Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation. The exact cause isn’t known, but it’s often linked to stress, diet, and how your gut and brain work together.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms
Symptoms of IBS can vary and may include:
Abdominal Pain: Cramping or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by bowel movements.
Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
Diarrhoea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
Alternating Diarrhoea and Constipation: Some individuals experience a mix of both diarrhoea and constipation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Women and Men
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) differs between women and men in several ways, due to physiological, hormonal, and psychosocial factors:
1. Symptom Patterns
Women are more likely to experience constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C), often associated with bloating, gas, and difficulty passing stools. They also report more severe abdominal pain compared to men. Some women experience worsening of IBS symptoms around their menstrual cycle, as hormonal fluctuations affect gut motility.
Men, on the other hand, are more commonly affected by diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), though they may report less frequent and milder abdominal pain compared to women.
2. Hormonal Influences
Women’s hormonal cycles play a significant role in their IBS symptoms. For example, oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Many women report heightened symptoms right before or during their periods.
Men do not experience these hormonal variations, so their IBS symptoms are typically more consistent over time.
3. Visceral Sensitivity
Women tend to have greater visceral sensitivity, meaning they are more likely to feel pain or discomfort in their abdomen even with mild intestinal activity. This heightened sensitivity can result in more intense pain and discomfort compared to men.
4. Gastrointestinal Transit Time
On average, women have slower gastrointestinal transit times than men. This slower movement of food through the digestive system contributes to more cases of IBS-C in women, with associated symptoms like bloating and constipation.
Men, having faster transit times, tend to experience fewer issues with constipation but may have more problems with diarrhoea.
5. Psychosocial Differences
Women are more likely to experience emotional or psychological conditions like anxiety or depression, which can exacerbate IBS symptoms. The gut-brain connection means that stress and emotional health play a significant role in how IBS manifests.
Men may report fewer psychological influences on their IBS symptoms, though stress and mental health can still affect symptom severity.
6. Treatment Response
Women often respond differently to IBS treatments due to their unique hormone-gut interactions. For example, some medications might be less effective or need to be adjusted based on a woman’s menstrual cycle or menopausal status.
Men may experience more straightforward responses to treatments, as their symptoms are less influenced by hormonal fluctuations.
In summary, IBS in women is more influenced by hormonal changes, tends to involve more constipation and pain, and is often exacerbated by emotional and psychosocial factors, while men more commonly experience diarrhoea and more consistent symptoms.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
While the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, various factors contribute to its development.
1. Gut-Brain Connection
The communication between the brain and digestive system can be disrupted in IBS, leading to abnormal gut function and increased sensitivity to pain.
2. Infections
IBS may develop after a gastrointestinal infection, such as food poisoning, causing long-term gut issues.
3. Gut Microbiota Imbalance
An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can affect digestion and trigger IBS symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation.
4. Food Sensitivities
Certain foods can worsen IBS, especially in individuals with food intolerances.
Managing these factors can help reduce IBS symptoms and improve overall gut health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment
IBS can’t be cured, but symptoms can be managed with diet changes, stress management, medications, and other therapies. Doctors may use tests like blood work, stool tests, or endoscopy to rule out other conditions and help manage IBS effectively.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of IBS, such as significant abdominal pain, frequent diarrhoea or constipation, or symptoms that interfere with daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
Book an appointment with us today and get a personalised treatment plan. Your initial consultation is bulk-billed and does not require a referral.
