Bowel Problems

The position of a woman’s uterus and ovaries makes the intestinal tract longer and more complex. This can make the digestive organs empty more slowly and lead to symptoms such as bloating, constipation and nausea.

Female hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, also affect digestion and overall bowel health in women. Hormonal fluctuations or imbalances can change how quickly food passes through the intestines. In some cases, a change in hormone levels makes food pass faster than normal, causing diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain. In other cases, food moves more slowly, causing periods of constipation, gas or bloating. Postmenopausal women often experience constipation when their progesterone levels start to fall. Women may also notice digestive changes linked to their menstrual cycle. Hormone surges can cause varying degrees of stomach and digestive discomfort.