Women’s Health Week – 4-8 September 2023

Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the Menstrual Cycle

It has been noted that women experience fluctuations in gut symptoms in relation to their menstrual cycle.   Abdominal pain and diarrhoea may increase during and before menstruation.  For women with IBD, this is increased prior to their menstrual cycle and post menstrual cycle.  IBD can delay menstruation.

IBD and Mental Health

Women who have IBD have a higher rate of depression and anxiety.   IBD in women can have post-partum mental health disorders, including substance abuse and mood disorders.

Fatigue and IBD

Women with IBD fatigue can be common.   Poor quality of sleep is often experienced during times of active IBD, which can in turn often heighten stress and anxiety.    It is important to test for factors such as nutritional deficiency, iron deficiency and anaemia and mood disorders.  Increasing sleep, exercise and monitoring diet and caffeine intake is important.

Menopause and IBD

Menopause can begin earlier in women who suffer from IBD.  They can also have an increased risk of osteoporosis, corticosteroid exposure and women who have low body mass.   Women can take hormonal replacement therapy to help control their symptoms however sometimes this can increase the risk of blood clots.

IBD and Cancer Screening

For patients with IBD it is important to have a colonoscopy for cancer screening.  Patients with IBD have an increased risk of cervical cancer and abnormal cells (dysplasia).  For women taking azathioprine, immunosuppressants, methotrexate and mercaptopurine it is particularly important to have regular skin checks.  

IBD with irritable bowel symptoms (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is more common in women with IBD.   IBS can also be mistaken for IBD.   Treatment strategies are put in place to help with symptoms, this can also include diet, lifestyle changes and therapy.

The episodes of irritable bowel can become more frequent and intense due to carbohydrate malabsorption.   

The symptoms of menopause and IBD are as follows:

Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood changes, weight gain, and fatigue.   It is noted that women do experience these symptoms  who do not have IBD but these symptoms are more severe in women with IBD.  In addition, women can experience abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation and rectal bleeding.   If you are experiencing these symptoms please seek an appointment with Dr Michael Merrett on 1300 000 180.