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Sex-Gender Differences in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Young Sun Kim1, Nayoung Kim2,3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Healthcare Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|October 24, 2018
Summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) presents differently in women and men, affecting prevalence, symptoms, and treatment. Understanding sex and gender differences is crucial for personalized IBS care and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Research
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) exhibits significant sex and gender disparities in prevalence, clinical presentation, and patient-reported outcomes.
- IBS is more common in women, with IBS with constipation being particularly prevalent. Women with IBS report higher rates of fatigue, depression, and anxiety, alongside a lower quality of life compared to men.
- The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms influenced by sex hormones and gender differences remain largely unknown, limiting current therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of sex and gender differences on the clinical presentation and treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- To highlight the need for a sex-gender-oriented approach in managing IBS patients.
- To emphasize the potential benefits of individualized, multicomponent treatment strategies that incorporate sex and gender considerations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex-gender differences in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Analysis of reported variations in IBS prevalence, subtype distribution, and symptom experience between men and women.
- Examination of evidence regarding differential treatment efficacy and clinical trial enrollment biases.
Main Results:
- IBS is more prevalent in women, particularly the constipation-predominant subtype.
- Women with IBS experience greater psychological distress (fatigue, depression, anxiety) and reduced quality of life.
- Evidence suggests potential differences in treatment efficacy between sexes, compounded by underrepresentation of men in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Sex and gender significantly influence the manifestation and experience of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- A tailored, sex- and gender-informed approach is necessary to improve the understanding and management of diverse IBS patient populations.
- Individualized, multicomponent therapies addressing sex and gender issues hold promise for enhancing IBS treatment outcomes.
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