Imagine living a normal daily routine, but every meal, every stressful moment and even the rhythm of your menstrual cycle can trigger a cascade of intestinal problems. For millions of women around the world, this isn't just a hypothetical scenario - it's a daily reality. Studies show that IBS is more common in women than in men. To understand more deeply, let's explore what is it that makes the female body more susceptible to this debilitating problem?
How does irritable bowel syndrome manifest and what types does it have?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) manifests with a variety of symptoms that can significantly disrupt daily life, even leading to a decrease in overall comfort and negative changes in quality of life. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits - whether diarrhea, constipation, or both - along with bloating and gas. Other symptoms can include changes in stool appearance, cramps, psychological distress and food sensitivities.
The so-called Roman criteria, which are updated periodically, are used to classify this functional disorder, and the following characteristics are currently relevant,each of which is associated with abdominal pain, but each has its own predominant symptom:
- IBS-D: The main symptom is diarrhoea.
- IBS-C: Constipation is more common.
- IBS-M: Mixed type, with diarrhoea alternating with constipation.
- IBS-U: an unspecified subtype whose symptoms vary and cannot be accurately categorised.
Did you know?
According to a study, women are 1.5-3 times more likely to have IBS symptoms than men(1).
In the UK and worldwide, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is more commonly diagnosed in women than men. This significant difference is highlighted by data from the British Journal of Medical Practitioners, which shows that IBS affects 17% of the UK population. Of these, 11% are men, while a striking 23% are women (2).
However, it is important to note that this gender difference is not due to inherent deficiencies in the female digestive system. The female digestive system is not inherently more fragile than the male; rather, the difference lies in the influence of hormones and their interactions with the digestive system. In addition, women are more likely to seek medical care, which may also contribute to the higher number of cases reported in women and the different figures in the statistics.
Another possible theory suggests that societal expectations and norms contribute significantly to the higher incidence of IBS in women. Women are often encouraged from a young age to keep quiet, avoid discussing bodily functions and adhere to strict social 'decorum'. These ingrained behaviors can lead to internalized stress, anxiety, and even shame, especially when it comes to discussing or addressing digestive health issues.
Hormonal influences on the irritable bowel
Biological differences in the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome between the sexes can largely be explained by hormonal fluctuations in the female body. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which play a key role in the menstrual cycle, have a significant effect on the digestive tract.
For example, during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, many women report a worsening of irritable bowel symptoms. Estrogen and progesterone can alter gut motility, the rate at which food moves through the digestive system, and can also affect the sensitivity of the gut to pain. These hormonal effects do not only occur during menstruation: they can also occur during ovulation, pregnancy, menopause, and even when taking hormonal contraceptives.
These hormonal fluctuations create a dynamic environment in a woman's digestive system that makes her more susceptible to irritable bowel symptoms.
Stress and the gut-brain axis
The gut-brain axis - the complex communication network between the gut and the brain - is particularly sensitive to stress. Women in general tend to have a more sensitive gut-brain axis, which can lead to more severe gastrointestinal symptoms when stressed. This increased sensitivity is a major reason why IBS often worsens in stressful situations (3).
In addition, women and men process stress differently. Women may be more prone to the anxiety and depression associated with irritable bowel syndrome.(4) The stress response in women can trigger or exacerbate IBS symptoms, making stress management a key aspect of treatment.
Other factors contributing to the development of irritable bowel in women
In addition to hormonal influences, several other factors contribute to the increased incidence and severity of IBS symptoms in women(5):
- Gut health and thyroid function: research suggests that taking care of gut health can alleviate symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction and affect thyroid autoimmunity. Because women are more prone to thyroid problems, maintaining a healthy gut may be particularly beneficial for women with IBS.
- The impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT): menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often find that this therapy does not relieve IBS symptoms, but does affect the gut microbiome. According to Dr. Mark Pimentel, menopausal women have a different gut microbiome than premenopausal women. Interestingly, the addition of HRT may bring their microbiome closer to that of younger women.
- Gynaecological disorders and pain: women with gynaecological disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis tend to experience more severe pelvic pain if they also have IBS. This overlap can make it difficult for patients to determine whether their symptoms are gynaecological, gastrointestinal or urinary related.
- Autoimmune susceptibility: a 2017 study found that the immune system may play a role in the development of IBS. Since women are generally more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, this could further explain the higher incidence of IBS in women.
How exactly does Enterosgel work and help with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea?
For women with irritable bowel syndrome, especially women with IBS-D (IBS with predominant diarrhea), managing symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain can be challenging. Enterosgel, an intestinal adsorbent, offers a practical solution by binding to and removing toxins, pathogens and harmful substances from the intestine.
This process helps to stabilize bowel movements, reduce bloating and relieve abdominal discomfort - symptoms that are often exacerbated in women due to hormonal fluctuations. Enterosgel effectively relieves symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and urgency, thus significantly improving the quality of life for IBS-D patients. It is important to understand that IBS-D treatment involves more than just immediate symptom relief; Enterosgel's effectiveness is enhanced with consistent, long-term use.With its safe profile for long-term use, Enterosgel can be an effective means of a comprehensive IBS-D treatment plan to help women find relief and improve their quality of life.
What else can help with irritable bowel syndrome?
Therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) goes beyond medication; a balanced diet is essential. A low-FODMAP diet that restricts some of the carbohydrates that trigger symptoms can be effective, but should be followed under professional guidance. Hydration, avoiding trigger foods such as spicy or fatty snacks, and monitoring individual reactions to foods are also important. Stress management is essential, as stress can aggravate IBS through the brain-gut connection. Psychotherapy can help address anxiety and stress, leading to better symptom management and improved quality of life.