I've had GERD for about two years now but had not thought of linking it to peri. I was taking omeprazole, but like many others have found side effects too difficult. In my case it slowed down my digestion and seemed to dry everything out - your skin, your gut, your bowel movements.... I tried gaviscon after having a really bad cough for two months and that helped heal the cough but made me really bloated. So now I'm on ranitidine which seems to stop the acid going all the way up to my throat although I do now have heartburn symptoms at times which i didn't before. But they seem to be settling. It has fewer side effects for me and has improved my digestion so everything is moving again
I've also changed my diet. Completely stopped drinking since NYE. Only have coffee occasionally. Lots of carrots and celery seem to be really good, especially in a stew or casserole. Try not to eat too late at night.
I've just started HRT (2nd day) so I will see whether I see an improvement in the GERD as a result and will post back in a few weeks. Good to know it's a common symptom. Like someone else here I felt at times that I was really sick and dying as it can make you feel that way when your whole digestion seems to be falling apart.
