As we get older, we may worry about developing joint problems, weight gain, memory loss, and yes, wrinkles. But did you realize that age is also linked to an increase in digestive health problems, especially chronic constipation? A recent nationwide survey of women age 40 and over found that more than 25 percent did not associate chronic constipation with aging. This “mature” condition can, in fact, be disruptive to our lives.

Chronic constipation, which occurs when symptoms have persisted for at least three months, affects up to 42 million people in the U.S. They suffer from hard, infrequent and painful bowel movements; feel bloated, and dread the discomfort when they go to the bathroom and hate how they feel when they don’t. Constipation can have many causes, but it usually results from changes in the way the body works. People who suffer from chronic constipation may find having a bowel movement difficult and painful and often experience straining and bloating.

This condition is more prevalent in women than in men, and severe constipation is seen almost exclusively in women. Often, women who suffer from this medical disorder incorrectly believe it is due to the hormonal changes of PMS, perimenopause or menopause. This may not be the case; don’t automatically blame it on your hormones! There are many factors that influence the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the muscular action that propels its contents. Unfortunately, these may increase with age.

You probably gave little thought to “what went in” or “how it came out” when you were younger, but as we get older, we begin to think more about our inner workings. As we mature, we are likely to be aware of our current bowel habits—when we had our last movement, if we had to strain, if it hurt, and when we can and will go again. Although irregularity in our menstrual cycles, heartbeats and blood tests are far more likely to receive acknowledgment and become topics of discussion, analysis and treatment by our healthcare practitioners, digestive health issues may not. They are the last taboo of polite discussion, and there is a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy for most of us when we seek medical care. Nearly 20 percent of women age 40 and older that live with chronic constipation has not discussed possible remedies with anyone, including their doctors. It’s time that we get over our reticence to address this important health issue. The impact of chronic constipation on the quality of our lives needs to be recognized and communicated.

Chronic constipation can cause discomfort, both physically and emotionally, and it can also have a negative impact on lifestyle. Of those women surveyed who had chronic constipation...

• Forty-two percent said the condition has kept them from enjoying activities, such as spending time with friends, traveling and exercising. Nearly one-third have been unable to leave their homes due to chronic constipation.
  
• Two-thirds of women surveyed noted that the condition has negatively impacted their mood.
  
• Eighty-two percent of women with chronic constipation have taken over-the-counter medications for relief; however, nearly 60 percent of these women report that the treatments work only some of the time or not at all.

While changes in diet and exercise are a foundation for therapy, these methods may not always be effective. If you do not experience relief from your symptoms, it is important to be persistent about finding an appropriate treatment option. Make an appointment with your physician to discuss what else you can do to feel better, including talking about what medications are available to treat your condition. Chronic constipation is a real medical condition, and you should not hesitate or feel embarrassed to discuss your symptoms and a possible treatment with your doctor.

The “Straight Talk on Women’s GI Health” campaign aims to reach and educate women age 40 and older about digestive health problems and provide them with educational resources. To learn more about chronic constipation and other topics relating to digestive health, visit the “Straight Talk” Web site at www.GIStraightTalk.com.