A healthy stomach is an essential component of a woman's overall health. If you have any worries regarding your digestive health, consult a gastroenterologist.

Most Common Gastrointestinal Problems in Women

Some gastrointestinal illnesses are more common among women. These include autoimmune liver illnesses as well as functional and neuro-motility disorders of the gut, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bowel disorders. IBS treatment might require a deeper analysis of a woman's overall health.

Digestion and the Menstrual Cycle

Many women suffer changes in their bowel habits and stomach pains throughout the monthly menstrual cycle. Women are typically bloated and constipated before menstruation, and their stools become looser during the menstrual cycle. 

Bloating before and during menstruation

It is typical for women to feel bloated before their period, and this might last into the early stages of their period. This is linked to changes in progesterone and estrogen levels, which lead the body to retain more salt and water. This is why you feel bloated.

Other variables that may exacerbate bloating include excessive salt intake, coffee consumption, and alcohol use.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and/or discomfort and a change in the frequency, form, or quality of stools. IBS is a chronic disease that can endure for years, as opposed to gastroenteritis, which causes a patient to become ill and rapidly recover.

What are the IBS symptoms?

IBS symptoms can last a long time or go away for a short time only to return. This includes:

  • Stomach discomfort or cramps
  • Bloating, gas, or flatulence
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Mucous discharge
  • Fatigue

Women with IBS tend to have more symptoms during their menstruation

Some doctors believe that 50% of women with IBS experience worse symptoms before or during their menstruation. This is related to fluctuations in hormone levels, which affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system and exacerbate GI symptoms.

How Is IBS Diagnosed?

There is no single test for IBS, and your doctor will diagnose based on your symptoms. Additional diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy, scans, or blood tests may be required to rule out other disorders.

Endoscopy

During an endoscope or upper endoscopy, your doctor will put a long, flexible tube down your neck and into your esophagus, with a camera attached to the end. This is known as an endoscope, and your doctor will use it to examine the upper digestive tract. Tissue samples might also be taken during an endoscopy to rule out other disorders.

Blood test

Your doctor may also suggest a blood test to rule out celiac disease, which has symptoms similar to IBS.

Breath test

A breath test can help detect bacterial overgrowth in the intestines or determine which foods you are intolerant to.

Stool test

If you have chronic diarrhea, your doctor may offer a stool test to look for bacteria, parasites, or bile acids.

How Is IBS Treated?

The severity of your IBS symptoms will determine your treatment, which may include the use of medication as well as techniques to address and resolve the underlying causes. Your doctor may also offer medication to alleviate symptoms and minimize nerve sensitivity.

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial. These include adopting stress management techniques and making an attempt to regulate your nutrition. It's also crucial to identify and avoid your triggers, which can vary from person to person.

Probiotics

Probiotics can also help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut and have been demonstrated to alleviate stomach pain and bloating in IBS patients.

The bottom line

These are some of the digestive issues that women experience. Fortunately, many illnesses can be treated quickly by obtaining medical guidance for an accurate diagnosis and receiving appropriate care. This allows women to avoid excessive discomfort while also enjoying a high quality of life.