many women suffer from ibs -- it's not clear whether it is related to menopausal hormone changes or not but it certainly is also very common as we get older. a couple of thoughts that i've learned from my friends who are gastroenterologists. have you tried a fiber-containing product like metamucil or citrucel? many gi folks recommend it and if you haven't it's probably worth a try. another product that many of them recommend for my patients is a fancy probiotic called align -- it's available over the counter and it is supposed to be an excellent bacteria for the intestines. even if you have tried other probiotics it's probably worth a try. another (and more esoteric) thought is evening primrose oil -- there are a couple of papers in the literature from many years ago touting its use in women with pms -- and i have a few patients who tell me it has helped them -- so it's probably worth a try. again finding a good gastroenterologist is a good idea to try to help get you through these episodes -- and again the local county medical society is a good starting place if you don't feel comfortable with your gi doc.
i have ibs alternating between constipation and diarrhea. could it be related to peri-menopause?