Graffiti

This graffiti at the public bathroom at Kresge College prompted me to write this.

I’ve been reading a lot about women aging and menopause because at my age these are important health topics to be aware of.

The graffiti was funny and I thought about how some older comedians make jokes about aging and bowel movements, but the graffiti says a lot about stress.

There are stress factors in aging.

A number of people who are getting up there in age face health issues or dwindling finances -- or simply the challenges of retaining their independence. Unfortunately, the body's natural defenses against stress gradually break down with age. But you don't have to give in to stress just because you're no longer young.

Read more on this specific topic at http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/stressaging
Beside stress, aging (in general) may also affect bowel regularity possibly due to slowing metabolism, decreased intestinal motor activity or decreased muscle tone and strength.

There are stress factors related to menopause, pre and post.

The change of levels of progesterone and estrogen has an effect on gastrointestinal tract. Estrogen is a gastrointestinal stimulant. The fluctuation of amount of this hormone can cause a swing from loose stools to dry ones. These hormones also influence the motility of intestines. When the levels of these hormones start to fluctuate, a woman may experience changes in bowel patterns.

These hormonal changes have a great affect on our nervous system and may cause problems like insomnia, mood swings, among other things. Many women also suffer from hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other symptoms of menopause.

There may also be an increase in perspiration. Another hormone called cortisol is also increased as a normal coping mechanism by your body to respond to stress. Over an extended period of stress, these stress hormones that are initially protective, can become detrimental, wearing out your body, mind and spirit. There are different coping strategies, which may help restore a sense of well-being and reduce stress.

I found the following article by Karen Giblin, President, CEO Prime Plus and http://www.redhotmamas.org/

Managing Stress at menopause Before it Manages You

The physiological, psychological and social changes that may be experienced are extremely stressful. Stress is simply the body’s reaction to a challenge or threat. And, when you feel stressed, your body is flooded with chemicals called “stress hormones” such as adrenaline or epinephrine that may cause your heart to start beating faster; muscles become tense; and breathing becomes rapid. …http://www.ourgyn.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=123

In most cases, however it's a lifestyle factor rather than an underlying health problem that temporarily disrupts your body's normal rhythm and slows the movement of stools through your colon.

Eat right; eat high fiber foods, read a book, go to the beach, exercise! “Pass the Metamucil, please.”