🌙 Navigating Menopause With a Stoma, Fistula or iPouch

Menopause can bring hormonal and physical changes that uniquely affect people living with a stoma, fistula or ileoanal pouch. Shifts in oestrogen levels can influence stoma output, pouch frequency, fistula drainage, skin sensitivity, hydration and abdominal comfort. Our Menopause Clinic provides specialist, personalised support to help you manage these changes safely and confidently.

Whether you are in early perimenopause, experiencing active symptoms, or adjusting post‑menopause, we offer tailored guidance that fits your body, lifestyle and long‑term health needs.

🌙 How Menopause Affects This Patient Group

🔴General Menopause Symptoms That Interact With Digestive/Urological Conditions

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Fatigue and low energy

• Mood changes

• Sleep disruption

• Joint aches

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Reduced libido

• Hydration challenges

🔴Stoma‑Specific Changes

• Increased stoma output during hot flushes or night sweats

• Changes in stoma size or shape as abdominal tissues soften

• Appliance fit challenges due to bloating or weight changes

• Skin dryness or irritation

• Higher risk of parastomal hernia due to reduced collagen

🔴iPouch‑Specific Changes

• Increased stool frequency or urgency

• Hormonal triggers for pouch sensitivity

• Higher dehydration risk

• Potential inflammation flare patterns

🔴Fistula‑Specific Changes

• Increased drainage

• Skin irritation from hormonal shifts

• Seton discomfort as tissues change

Our clinic helps you understand how these symptoms connect to your stoma, ipouch or fistula, and how to manage them effectively.

🌙 What We Offer

1️⃣ Personalised Menopause Assessment

We review:

• Menopause symptoms

• Stoma/pouch/fistula function

• Hydration and nutrition

• Skin health

• Sleep and energy levels

• Lifestyle factors

2️⃣ Symptom Management & Practical Adjustments

Including:

• Strategies for hot flushes and night sweats

• Hydration plans tailored for high‑output stomas or pouches

• Skin care for dryness or irritation

• Appliance fit adjustments

• Comfort strategies for fistula drainage

• Sleep and fatigue support

3️⃣ Pelvic Health & Sexual Wellbeing

Including:

• Comfort strategies for vaginal dryness

• Pelvic floor support

• Guidance on intimacy and confidence

• Signposting to menopause specialists when needed

4️⃣ Lifestyle & Wellbeing Support

Including:

• Exercise and strength guidance

• Stress management

• Nutrition for menopause

• Clothing and comfort tips

• Travel and work adjustments

5️⃣ Collaborative Care

We work closely with:

• Menopause specialists

• Colorectal teams

• Urology teams

• Nutrition services

• Pelvic health physiotherapists

🌙 Why Choose Our Menopause Clinic?

• Specialist nurses experienced in menopause with stomas, pouches and fistulae

• Integrated multidisciplinary care

• Tailored, practical advice, safe, evidence‑based care

• No commercial promotion or product advertising

• Specialist nurses experienced in complex digestive and urological conditions

• Clear referral pathways when medical or surgical input is required

• Enhanced comfort, confidence, and quality of life

• Compassionate, patient‑centred care