Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common disorders of the digestive system, but did you know that women are 1.5 to 3 times more likely to develop it than men, as researchers suggest that female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may be a factor in this. So, get acquainted with us, through the following article, about the most important symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women in different cases, and what happens if these symptoms are neglected:

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women

Many studies have shown that women are significantly more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome than men. Which may cause a state of exhaustion and frustration in many women, due to the possibility of irritable bowel syndrome being affected by the menstrual cycle. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, However, the most prominent symptoms that may appear include the following:

1- Constipation

Constipation is a common symptom among many women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which makes stools pass very little, dry and hard, and thus becomes difficult to pass.

2- Diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome, associated with diarrhea, is more common in men. However, it may also appear in women with irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea usually appears just before menstruation.

3- flatulence

Another common symptom in women is a feeling of tightness in the upper abdomen, especially during premenstrual syndrome compared to women without irritable bowel syndrome. This also leads to loss of appetite and feeling full sooner than usual.

4- Abdominal pain

Pelvic pain that occurs below the navel is a common symptom among women with irritable bowel syndrome. Where one study indicated that a third of women infected with it may suffer from chronic pelvic pain, which is a symptom of acute irritable bowel syndrome in women.

5- Fatigue and feeling tired

The feeling of fatigue and exposure to fatigue is a common and recurring symptom for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which may also lead to feelings of fatigue, insomnia, and inability to sleep more in women compared to the case in men.

6- Frequent urination

Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are more likely to have problems with the lower urinary tract than women without this syndrome, such as urinary incontinence or frequent urination.

7- Depression and psychological stress

Studies have also found that women are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety associated with irritable bowel syndrome compared to men, as a result of its negative impact on their daily lifestyle.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in pregnant women

Pregnant women usually tend to experience symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome more than non-pregnant women, and this is due to pregnancy hormones that affect the function of the digestive system, as these hormones affect how quickly stool moves from the large intestine, and how much water the stool absorbs on its way out. . Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in pregnant women may include:

• Feeling sick.
• heartburn
• constipation.
• Diarrhea in other cases.
• Feeling pain in the abdomen.
• the presence of gases
• feeling bloated

Also, stress and psychological tension may lead to an increase in the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome when pregnant, so it is necessary to try to relax in order to avoid exacerbation of symptoms, and to make some lifestyle changes such as:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do regular physical activity, such as walking daily.
• Get enough dietary fiber, which helps treat constipation.
• Follow some ways to relax, such as practicing meditation and yoga.
• Avoid eating hard-to-digest foods that may give you gas, such as broccoli and cauliflower.

It is worth noting that some studies indicated that pregnant women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are more likely to have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, but these studies still need more studies and experiments, so in order to avoid any health complications, we recommend the need to follow up with a specialist doctor to monitor all changes. Pregnancy regularly.

Symptoms of psychological irritable bowel syndrome in women

The symptoms of psychological Irritable Bowel Syndrome may differ from one woman to another, but what triggers psychological Irritable Bowel Syndrome is usually associated with a feeling of tension or exposure to stressful situations. Symptoms in this case may include:

• Feeling cramping and pain in the abdominal area.
• Spotting mucus in the stool.
• Exposure to stomach gases, especially during the night.
• Diarrhea and constipation may occur together.
• Bouts of feeling depressed and anxious.
• Tension and feeling psychological distress.

Effect of sex hormones on Irritable Bowel Syndrome in women

Female sex hormones affect the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in women in several ways, as the intestinal cells contain so-called receptors, which allow these hormones to stick to them, which explains why the digestive system is affected by them. When disorders occur in these hormones, some symptoms begin to appear, such as:

• slow stomach emptying
• Increased pain and discomfort.
• High levels of inflammation in the body.
• Feeling anxious and depressed.

This is in addition to significantly affecting the symptoms of menstruation in many women, such as making it more abundant and painful. Irritable bowel syndrome may also lead to a decrease in sexual desire.

Complications of irritable bowel syndrome in women

Having chronic diarrhea or constipation for a long time can lead to hemorrhoids. It may also lead to weakness in the muscles that support the organs in the pelvic area.

Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are at increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse, as a result of weakened tissues and muscles supporting the pelvic organs. This condition may occur as a result of chronic constipation. Types of pelvic organ prolapse that may occur include:

1. Uterine prolapse.
2. Vaginal prolapse.
3. Urethral prolapse.

Why women are more susceptible to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

It seems that female hormones are significantly associated with an increase in Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms in women, as a group of 193 women and 179 men were examined, to find out the percentage of infection and the rate of increase in symptoms in both sexes, and the results showed that Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms appeared in women more than men, and it was months The symptom in men is diarrhoea, while women suffer mostly from constipation.
It is worth noting that the symptoms did not differ much in women during menstruation than in normal times, but the intestinal and stomach symptoms in general were more frequent in women, which confirms that the symptoms associated with irritable bowel appear more in women.