Female Hormones and Their Effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction

There is no specific cause for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive disorder in which 15 percent of Americans are affected. It results in belly pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Gender plays a significant role, where women are affected twice as compared as men. Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a significant role in irritable bowel syndrome, which is the reason for more flare-ups during the menstrual cycle.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the intestine. It results in issues with motility of food (movement of digestive food) and sensitivity (how many receives and interrupts the signals from the intestinal nerve) resulting in abdominal pain, alteration of bowel pattern, and other symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder, which means the affected area gets impaired and does not function properly; no visible abnormalities can be detected through testing. This condition is usually diagnosed through the characteristics of the signs and symptoms.

Some Common Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Are:

• Abdominal pain.

• Chronic and severe bloating.

• Abnormal bowel pattern.

• Chronic diarrhea.

• Constipation.

• Combination of both constipation and diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not fatal but can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Studies show that almost 70 percent of people affected with this condition complain of the symptoms interfering with their everyday life, and 46 percent of people report skipping work or school due to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, this condition is difficult to diagnose and treat, requiring both a doctor and a dietician.

How Common Is This Condition in Men and Women?

This condition most commonly occurs in women than in men, with a ratio of 2 to 2.5:1. This number of the affected individuals are influenced by many factors like race, geographical factors, access to hospitals, and culture factors.

How Do Sex Hormones and IBS Are Related?

Estrogen and progesterone hormones interfere with irritable bowel syndrome, from how the intestine functions to how much pain is felt. This is because gut cells have things called receptors, to which these hormones latch. This is the way the digestive system is designed and reacts to these hormones. Some of the important ways how they affect irritable bowel syndrome are:

• Digestion: They regulate the smooth muscle cells present in the intestine, which process how fast the food travels through the system. In one study, animals took longer to empty the intestine when a reduced dose of hormone was provided than when they received a higher dose. This explains why a reduced level of sex hormones results in constipation.

• Pain Level: These hormones regulate the level of cramp that is caused. A dip reduces the threshold of pain, and the estrogen hormone increases the production of serotonin, a feel-good chemical. A jump in estrogen levels can decrease some of the factors, as the belly aches or cramps do not cause much harm.

• Inflammation: Sex hormones can enhance the level of inflammation, which can worsen the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

How Does the Menstrual Cycle Affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The hormone levels rise and fall every month, and these impact the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome get worse when there is a fall in hormonal levels. For example, during the late luteal phase (progesterone level increases to prepare the uterus for pregnancy), there is a higher chance of getting bloated and experiencing constipation or diarrhea. When the hormone level decreases to the lowest point during menstruation, some symptoms commonly occur, such as stomach pain, discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The hormonal levels are high when a woman is pregnant, improving the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. But women who are pregnant experience constipation very often.

How Does Menopause Affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The sex hormones reduce with the change, but there is no proper evidence on how they affect irritable bowel syndrome. In some women, the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome improve post-menopause when there are no alterations in the hormonal levels.

How Does the Birth Control Pill Affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Birth control pills do not show any effects of irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, studies show no difference in the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women taking birth control pills and those who do not.

How Do Hormones Play a Role in the Case of IBS in Men?

There are not many studies based on the role of male hormones that play a role in the case of irritable bowel syndrome. Reports say androgen, a male sex hormone, plays a role in protecting against chronic pain conditions in humans. As a result, there is no good data on how pain is perceived in a different manner between sexes. Women usually report more severe and frequent pain than men, considering the hormonal difference between the sexes.

How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated?

Diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome are very difficult as it does not show any indications through testing. This condition can be diagnosed only through the signs and symptoms that are experienced by the person. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome requires the proper attention of a doctor and a certified dietitian. Treatment options can vary from medications, psychological therapies, and stress and depression management. The closer the patient is to the doctor and the dietician, the better the treatment is given.

When to See a Doctor?

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may hide other health conditions, so a person should get it to consult with a doctor when they experience new digestive symptoms or the existing symptoms worsen. For example, medical attention should be provided to people with rectal bleeding, narrowed stools, weight loss, or symptoms related to colon cancer.

Conclusion

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition associated with the intestinal condition. Women mostly experience this more than men. Hormonal fluctuations cause an impact on the signs and symptoms of this condition. Reduced sex hormones worsen the signs and symptoms of this condition, whereas the increased hormonal level improves the condition. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose and treat the condition.