Survey study, 2002
Does the menstrual cycle change gut sensitivity in women with IBS?
Yes. Women with IBS have more sensitive bowels during their period compared to other times, which may explain why their IBS gets worse. Women without IBS do not show this change.
What they did
29 women aged 21-44 with IBS were tested at four different times in their cycle: days 1-4 (period), days 8-10 (middle of cycle), days 18-20 (late cycle), and days 24-28 (before period). Researchers measured gut sensitivity, pain, bloating, bowel habits, and mood.
What they found
During the period, women with IBS had worse abdominal pain and bloating compared with other cycle phases. Bowel movements became more frequent during the period. Gut sensitivity increased during the period compared with all other phases. No changes were found in gut wall tension, muscle contractions, or anal pressure across the cycle.
What it means for you
Women with IBS respond differently to their menstrual cycle than women without IBS do. Their gut becomes more sensitive during their period, which explains why their IBS symptoms get worse. This is a small study (29 women) so more research is needed to confirm these findings.
29 women
Number of participants
aged 21-44
Age range
4 phases
Cycle phases tested
About the study
- Original title
- The menstrual cycle affects rectal sensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome but not healthy volunteers
- Authors
- Houghton LA, Lea R, Jackson N et al.
- Journal
- Gut
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 29
- What was tested
- None - observational study tracking changes across the cycle
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/gut.50.4.471
Topics
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