{"id":60303,"date":"2025-09-15T17:35:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T17:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=60303"},"modified":"2025-09-15T17:35:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T17:35:48","slug":"ibs-in-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/ibs-in-women\/","title":{"rendered":"IBS in Women"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know that women are up to twice as likely to be diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) compared to men? In fact, about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/ibs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2017\/10\/IBS-in-Women.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14\u201324% of women<\/a> worldwide experience IBS symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IBS is a chronic condition that affects how the gut works. Both men and women can experience pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, but in women, these symptoms are often more intense <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6175559\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">due to hormonal changes<\/a>, menstrual cycles, and stress. This can affect how IBS shows up, gets diagnosed, and is treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a dietitian who\u2019s supported hundreds of women with IBS, I\u2019ve seen how deeply it affects women\u2019s daily lives\u2014from what they wear to how they eat and feel about themselves. Let\u2019s dive into possible causes and symptoms of IBS in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is IBS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/definition-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IBS<\/a> is a gut condition that causes symptoms without visible damage to the digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abdominal (Belly) pain or cramping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bloating and gas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constipation, diarrhea, or both<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feeling like you didn\u2019t fully empty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is IBS More Common in Women?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several reasons why it\u2019s possible IBS is more common in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Role of <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3949254\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hormones in Gut Motility<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One key reason is the strong effect of sex hormones\u2014estrogen and progesterone\u2014on the gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These hormones affect how quickly food moves through the digestive system, how sensitive the gut is, and how well the gut barrier works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the second half of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone is higher, the <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9150547\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gut slows down<\/a>, which can lead to constipation. Estrogen also affects the gut by influencing <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3949254\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inflammation and immune response<\/a>. Hormonal shifts help explain why IBS feels worse at certain times of the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connection Between <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4527267\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Menstrual Cycle and IBS<\/a> Symptom Flare-Ups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many women with IBS notice their symptoms get worse around their period. In fact, up to 50\u201360% report more bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hormone changes during the cycle can slow digestion and make the gut more sensitive to pain. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to consider hormone fluctuations when understanding and treating IBS in women. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emotional and Psychological Stress Response Differences in Women<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studies indicate <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4051914\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">women feel more gut pain<\/a> than men. They also deal with <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11856493\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">anxiety or depression<\/a>, which can make gut symptoms worse. Stress slows digestion, increases sensitivity, and can cause inflammation, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7213601\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">increased intestinal permeability<\/a>, or &#8220;leaky gut&#8221; which allows bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response that can worsen IBS symptoms.&nbsp;That\u2019s why IBS treatment for women should also support mental and emotional health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/women-group-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"Women in group joined together holding hands\" class=\"wp-image-60582 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/women-group-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"Women in group joined together holding hands\" class=\"wp-image-60582 lazyload\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recognizing IBS Symptoms in Women<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How can you recognize common symptoms of IBS in women? Let\u2019s explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7529855\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Constipation-Predominant IBS<\/a> (IBS-C)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women with IBS are much more likely than men to have constipation as their main symptom. One large study found that about two-thirds of women with IBS deal mostly with constipation. This is partly because the hormone progesterone slows down digestion, especially in the second half of the menstrual cycle and during <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3322543\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">perimenopause<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pelvic Pain, Painful Menstruation, Fatigue<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many women with IBS also have other symptoms like <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3322543\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pelvic pain, painful periods<\/a>, and ongoing fatigue. These symptoms often get worse with hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. More than half of women with IBS report period pain and tiredness that affect their daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5985632\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fatigue<\/a> is often connected to <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6779243\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">poor sleep<\/a> , inflammation, and imbalances in gut bacteria\u2014all common in women with IBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overlap with Gynecological Conditions<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IBS often occurs alongside gynecological conditions like <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9357916\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">endometriosis<\/a>, which can make diagnosis harder. Up to 40% of women with endometriosis also have IBS. Since both conditions share symptoms like <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9571159\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pelvic pain<\/a>, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, many women are misdiagnosed or wait a long time to get the right treatment. and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosis Challenges and Misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women are often diagnosed with IBS much later than they should be\u2014sometimes years after symptoms begin. This delay is partly due to stigma and the tendency to blame their symptoms on stress, anxiety, or periods. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3108663\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studies<\/a> show women are more likely than men to be told their symptoms are \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11408903\/\">just in their head<\/a>\u201d instead of being properly checked for IBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On average, it takes about 6.6 years to get an IBS diagnosis. During that time, many women live with ongoing symptoms, try treatments that don\u2019t help, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10237074\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">feel frustrated or dismissed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How IBS Is Diagnosed: Rome IV Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help diagnose IBS more accurately, we use the <a href=\"https:\/\/theromefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rome-Foundation-Diagnostic-Criteria-Booklet-2019.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rome IV Criteria<\/a>, which focus on symptom patterns.