Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing discomfort and problems with bowel movements. Frequent symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. However, symptoms can manifest in women differently.
For some women, symptoms may start suddenly and come and go, often feeling intense during flare-ups but easing between episodes. Others might notice their symptoms begin slowly and worsen over time. Many women with IBS also have worse symptoms during their period.
Women and men can have the same symptoms of digestive discomforts and irregularities. The exact symptoms of IBS you experience can differ widely from person to person. Regardless of sex or gender, symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea (frequent loose or watery stools)
- Constipation (infrequent hard or lumpy stools)
- An alternation between diarrhea and constipation
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Bloating and gas
- A feeling of an incomplete bowel movement
- Mucus in the stool
- Nausea
- Fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell
These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency. Their effect on daily life can be significant, making it essential to manage IBS with appropriate strategies and treatments.
Symptoms by Type
There are a few types of IBS, which are based on symptoms. Here are the symptoms that a woman (or man) might experience with each type:
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): People with IBS-D experience more frequent loose or watery stools. This type of IBS is often accompanied by abdominal cramping and urgency (a sudden need to make a bowel movement).
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C): People with IBS-C find it hard to make a bowel movement, and when they do, the stool is usually hard or lumpy. This type of IBS can lead to discomfort and bloating, and you may also strain during bowel movements.
- IBS with mixed symptoms (IBS-M): IBS-M involves a mix of diarrhea and constipation. People with this type may alternate between periods of diarrhea and constipation, which can make management more complex. In some cases, diarrhea and constipation can happen during the same bowel movement.
- IBS unclassified (IBS-U): This category is used when symptoms do not fit neatly into the other types of IBS.
While women and men can have similar symptoms, how they experience them can differ, partly due to physiological factors. Female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, influence gut motility (movement of food through the digestive tract) and pain perception, contributing to IBS symptoms.
These are some ways IBS symptoms can be different among women:
- Women are more likely to have IBS-C.
- Women with IBS report higher levels of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and a lower quality of life compared to men.
- Women often experience more severe abdominal pain and constipation, while men more frequently report diarrhea-related symptoms.
Hormones can affect when a woman experiences her symptoms. Women often report worsened IBS symptoms during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who’ve gone through menopause can also experience a change in their IBS symptom severity.
Women are also more likely to experience overlapping chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
These sex-gender differences in IBS symptoms highlight the importance of a tailored approach to diagnosing and treating IBS in women.
IBS can affect people of all ages, including children. Approximately 14% of high school students and 6% of middle school students report experiencing symptoms similar to IBS.
Girls and boys are typically affected equally, with similar symptoms. IBS in children can cause a range of symptoms that impact daily activities and overall well-being. Symptoms are similar to those of adults and may include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- The alternation between diarrhea and constipation
- Mucus in the stool
- The feeling that they have not finished a bowel movement
These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency, affecting a child’s comfort and quality of life.
Girls and teens who’ve started menstruating can have worsened IBS symptoms during their period, like greater abdominal pain, increased bloating, and more frequent bowel movements.
You should see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of IBS. Whether or not you’ve already been diagnosed with IBS, you should also see a healthcare provider if you’ve had any long-term changes in your bowel habits.
Bloody stool and unintentional weight loss are not a part of IBS. If you have either of those symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider to determine the cause.
IBS is a group of digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Women and men can have the same IBS symptoms, but women may experience symptoms at different rates or severity.
Women may be more likely than men to have severe abdominal pain and constipation. IBS symptoms can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, with symptoms often worsening during menstruation.
