Hello, Linds1055, The combination of symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating and constipation points to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is from sluggish contractions of your intestines, partly hormonal and partly dietary in nature. Weight gain ,post-menopausal may be again due to multiple factors. Again, hormonal,dietary and probably inactivity or lack of excercise sufficient to burn up the calories. Slower metabolism due to under active Thyroid should also be considered and make sure you have those blood tests to rule that out. As for treatment of constipation, first try to increase your fiber intake. Lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and adequate amounts of liquids daily combined with regular walking three times a week should help regulate your bowels. For stubborn constipation, you can take stool softeners and if necessary add a polyethylene glycol solution, such as Miralax (Over the counter) 2-4 tablespoons/day till you start having lose stools and then cut back and adjust the dosage. Hope this will help you, Wish you well.