Korean J Gastrointest Motil.  2003 Jun;9(1):47-52.

Relationship between Bowel Symptom Changes and Dysmenorrhea in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women

• Cho YK
• Jung SA
• Shim KN
• Choi YJ
• Kim HS
• Lee JS
• Kim SE
• Kim DY
• Yoo K

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between bowel symptom changes and dysmenorrhea in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to the menstrual cycle.
METHODS
Two hundred thirty-seven female medical students filled up questionnaires including change of bowel symptom, dysmenorrhea and perimenstrual symptom. Seventeen volunteered to keep diaries concerning their bowel habits and menstruation for two menstrual cycles.
RESULTS
One hundred and sixty-three (68.8%) reported that their bowel habit was changed according to menstrual cycle. Ninety-three (39.2%) fit the Rome II criteria of IBS. The number of subjects who reported changed bowel habit during the menstruation period was more in the IBS group than in the non-IBS group (84/93 vs. 83/144, p<0.005). The severity of dysmenorrhea was not different between IBS and non-IBS groups. The menstrual distress score during the menstruation period was significantly higher in the IBS group than in the non-IBS group. In 17 volunteers (12 IBS, 5 non-IBS), stool consistency and frequency were not significantly different between the menstruation and non-menstruation periods, regardless of their IBS status. The mean score of abdominal pain was higher in the menstruation than in the non-menstruation period only in the IBS group.
CONCLUSIONS
IBS women have more bowel symptoms during their menstruation period than non-IBS women. Its mechanism should be further clarified.

Keyword

Irritable bowel syndrome; Menstrual cycle; Dysmenorrhea; Women

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Dysmenorrhea*
Female
Humans
Irritable Bowel Syndrome*
Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation
Students, Medical
Volunteers
Surveys and Questionnaires