Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Female Hormones
Dr. Richard Hagmeyer holistic health care expert in Naperville IL, explains the connection between Thyroid hormone, progesterone, and Irritable Bowel syndrome also known as IBS.
Nearly everyone is familiar with the physical discomfort associated with diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and gas. Imagine having those symptoms occur, in some combination, on a regular daily basis without reprieve?. Millions of women can testify to the discomfort and embarrassment IBS causes.
The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to one in five Americans has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (sometimes called “spastic colon”), and 75% of them are women.
Over the last 12 years, I have many patients with IBS, most have suffered without any answers or relief with their IBS symptoms. Many patients have jumped from doctor to doctor simply because previous doctors couldn’t find the cause of the illness. Many were told that they just need to take more fiber, some were told they are just “stressed out” they need a vacation and some were prescribed antispasmodics, sedatives, or antidepressants.
That is NOT the answer nor is this the approach taken at The Naperville Institute For Neuro Metabolic Solutions. Most of those treatments don’t work, because they don’t address the underlying root causes of why your digestion is not working in the first place.
For over 12 years I have been successfully treating Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease, Acid Reflux, Gluten Sensitivity, Crohn’s and other digestive conditions using an approach I designed called “10 Keys to Better GI Health“. This approach, when applied correctly, removes the underlying causes and restores normal digestive function and health for those suffering with GI Problems. One of those keys to Better GI Health requires the investigation into the relationship between Hormones and IBS. Hormone imbalances include assessment for Optimal Thyroid Function, Optimal Adrenal Function and Optimal Male/Female Hormones. We take this approach because there is wide overlap between the causes and symptoms seen in irritable bowel syndrome and those of other problems, which include Food sensitivities, yeast overgrowth, endometriosis, Celiac disease to name just a few.
If you are woman who is suffering with IBS and Hormone Imbalances this article is a must read.
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IBS Hormones and Menstruation
Hormonal imbalance. If you are a woman who suffers with IBS, you may have noticed that your IBS symptoms are at their all time worst just before your periods. Why this occurs is not 100% clear, but it most likely has to do with the pattern of hormonal fluctuation in the second half of the cycle. During the second half of the cycle estrogen is lower for several days, whereas progesterone is relatively high at the end of the cycle, then drops off suddenly just before menses. Progesterone in general slows gut motility, and lower-than-normal estrogen levels have been identified in women with IBS. It’s possible that when the ratio between these two sex hormones is off, sluggish bowels could in turn increase pelvic congestion causing bloating, cramping, diarrhea.
This is why symptoms are often worse at the start or end of menstruation. In pregnancy, steady, long-term hormone production by the placenta tends to minimize changes as the pregnancy progresses. This is why it is so important you work with a practitioner who looks at the “Big Picture” and will address the 10 keys to better GI Health.
Another Factor that will contribute to a higher incidence of IBS in women than men islow thyroid function and Adrenal Fatigue
Thyroid Health and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Patients with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can experience symptoms related to their digestive tracts that improve with natural treatment to the thyroid.
An under-active thyroid gland or “hypothyroidism” causes a decrease in bodily metabolism which affects the rate at which digestion occurs, resulting in symptoms related to slowed bowel movements and digestion. With overactive thyroid conditions or “hyperthyroidism” metabolism is sped-up, causing an abnormal increase in the rate of digestion and bowel activity. The goal of treatment for both types of thyroid disorders is to correct the metabolism back to a normal level by correcting the causes behind poor Thyroid function.
Constipation and Hypothyroidism
With hypothyroidism, foods are converted into fuels for energy in the body at a slower rate than in people with normal metabolisms. This can cause bowel movements to be less-frequent and can cause them to become hardened and dryer than normal. A build up in the bowels can also occur causing discomfort, bloating and pain in the stomach and painful bowel movements. In some cases of autoimmune hypothyroidism called “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis”, when intermittent phases of hyperthyroidism also occur (Hashitoxicosis), a person can alternate between spells of constipation and diarrhea. If thyroid disease is not properly diagnosed, the person may believe the condition is caused by IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
The bottom line is that each woman has a different biochemistry and consequently heals differently, particularly when it comes to the gut. The best course of action will be a treatment program that is tailored to you unique physiology and chemistry.
The Naperville Institute For Neuro Metabolic Solutions provides Natural holistic treatment for a wide range of ailments affecting the GI tract, from celiac disease and peptic ulcers to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A Successful Plan For Recovery will address the issues you see below. If your Treatment program is not addressing these core issues, it is very hard for you to get well.
Our Personal IBS Recovery Program Is A Great place To Start
The Personal Program IBS Recovery Program is a Natural Treatment for IBS and other GI related problems. Our office utilizes nutritional supplements, Dietary modifications, Hormone and endocrine support formula, and lifestyle guidance.
- To Schedule a Free 15 minute Phone Consult to see if this program is right for you Fill out our online questionnaire.
- If you’re ready to get started and schedule an appointment take a moment and fill out our contact us form and in the comment box let us know what time of the day works best to contact you. One of our New Patient Coordinators will contact you with the next available new patient opening within 24-48 hours.
- Still have questions? Our Free 15 minute personalized Phone consult is a great place to start.
We’re here to listen and help you through this frustrating and confusing time.
Other article by Dr. Hagmeyer You May be Interested In Reading
2. Naperville Natural IBS Treatment For Kids. Dr Hagmeyer The Importance of the Gut Environment.
3. IBS Natural and Holistic Treatments That Work. 10 Reasons You Suffer with IBS. Dr Hagmeyer
5. Chronic Fatigue| Weight Gain| Auto Immune IBS|Dr Hagmeyer Explains Leaky Gut
