There is an old saying that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. While we know that this is clearly not true, there are some differences in our anatomy that make our bodies function in surprisingly different ways. One of these ways is the difference between how our digestive systems work. Despite the functional side of the GI tract being structured more or less exactly the same way between men and women, there are tiny variations that change the way that a woman processes food compared to how a man does which can lead to GI issues.
These anatomical variations include the slower speed at which a woman’s stomach empties, women’s slightly longer large intestines, the smaller amount of stomach acid that women produce, and the tightness of their lower esophageal sphincter (the band that prevents food from coming up through the esophagus when it closes).
The differences obviously extend far beyond our digestive systems. While many women experience unusual GI symptoms during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal fluctuations can also make women more prone to GI issues. The hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life as well as these slight differences in the GI tract can cause women to experience some common GI problems more severely or more frequently than men.
These common GI issues include:
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that develops when the stomach muscles do not push food through the digestive tract quickly enough. This can then lead to bloating, nausea, heartburn, and vomiting. Eventually, it can also lead to issues with blood sugar levels and nutrition. While the exact cause is unknown, it has been linked to different types of medications and diabetes.
Constipation
Constipation is the term used to describe when stool becomes dry or hard and it becomes difficult to evacuate. Women are three times more likely to experience constipation than a man. While the exact reasons for this are unclear, it could be due to stress, embarrassment, the long-term effects of past pregnancies, and diet. Although constipation can be uncomfortable, it usually does not lead to serious GI issues and can be remedied by dietary changes, water consumption, and taking over-the-counter medication. However, if it persists, it may be a symptom of something more serious and it is a good idea to call a doctor for advice.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Usually characterized by bloating, cramps, constipation, and diarrhea, IBS impacts the small bowel and colon. When high rates of estrogen and progesterone interfere, they can cause the stomach muscles to slow down which causes the stomach to empty more slowly. Symptoms of IBS have been known to intensify during a woman’s menstrual cycle, leading to additional discomfort.
Celiac disease
This autoimmune disease is caused by ingesting gluten. The gluten does not get digested normally. Instead, the body sees it as a harmful substance and begins to react. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the small bowel. While it is unclear why women are more susceptible to Celiac disease, it does appear that women are more likely to experience autoimmune disease in general than men.
Gallstones
Gallstones are small “stones” that form in the gallbladder. They are usually made from hardened cholesterol. They are caused by an imbalance of the chemical makeup of bile within the gallbladder and are thought to be more common in women due to the increased levels of estrogen. Gallstones normally don’t cause any symptoms; however, one can get trapped in an opening duct inside the gallbladder. This will lead to intense pain that can last anywhere between an hour and five hours. If the gallbladder becomes inflamed, they may also experience persistent pain, a high body temperature, and jaundice.
How can we help?
We hope that this post shows just how important it is for women to pay special attention to their gut health in order to help lessen the symptoms of common GI problems so they can feel their best. If you are struggling with any of the above GI issues, please do not hesitate to give us a call to set up a consultation with one of our in-house experts!