Women's health study investigates higher IBS rates in females

A new study is investigating why women are disproportionately affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Research highlights that IBS is twice as common in women as in men, with female symptoms often being more severe due to biological mechanisms and hormonal fluctuations involving estrogen and progesterone.

Isabelle Pfundt, a patient whose experience sparked interest in the study, reported facing challenges in the public health system. She described being dismissed by a gastroenterologist who questioned if her symptoms were merely an attempt to avoid schoolwork, an experience she characterized as both ageist and sexist. After seeking private care, she was diagnosed with both IBS and endometriosis.

According to Jessica Biesiekierski, an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, approximately one in five Australians will experience IBS in their lifetime.