Estrogen and digestive issues?

[valyn_faer]

Ever since I started estrogen I've had really bad issues with constipation. Is this normal? Has anyone else had this issue? I'm pretty sure I'm drinking enough water. . . Prior to HRT, if I ever had this issue I would just eat an apple every day and that pretty much solved it. Sometimes if it was really bad, I would just eat something with a lot of dairy in it for dinner and, because of my lactose intolerance, everything was resolved by morning. However, these two methods don't seem to be working anymore. I thought about getting some metamucil or equivalent, but read on the packages that they can interfere with some medications. I don't have a terrible diet or anything. . .  I did notice that if I eat a bag of microwave popcorn at night, that tends to help. However, that's a rather fattening and unhealthy solution. lol. Anyone have any suggestions?

[atheris]

I never had digestive problems from HRT, and I'm unaware of estrogen having constipation as a side effect, perhaps something else is at fault? Why don't you discuss this with your doctor if it continues to be a problem, since if it's related to the estrogen, the dosage needs to be adjusted. Are you also taking an anti-androgen, and was that started at the same time?

[valyn_faer]

Yeah, I'm taking an anti-androgen as well, and no it wasn't started at the same time. I started the anti-androgen in September, estrogen in December. It's possible it's due to something else. My next scheduled appointment isn't until May and I kind of don't want to schedule a another appointment and pay money for it if I can find a simple solution. Money is tight.

[Padma]

This may sound weird, but try a spoonful of molasses in hot water. Molasses is amazing - a very good natural source of vitamins and minerals in very bioavailable form, and I always recommend it for people who are suffering constipation due to taking iron supplements, because it not only doesn't make you constipated the way the iron supplements will (a bit the opposite if you're not careful with it), but the iron is much more easily absorbed because there's calcium there too (and they need each other to be absorbed). Because of the minerals, it's also very good for muscle cramps and restless legs syndrome. very nutritious tasty of an evening with hot water and a dash of brandy .

[cynthialee]

I have had issues with consipation since I started takeing E. I try and have a sufficiant amount of fiber and occasionaly I use a mild laxative.

[Janet_Girl]

I have had problems off and on.  But by eating a health diet, most of them will go away.

[JohnR]

Estrogen is terrible for causing constipation.

You will need to completely rejig your diet now you're on HRT.

[Simone Louise]

I did notice that if I eat a bag of microwave popcorn at night, that tends to help. However, that's a rather fattening and unhealthy solution. lol. Anyone have any suggestions?

Weight Watchers recommends 94% fat-free microwave popcorn as a snack. Apples, too.

S

[JennX]

Yup, same here. I usually try to eat a lot of fruit and drink tons of water. Apricots, prunes, prune juice (if it's really bad), raisins, grapes, oranges, etc. The only thing with fruit is you have to watch your potassium level if you're on Spiro too, as it can cause too much Potassium to build up in your body.

[Padma]

Oh, in that case forget the molasses - it's got 4x as much potassium as bananas.