Why does IBS affect women differently?
April is IBS Awareness Month, but did you know that IBS is significantly more common in women than in men, with two out of every three IBS sufferers being female?
As with most things related to IBS, the exact cause of this is not yet known, but one theory is that it is hormone-related as oestrogen has been shown to affect the movement of food through the digestive tract, as well as impacting pain in the pelvic and abdominal organs. This could also explain the link between IBS and certain gynaecological conditions.
What is IBS?
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is a condition affecting up to 20% of the population. It is a long-term digestive condition, symptoms of which include diarrhoea, bloating, stomach cramps and constipation.
As IBS affects everyone differently, it can be difficult to diagnose and to treat. Generally, IBS is diagnosed once other, more life threatening, bowel conditions have been ruled out.
What causes IBS?
The exact cause is unknown, and may well be different for each individual case, but some of the possible causes posited are:
- Inflammation of the gut
- An over-active or under-active immune system
- Bacterial imbalances in the gut biome
- Problems with the nerves controlling the digestive system
- Hormonal changes (including the contraceptive pill)
- Psychological factors like stress and anxiety
How does IBS affect women differently?
Whilst almost all IBS sufferers report bloating and cramps, with either constipation, diarrhoea, or an alternating pattern between the two, women often report additional symptoms, rarely seen in men. These include:
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Extra sensitivity to certain foods around their period
How can IBS be linked to gynaecological conditions?
There is a high correlation between incidence of IBS and of certain gynaecological conditions – 50% of women with IBS also present with gynaecological symptoms, and 42% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also suffer from IBS.
The gynaecological conditions most commonly linked to IBS are:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
One of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting women, symptoms of PCOS can include hirsutism (hairiness) and acne, as well as irregular periods. The link with IBS is unclear, but PCOS is linked to chronic inflammation, which could trigger IBS symptoms.
Chronic pelvic pain
There is a distinct similarity between the symptoms of Chronic pelvic pain and IBS, and so the two conditions often appear together. In fact, it is not yet fully understood whether they are two separate conditions.
Painful sex/decreased sex drive
Although this is not often talked about, IBS is frequently linked to a low sex drive, or pain during sexual intercourse.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the womb, which can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue. Symptoms of IBS and endometriosis can be very similar, which is one reason why endometriosis is so difficult to diagnose. IBS and endometriosis often seem to go hand in hand, which is unfortunate although, happily, treatment for one condition often helps to ameliorate the other as well.
If you have any concerns regarding IBS, or any of the gynaecological conditions mentioned here, why not book a consultation with one of our friendly, all-female GP team, who can listen to your concerns in full confidentiality before deciding on the best treatment plan, if any. Call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 to arrange an appointment.
