Is IBS worse before and/or during your menstrual cycle?
Hello! I was just wondering for the women suffering with IBS (I personally suffer more w/ IBS-C type), if anyone has noticed more flare ups during their menstrual cycle or during PMS. I am noticing a strong correlation and I just don't know if that's normal, but I do know hormones can definitely play a role in IBS altogether. Thank you in advance!!
Thanks for this question,
. While we wait for others to chime in, I thought I'd share this article with you: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/menstrual-cycle/. Hope this helps! - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team 
Hi
,
Thank you for asking this question.was able to share a great article that speaks to the very common experience women go through with IBS during their monthly cycle. I wanted to chime in and put your mind at ease...not only is this a common situation women with IBS find themselves in, but women without GI issues also have shared that their bowel movements tend to differ during that time of the month...as shared in this article: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19916310/5-ways-your-period-messes-with-your-pooping-habits/
Many people that struggle with IBS find that keeping a daily journal of food intake and their symptoms allows them to monitor possible triggers. If you were to cross reference this with your monthly cycle, you may notice some patterns. Hope this information was helpful 😀~Marci (IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team)
Thank you both so much! I also downloaded the app Bowelle so I am going to try and track diet too with that. I feel like my IBS symptoms are fluctuating and some flare ups are just more tolerable than others, but nonetheless so uncomfortable and sometimes so very painful. Thank you both for sharing the literature!
Hi, yes for me it definitely is. I think it has to do with the hormones and the many nerves in the stomach. Usually on my first menstrual day I get an IBS flare up and feel absolutely terrible all day.
