Irritable Bowel Syndrome  Women and IBS 1260x542
4 Oct 2012

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Women and IBS

2 mins to read
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition of abnormal bowel functioning of the large and small intestines and it can often occur in association with PMS, painful periods and endometriosis. Naturopath Jennifer McLennan explains.


Do you have IBS?
A diagnosis of IBS is given when other bowel conditions have been ruled out. It can affect both men and women of any age, and it can present with a predominance of constipation, diarrhoea, or both. When IBS is present, patients will experience a change in stool appearance and/or frequency, as well as pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Discomfort is generally relieved with a bowel motion. Other symptoms include:

  • Needing to go to the toilet urgently
  • Feeling like there is incomplete evacuation of the bowels
  • Bloating
  • Mucus in the stool

What causes IBS?
The cause of IBS is not known entirely known, but it is thought to be triggered commonly by stress and dietary factors, such as food intolerances. Stress can affect the nervous system by shutting off the rest and digest function of the gut, which helps break food down and regulate bowel mobility. Other factors point to poor or altered gut flora, past infection and side effects of some medications.

The role of the menstrual cycle in IBS
An added aggravating factor for women can be the menstrual cycle, which may trigger and compound the symptoms of IBS. Many women experience a sluggish bowel pre-menstrually which increases IBS symptoms of constipation, bloating, fullness and sluggishness. IBS may also worsen period pain during menses, as bowel spasm can be triggered, increasing general abdominal pain.

How to help manage your IBS symptoms

  • Avoid trigger foods. Many people with IBS notice a worsening of symptoms with certain foods such as the short chain carbohydrates lactose and fructose. If they are poorly absorbed, they can cause increased water to be drawn into the bowel, as well as an increase in abdominal gas, leading to pain and bloating. Other foods that may trigger IBS include caffeine and alcohol, as well as fatty and sugary foods. Keeping a food diary will help you to identify the triggers.
  • Probiotics. Good bowel bacteria have been shown to be positively associated with an improvement of IBS symptoms.
  • Drink plenty of water. This will help to relieve constipation and prevent dehydration if there is diarrhoea.
  • Fibre. Consumption of fibre may assist in managing both constipation and diarrhoea. Psyllium husks added daily to the diet may improve constipation after a few weeks.
  • Stress management. Managing stress is an important step in helping to minimise the symptoms of IBS. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help you to deal with the physical response to stress and anxiety. Other stress management techniques include exercise and yoga.
  • Tea. Try reaching for the herbal tea when symptoms are aggravated. Make a cuppa with chamomile, peppermint and ginger. For bowel spasms, add fennel or liquorice to the mix.

References available on request



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