<br>A person may have IBS if they\u2019ve had abdominal pain at least one day a week over the past 3 months, along with at least two of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The pain is related to having a <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5704116\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bowel movement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There\u2019s a change in how often they go to the bathroom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There\u2019s a change in the appearance of their stool<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These symptoms must have started at least 6 months ago and been happening regularly for the last 3 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Self-Advocacy Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a woman with IBS, you may have already experienced being misunderstood or brushed off. Sadly, this happens far too often. That\u2019s why self-advocacy\u2014speaking up for yourself\u2014is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions, request tests, or get a second opinion. Pushing for answers doesn\u2019t make you difficult\u2014it makes you an active partner in your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most powerful tools you can use is a symptom journal. Writing down what you eat, how your gut feels, when symptoms show up, your bowel habits, and where you are in your menstrual cycle can give your healthcare provider valuable clues. It can help them see patterns you might miss\u2014and lead to a faster, more accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IBS Treatment in Women: A Holistic Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing IBS naturally starts with the right diet and lifestyle. For many women, the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31520160\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">low FODMAP diet<\/a> can reduce bloating, gas, and irregular bowel habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it\u2019s not meant to be long-term\u2014working with a dietitian helps you safely reintroduce foods and protect your gut health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular movement (like walking or yoga), stress support through mindfulness or <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24999797\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CBT<\/a>, and getting enough sleep and hydration all support the gut-brain connection and help ease symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some women may also need medical treatments, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Antispasmodics for cramping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laxatives for cramping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38287443\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Targeted probiotics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26148247\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Targeted fi<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26148247\/\">ber support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IBS treatment for women should be personalized, combining natural strategies and medical tools to support lasting relief and whole-body wellness.<br><br>For women who are pregnant or in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34059117\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">perimenopause<\/a>, treatment needs to consider hormone changes and safety. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33481381\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pregnancy<\/a> often calls for gentler approaches like fibre and lifestyle changes, while perimenopause may need extra support for hormone balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living Well with IBS as a Woman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Living with IBS as a woman isn\u2019t just about managing gut symptoms\u2014it\u2019s about caring for the whole person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a holistic dietitian, I look at the bigger picture: gut-brain connection, hormones, immune health, stress, sleep, lifestyle, and nutrition. Diet is important, but there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all fix. Every woman\u2019s body and journey is different, so care needs to be personalized to truly help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Whole-Person Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Track What Matters: We <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32031756\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">journal symptoms<\/a>, food, bowel patterns, and cycles to spot patterns and root causes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build Support: Community and connection reduce isolation and remind you you\u2019re not alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lifestyle That Fits: We create daily habits around sleep, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36422517\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stress<\/a>, hydration, and movement that are realistic and doable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calm the Gut-Brain Axis: Tools like mindfulness and <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32266762\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gut-directed therapy<\/a> help ease nervous system stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36896039\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Personalized Nutrition<\/a>: No extreme diets\u2014just flexible plans tailored to your body, symptoms, and goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the right support, women can feel better, regain confidence, and reconnect with their bodies\u2014IBS relief is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to See a Doctor<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IBS isn\u2019t dangerous on its own, but there are some <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29072609\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">signs<\/a> that could point to something more <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37138415\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">serious<\/a>. Talk to a doctor right away if you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blood in your stool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anemia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ongoing vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A family history of digestive diseases like colorectal cancer, IBD, microscopic colitis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you don\u2019t have these red flags\u2014if your symptoms are affecting your daily life, you deserve support. With the right care team, many women find real, lasting relief.<br>You don\u2019t have to tough it out or figure it out alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IBS in women is real\u2014and so are the emotions that come with it. The frustration of waking up bloated, the worry about finding a bathroom, the stress before meals, or canceling plans because your gut says no\u2014it all matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re not imagining it. And you\u2019re definitely not alone.<br><br>Many women quietly deal with these daily struggles\u2014wearing loose clothes to hide bloating, skipping social events, or feeling disconnected from their bodies. These moments affect your confidence, your relationships, your joy.<br><br>But here\u2019s the good news: relief is possible. Not with generic advice or quick fixes, but with care that\u2019s personalized, supportive, and focused on the whole you.<br>You deserve to feel well in your body. You deserve to be heard. You deserve a life that\u2019s more than just symptom management.<br><br>Healing from IBS is a journey\u2014but you don\u2019t have to do it alone. With the right care and support, feeling better is absolutely within reach.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IBS-in-Women-EN-791x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60555 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IBS-in-Women-EN-791x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60555 lazyload\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"gap: 20px\" class=\"align-button-center ub-buttons orientation-button-row ub-flex-wrap wp-block-ub-button\" id=\"ub-button-03057c32-246d-40d9-8610-a9ffc267e94d\"><div class=\"ub-button-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IBS-in-Women-EN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"ub-button-block-main   ub-button-flex\" role=\"button\" style=\"--ub-button-background-color: #313131; --ub-button-color: #ffffff; --ub-button-border: none; --ub-button-hover-background-color: #313131; --ub-button-hover-color: #ffffff; --ub-button-hover-border: none; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 10px;; border-top-right-radius: 10px;; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px;; border-bottom-right-radius: 10px;; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub-button-content-holder\" style=\"flex-direction: row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub-button-block-btn\">Download &#8220;IBS in Women&#8221; Infographic<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gradient-divider\"><\/div><div class=\"sponsor-block\"><p><p><span style=\"background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(36,36,36);\">This article was made possible due to an unrestricted educational grant from Florastor.<\/span><\/p><\/p><div class=\"sponsor-details\"><div class=\"photo\" >\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.florastor.ca\/?utm_source=CDHF&#038;utm_medium=disp&#038;utm_campaign=ca-en-sb-edu-referral-2025-12-os-CDHFarticles\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Florastor-2024-Logo.webp\"  \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Florastor-2024-Logo.webp\"  \/><\/noscript><\/a>\n<\/div>\n        <\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that women are up to twice as likely to be diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) compared to men? In fact, about 14\u201324% of women worldwide experience IBS symptoms. IBS is a chronic condition that affects how the gut works. Both men and women can experience pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, but [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":60571,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cdhf2022_sponsors_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[60,75],"tags":[17,53],"class_list":["post-60303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","category-infographic","tag-fodmaps","tag-tags-ibs"],"acf":{"article_writer":[60537]},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IBS-women.webp","author_info":{"display_name":"Kelsey Cheyne","author_link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/author\/kelsey-cheyne\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>IBS in Women - Canadian Digestive Health Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Women are up to twice as likely to be diagnosed with IBS compared to men. 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