An NHS GP has highlighted that persistent bloating and unexpected changes in bowel habits could be red flags for ovarian or bowel cancer. Dr Nighat Arif, a women’s health specialist with over 15 years’ experience, shared the warning in a TikTok video to her 320,300 followers.
Dr Arif explained that hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect the gut, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, or sudden diarrhoea. She noted that many women overlook these symptoms because they are embarrassing, but they should not be ignored.
The GP stressed that while these symptoms are common in menopause, they can also overlap with signs of cancer. She urged anyone experiencing persistent bloating, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or sudden severe abdominal pain to seek medical attention immediately.
“If you’ve suddenly gone from fine to being bloated, gassy, constipated or running to the toilet with zero warning, you’re not imagining it,” she said. “These could be red flags for something else, like bowel cancer or ovarian cancer.”
Dr Arif emphasised that women should not panic but remain vigilant. She encouraged patients to consult their GP, get properly tested, and consider lifestyle adjustments to manage benign gut symptoms. The full advice was accompanied by a link to a Women's Health Concern factsheet on digestive health and menopause.
