Survey study, 1999
Do bowel symptoms vary with the menstrual cycle in women with IBS and inflammatory bowel disease?
Yes. About two-thirds of women with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis reported that their symptoms got worse with their cycle. Women with IBS and inflammatory bowel disease reported more cyclical changes in bowel habits than women with normal bowel function.
What they did
Researchers interviewed women by telephone about bowel symptoms and menstrual cycles. They compared groups: 49 women with ulcerative colitis, 49 with Crohn's disease, 46 with irritable bowel syndrome, and 90 with normal bowel function. Interviews covered premenstrual symptoms, bowel changes in pregnancy, stress effects, and symptom patterns with the cycle.
What they found
Two-thirds of women with active ulcerative colitis and women with active or quiet Crohn's disease reported a link between disease symptoms and menstrual cycle. Almost all women reported premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Women with IBS and inflammatory bowel disease reported more cyclical changes in bowel habits than women with normal bowel function.
What it means for you
The study shows that menstrual cycle effects on bowel symptoms are common in women with gastrointestinal disease. The main limitation is that women were asked to recall symptoms by telephone, which may not be accurate. The study looked back at history rather than following women forward.
2/3
reported menstrual cycle effect
49
women with ulcerative colitis
49
women with Crohn's disease
About the study
- Original title
- THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE: AN IMPORTANT, BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED, PLAYER IN BOWEL DISORDERS
- Authors
- Wendy Biddle
- Journal
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 90
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00054725-199911000-00014
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