What Is IBS? Is It Common In Females? Learn About The Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Females Here!

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal ailment that can significantly impact the quality of life. While IBS affects both men and women, it is more prevalent in females. Women frequently report IBS symptoms about their menstrual cycle, which may indicate a hormonal component to the illness. Understanding the female IBS symptoms can help in early diagnosis and management of the condition. 

IBS can cause a wide range of symptoms, but the most frequent ones include stomach bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or both, and pain or discomfort in the abdomen. These symptoms affect everyday activities, quality of life, and physical health. Comprehending the distinct presentation of irritable bowel syndrome in women is vital for efficient handling and assistance catered to their requirements. 

Read ahead to learn about symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in females, treatment, dietary and lifestyle modifications and medications targeting specific symptoms.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is IBS?

2. What Are The Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Females?

3. Is There A Female Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment?

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. People with IBS may experience discomfort that comes and goes, often triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. Oversensitivity to signals from the gut and aberrant muscle contractions in the intestines could be contributing causes, while the precise cause is still being investigated. 

IBS does not lead to severe diseases like cancer, but it can significantly impact daily life and quality of life. Management typically involves dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and sometimes medications to relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Also Read: How Can I Improve My Digestive System? Get The Answers With These 10 Helpful Tips! 

What Are The Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Females?

Here are some prominent IBS symptoms in females:

1. Abdominal Pain And Cramping

One of the hallmark symptoms of IBS in females is abdominal pain and cramping. This pain is often described as a sharp, cramping sensation that can occur anywhere in the abdomen but is most commonly felt in the lower abdomen. 

Usually, passing gas or stool relieves the pain, which can be mild to severe. Women can experience different abdominal pains in different places and at different intensities, even within the same person, from day to day. 

2. Bloating And Gas

Females with IBS often experience bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable and socially embarrassing. Bloating is a sensation of fullness and swelling in the abdomen, usually accompanied by excessive gas. This can lead to visible distension of the stomach, making it difficult to wear certain clothes comfortably. 

The bloating and gas are often worse after meals and fluctuate throughout the day. Consider taking digestive enzymes if these occur frequently. 

3. Diarrhea And Constipation

IBS can cause alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation or predominantly one of the two. Frequent, loose, or watery faeces are a common feature of diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), which is frequently accompanied by an urgent desire to go to the bathroom. To manage, you can take isabgol for diarrhoea. 

Constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) involves infrequent, complex, or lumpy stools that are difficult to pass. Some females experience mixed IBS (IBS-M), where they alternate between diarrhoea and constipation. These bowel habit changes can be unpredictable and disrupt daily activities.

Also Read: 7 Common Causes Of Constipation In Women | ToneOpCare 

4. Mucus In Stool

Another symptom of IBS in females is the presence of mucus in the stool. The intestines secrete clear, white, or yellowish mucus to keep the colon lining lubricated. While some mucus in the stool is expected, an increased amount can be a sign of IBS. This symptom can be alarming but usually does not indicate a more severe condition.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common non-gastrointestinal symptom of IBS in females. The chronic pain, discomfort, and sleep disturbances associated with IBS can lead to persistent tiredness and a lack of energy. This fatigue can hamper your daily activities and reduce overall productivity and quality of life.

6. Anxiety And Depression

IBS is often connected with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The constant worry about symptoms, fear of having an accident in public, and the impact of IBS on social and work life can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. 

Moreover, the gut-brain axis, a communication link between the gut and the brain, is involved in IBS and mental health. This bidirectional relationship means that stress and anxiety can make IBS symptoms verse and vice versa.

7. Menstrual-Related Symptoms

For females with IBS, the menstrual cycle's hormonal variations can have a major effect. Along with many common menstrual problems, women report experiencing worsened symptoms of IBS, including increased stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. This is thought to be due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which can affect gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity.

Is There A Female Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment?

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in females involves a multifaceted approach that combines dietary and lifestyle adjustments, stress management techniques, medications, and sometimes psychological therapies. 

