When IBS Meets Hormones: How Menstruation, PMS & Menopause Impact Your Gut—and Why Personalised Care Matters
Introduction – Understanding the Cycle-IBS Connection
For countless women, the arrival of their menstrual cycle isn't just a normal rhythm—it can also be a trigger for gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research shows that hormonal shifts and cycle phases often intensify IBS symptoms, leaving many feeling overwhelmed. But there’s hope—and help. At Sirona Health Ltd, we understand these unique patterns and offer tailored care to help you feel better, every phase of the month.
The Science Behind It
1. Symptom Flare-Ups During Menstruation
Studies show that women with IBS often experience worse symptoms during their period—more abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and increased bowel sensitivity—than at other times in their cycle. For instance, rectal sensitivity increases at menses compared to the follicular, luteal, and premenstrual phases.
Additionally, a study of 102 premenopausal women found significantly more bloating across all phases, and higher rates of physician visits and activity limitations during menstruation.
2. Hormones Affect Your Gut
Estrogen and progesterone—key players in your cycle—modulate gut motility and sensitivity. Progesterone slows transit during the luteal phase, often causing constipation and bloating, while estrogen fluctuations can heighten pain perception when levels drop during menstruation.
3. Midlife & Menopause Bring New Challenges
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause don’t just affect mood—they can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms. As estrogen and progesterone levels fall, gut-brain communication, motility, sensitivity, and even microbiome balance may be disrupted.
A health survey found:
82% of participants developed or saw worsening digestive symptoms in perimenopause/menopause,
85% reported bloating,
58% experienced stomach pain.
4. Holistic Factors Matter
IBS in midlife isn’t just hormonal—it’s a perfect storm. Stress, poor sleep, diet, inactivity, surgical history, psychosocial factors, and gut microbiome changes all contribute.
Why Personalised Care at Sirona Health Ltd Helps
At Sirona Health Ltd, we go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Here's how our personalised method stands apart:
Cycle-Specific Symptom Tracking
We help you map symptom patterns to cycle phases—so you can pinpoint and manage your triggers.Targeted Management Strategies
We tailor dietary advice (e.g., low-FODMAP during high-risk phases), supplements, stress tools, and sleep hygiene practices—aligned with hormonal fluctuations.Hormonal Interventions (if appropriate)
For midlife women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might relieve IBS symptoms along with menopausal discomfort—discussed carefully with youIntegrated Lifestyle Approaches
We address sleep, stress, exercise, and the gut–brain axis holistically to improve overall well-being.Ongoing Support & Adjustment
Your care evolves with you—cycle by cycle, phase by phase.
Take Your First Step to Relief
If you’re noticing that IBS worsens during your menstrual cycle, PMS, or menopause, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to manage it alone.
Book an appointment with Sirona Health Ltd today and gain:
A personalised assessment of your IBS and hormonal patterns.
Clear strategies for symptom relief tailored to YOUR cycle.
Care from specialists experienced in tackling IBS across life stages.
Together, we’ll help you take charge of your gut health—day, night, and month.