Thankfully you finally found a good one! I hope you'll continue feeling better and better. 😀 Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
How wonderful! So very glad for you! Thanks for sharing the happy conclusion. Hormone therapy. Of course. I rejoice for such a good result. Live long and prosper.