The treatment aims to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits, improving overall quality of life. Let’s have a look at the treatment strategies for female IBS sufferers:

1. Dietary Modifications

• Identifying Trigger Foods: Keeping a food diary helps pinpoint foods that worsen symptoms. Common triggers include high-fat foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and foods high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols).
• Low FODMAP Diet: This involves avoiding foods rich in certain carbohydrates that ferment in the gut, causing symptoms. A dietitian can help implement this diet correctly and ensure nutritional adequacy.
• Fibre: Soluble fibre (found in oats, fruits, and vegetables) can help regulate bowel movements and ease symptoms for some. Insoluble fibre (found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds) might sometimes worsen symptoms.
• Eating Habits: Smaller, more frequent meals can ease digestion. Chewing food thoroughly and avoiding large meals can reduce bloating and discomfort.
• Digest 360 Tablets: you can incorporate digestion supplements to help regulate and maintain your gut health.

Also read: 7 Common Gut Problems And How To Fix Them For Optimal Health

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps regulate bowel function and reduce stress, which can improve symptoms.
• Stress Management: While deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness might assist in lowering stress levels, they frequently exacerbate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Adequate Hydration: Drinking enough water can help maintain healthy bowel function. Hydration helps in regulating proper digestion as well.
• Regular Bowel Habits: Establishing a routine for bowel movements can help regulate symptoms.
• Sleep: Adequate rest is important for overall health and may help reduce stress levels.

3. Medications

• Antispasmodics: These drugs work by relaxing the intestines' muscles to reduce cramping and pain in the abdomen.
• Laxatives: For constipation-predominant IBS, laxatives can help regulate bowel movements.
• Anti-diarrheal Medications: These may be used to control diarrhoea in cases of diarrhoea-predominant IBS.
• Probiotics: Some studies suggest that beneficial bacteria can help improve symptoms of IBS by restoring gut flora balance.

4. Psychological Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps manage stress, anxiety, and coping mechanisms related to IBS symptoms.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): This technique combines mindfulness meditation and yoga to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

5. Medications Targeting Specific Symptoms

• Serotonin Modulators: Drugs that influence the gut's serotonin levels can help control bowel movements and lessen the experience of pain.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants: These medications can help alleviate abdominal pain and discomfort, particularly in cases where pain is a predominant symptom.

6. Alternative Therapies

• Acupuncture: Some individuals find relief from IBS symptoms through acupuncture, although scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is mixed.
• Herbal Remedies: Peppermint oil has been known to have potential benefits in alleviating IBS symptoms.

Dietitian’s Recommendation

While IBS is a chronic condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, females need to seek medical attention if they experience specific symptoms. These include significant weight loss, rectal bleeding, anaemia, and severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by passing stool or gas. These signs may point to a more serious ailment that might need a doctor's attention.

                                                                       Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Understanding and managing IBS is crucial for improving your quality of life. By recognising the common symptoms, potential triggers, and available treatment options, you can take control of your condition. 

Keep in mind that IBS remains a lasting ailment; however, through appropriate control, you could experience considerable alleviation and enhance your life quality. When IBS symptoms continue to trouble you, it is crucial that you consult a healthcare professional for correct identification and tailored treatment strategy.

FAQs

1. When should females seek medical help for IBS symptoms?

Females should seek medical attention if they experience severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, or persistent symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life or are accompanied by fever or anaemia. 

2. What causes diarrhoea in females with IBS?

Diarrhea in females with IBS can be triggered by various factors, including food intolerances (like lactose or gluten), bacterial infections, increased gut sensitivity, and abnormal motility in the intestines. Stress and hormonal fluctuations can also play a role in increasing diarrhoea episodes.

3. Is bloating a common symptom of IBS in females?

Yes, bloating is prevalent in females with IBS. It is characterised by a sensation of abdominal fullness or swelling due to trapped gas or abdominal distension. Bloating can fluctuate throughout the day and is often exacerbated after meals or during periods of stress, contributing to discomfort and affecting quality of life.

4. Can stress worsen IBS symptoms in females?

Yes, stress can significantly worsen IBS symptoms in females. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the brain and gut, influences gastrointestinal function. Stress triggers changes in gut motility, sensitivity, and inflammation, exacerbating symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits in those with IBS.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
• https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs/ibs-in-women/
• https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/symptoms-of-ibs-in-women

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