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Related Experiment Videos

Gender-related differences in IBS symptoms.

O Y Lee1, E A Mayer, M Schmulson

  • 1CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center/Neuroenteric Disease Program, Department of Medicine and Physiology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 27, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report more non-painful sensory symptoms than men, despite similar IBS severity. These differences are not strongly linked to the menstrual cycle, suggesting altered sensory processing in female IBS patients.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) disproportionately affects women, who also report higher rates of chronic pain.
  • Existing research suggests potential gender-based differences in IBS symptom presentation and experience.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate gender-specific differences in visceral and musculoskeletal symptoms among IBS patients.
  • To explore the relationship between these differences and the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 714 IBS patients for gastrointestinal (GI), extracolonic, and psychological symptoms, alongside quality of life (QOL).
  • Compared premenopausal women, postmenopausal women, and age-matched males with IBS.

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Main Results:

  • Female IBS patients reported more bloating, constipation, nausea, taste/smell alterations, and medication side effects than males.
  • Similar GI symptom severity and psychological distress were reported by both genders.
  • While 40% of women linked symptom worsening to their menstrual cycle, few differences existed between pre- and postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:

  • Female IBS patients experience a broader range of sensory symptoms, including non-intestinal ones, compared to males.
  • Observed gender differences may stem from altered sensory processing, autonomic responses, or cognitive factors, rather than solely the menstrual cycle.