Can Menopause Cause Heartburn | CanPharm

Most people expect hot flashes and mood changes during menopause, but heartburn? That one tends to catch women off guard. If you’ve started noticing more burning in your chest after meals or a sudden sensitivity to foods you used to eat without a second thought, you might be wondering if it’s all connected. So, can menopause cause heartburn? The answer is yes, and it has a lot to do with how hormone levels affect your digestive system.

During menopause levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. These hormones don’t just affect your reproductive system, they also play a role in how your digestive tract functions. Estrogen, for example, helps keep muscles flexible, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the little muscle that keeps stomach acid from rising into your esophagus. When estrogen levels fall, the LES can relax more than it should, making it easier for acid to sneak back up and trigger heartburn.

Another factor is slower digestion. As hormone levels shift, the movement of food through the digestive tract can become sluggish. This means food and stomach acid sit in the stomach longer, increasing the chances of reflux, especially after large meals or when lying down too soon after eating. Add in increased sensitivity to certain foods during this stage of life, and it’s no surprise heartburn can flare up more often during menopause. 

Additionally, stress might play a role. Many women report higher stress levels during menopause, which can lead to changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, and gut sensitivity. All of these can contribute to more frequent or intense heartburn episodes. Some women even find that foods they once enjoyed without issue suddenly seem to trigger symptoms.

Treatment

If menopause is behind your heartburn, there are a few things you can try to get relief. Eating smaller meals, avoiding late-night snacks, and limiting trigger foods like spicy dishes, caffeine, or acidic fruits can make a big difference. Staying upright after eating and wearing looser clothing around the waist may also help reduce pressure on the stomach. Sleeping on your left side can also help reduce reflux symptoms but not stop them entirely. For some, over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers may be helpful, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting anything new, more so if heartburn becomes frequent or severe. Lastly, reducing stress and finding ways to relax may help. Regular exercise, mindfulness techniques such as yoga or simply sharing your thoughts can all help reduce some stress. 

Takeaway

It’s worth noting that not every woman going through menopause will experience heartburn, and not all heartburn is related to menopause. But if you’ve never dealt with it before and it suddenly starts around the same time your hormones are shifting, that could be the connection. Understanding how hormonal changes affect digestion can help you make small lifestyle adjustments that ease discomfort. And if symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what’s going on and find the right approach for you.