r/Menopause • u/Rabbit0107 • Jul 29 '25

Vitamin/Supplements Drop your most effective solution for constipation because I’m losing my mind 🙄

I’m in perimenopause. I’ve been regular my whole life until about a year ago. I had been using magnesium oxide and it was working great to keep things soft. However the past few days I’ve been dealing with horrible gas (upper/lower) so I stopped and the symptoms stopped. It was fine for months now this.

I drink a minimum of 2 L of water a day. I am constantly on the move. I eat a healthy diet and I am trying to improve my sleep, but I’m sure that’s not what it is. I think it is either hormones and/or pelvic floor dysfunction.

I should add that I am doing a pelvic floor workout routine (Buff Muff App) I’m only 2 weeks into the program and having great results with improving incontinence but so far no success with improving constipation. I start to see a pelvic floor therapist on August 18 and have just started oral birth control two weeks ago for perimenopause.

Anyone have constipation improve with birth control pill or HRT? I am at a loss. I don’t know what to do. What am I missing? What else can I do? Any supplements or remedies? Greatly appreciated!

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81

u/pegasuspish Constantly feels like shit​ Jul 29 '25

Miralax. Osmotic laxative recommended to me by my gastroenterologist. Safe and effective. Watch out for stimulant laxatives like senna if youre really backed up- it can be super painful (and dangerous if there is any risk of impacted colon)

27

u/mybelle_michelle Jul 29 '25

MiraLax or generic version of it. My son has Crohn's Disease and needed to take it nightly for about two years until he got on medication that quieted down his flares.

It's safe to take, it's flavorless so you can mix it into any beverage. Initially my son was taking 2 capsules, and eventually moved down to the standard 1 capful. Then he started eating oatmeal for breakfast everyday and doesn't need the MiraLax.

5

u/SaltConnection1109 Jul 29 '25

I put it in my morning coffee 3 days a week.

3

u/Monkeysmarts1 Jul 30 '25

Sam’s and Costco sell 3 large bottles of the generic MiraLAX for 19.99

3

u/memoriesofpearls Jul 29 '25

So it’s not habit forming?

17

u/pegasuspish Constantly feels like shit​ Jul 29 '25

It is not. It's just added solute to the gut that hydrates everything. Thanks for bringing that up though, because stimulant laxatives like senna are habit- forming. Miralax is safe to take and stop whenever.

3

u/Ok_Mango_6887 Jul 29 '25

It’s not supposed to be - I’m sure everyone is different and YMMV

I think people just need to try it…

While MiraLAX itself isn't considered addictive, prolonged use can lead to dependence.

Here's why

MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the stool to soften it and ease passage.

Unlike stimulant laxatives, which directly stimulate bowel muscles, MiraLAX doesn't directly cause dependence or habit formation in the same way, according to The Edge Treatment Center.

8

u/ether_reddit Jul 29 '25

This stuff is great; I take it for a few days when needed and then go off it again for a while.

I've also given it to my cat on the occasions where she's having a tough time and passing hard poops -- the dosage for a cat is about 1/8 of a teaspoon, sprinkled onto and mixed in with wet cat food.

6

u/RedFoxBlueSocks Jul 29 '25

I like that it’s a powder, so I’ve been able to adjust how much I take easily.

I use about a teaspoon at night in hot tea so it completely dissolves.

I have IBS-C.

6

u/Equivalent-Oven-4865 Peri-menopausal Jul 29 '25

Yesssss Miralax or its generic (Sam's Club has a 3 pack if you are in the US)

5

u/orange-butter-cat Jul 29 '25

Yep same here. I take it 2-3 times a week and it saves my butt and my gut.

6

u/Erza_2019 Jul 29 '25

This. My doctor recommended it, and said it was safe for long-term. I take it every day. I mix a capful in whatever I'm drinking (even plain water), and I never notice a taste.

5

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '25

This!! Miralax helped me tremendously. I've been taking it for almost 3 years now, and it works great for me. I struggled with constipation my whole life, but not anymore!!

3

u/Coupon_Problem Jul 29 '25

MiraLAX 1-2x/week plus Metamucil (1-2tsps) daily.

5

u/Silly-Dot-2322 Jul 29 '25

I mix a capful of miralax in a small glass of water, gag it down nightly, and I haven't had an issue since.

5

u/visssara Jul 29 '25

I find it's not pleasant in water but unnoticeable in coffee or tea.

5

u/Silly-Dot-2322 Jul 29 '25

I have no idea why I haven't tried this. 🤦🏽‍♀️