Many women notice that their stomach starts acting differently during menopause. It feels bloated, tight, or unpredictable — even if you haven’t changed what you eat or how you move. It can feel like your body suddenly has a mind of its own.

This is not your imagination. When estrogen levels drop, the entire digestive system is affected. Hormones help regulate how the intestines move, how the body retains fluid, and how the gut bacteria function. Lower levels of estrogen and progesterone can slow digestion, leading to gas, constipation, and bloating. At the same time, the body tends to store more fat around the abdomen — a natural part of this hormonal shift, though not always an easy one to accept.

There are ways to help. Regular movement keeps your intestines active. Eating foods rich in fiber, staying hydrated, and avoiding large gaps between meals can calm your digestion. And eating slowly, without rushing, makes a real difference.

Most importantly, release the pressure to have the same stomach you once did. Your body is not failing you — it’s adapting.

Alma’s advice:

• Eat regularly and chew slowly — your digestion thrives on rhythm.

• Take a short walk after meals to help things move along.

• Listen to your stomach, not to beauty ideals. It tells you how you feel, not who you are.

Your stomach’s changes aren’t a flaw — they’re a signal. Your body is finding its new balance, and you can guide it with care.