Hormonesare chemical messengers created by theendocrine system.
Hormonal balance can also play a role in regulating gut health.
Hormonal imbalances or fluctuations may increase some gastrointestinal symptoms, such as symptoms ofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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This article explains how hormonal changes influence gastrointestinal symptoms.
It also covers treatment options and when to see a healthcare provider.
Fluctuations in sex hormones, in particular the fluctuations ofestrogenin women, can contribute to symptom severity in IBS.
Researchers have observed that women tend to experience improvements in their IBS symptoms duringmenopausewhen hormonal fluctuations stop.
Menstruation
There are two main hormones associated with menstruationestrogen, and progesterone.
These hormones do not just affect the sex organs.
There are receptor cells for these hormones throughout your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
This’s why many womeneven those without IBSexperience digestive symptoms related to their menstrual cycle.
This can cause a variety of symptoms.
These symptoms may also be due to the growth of the baby.
In pregnancy, hormonal changes cause the muscles between the stomach and the esophagus to relax.
This can cause heartburn.
By the third trimester of pregnancy, half of all expectant mothers will experience heartburn.
Changes in hormones may also impact the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract.
This can cause a slowing of bowel movements and can result in constipation.
Studies on the relationship between IBS and menopause have yielded mixed results.
That, in turn, leads to an increase in IBS symptoms.
These synthetic hormones can reduce the hormone fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle.
However, research on hormonal birth control’s effect on IBS symptoms is inconclusive.
Managing Symptoms
Coping with IBS symptoms in addition to hormonal symptoms will vary based on individual experience.
There are a number of ways to keep the endocrine system healthy and functioning well.
Some hormonal changes can cause an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if you have IBS.
Hormone changes may occur due to menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and being on birth control.
Managing symptoms can include medication or self-care remedies like staying hydrated and using a hot water bottle.
This can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing, but remember that there’s help available.
If you’re concerned about any symptoms you’re experiencing, speak with your healthcare provider.
They can help you find an appropriate treatment plan and set you on a path to feeling better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hormones can become out of balance.
This can cause health problems, including infertility, diabetes, weakened bones, and weight changes.
These include gut hormones like:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause a variety of symptoms.
These include:
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UTSouthwestern Medical Center.4 common pregnancy-related GI issues, and when to call the doctor.
Jean Hailes.Perimenopause: how to manage the change before The Change.
Stanford Health Care.Treatments for Chronic Nausea.
Merck Manual.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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