Although digestive problems can affect both females and males, certain gastrointestinal disorders are more prevalent among women. This may be a result of the different structures of the GI tract between males and females. Hormonal shifts that occur in women’s bodies because of menses, pregnancy, and menopause might also render gut issues, like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), more severe in patients who are women.
If you or a member of your family have been facing gastrointestinal symptoms, we encourage you to seek gastrointestinal disease treatment in Austin, TX. The physician-led group of gastroenterology specialists at Austin Gastroenterology diagnoses and addresses common digestive concerns in women, helping individuals find relief from symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
What are the differences between men’s and women’s GI tracts?
Although the function of the GI tract in women and men is the same, there are a few significant variations that necessitate a slight adjustment in how digestive concerns are handled. Beginning at the top of the gastrointestinal system, a woman’s lower esophageal sphincter (or the band of muscles that keep food from regurgitation upward into the esophagus) closes tighter than her male counterpart’s. Women have less stomach acid than men, and their stomachs empty much slower. A woman’s colon is nearly ten centimeters longer than men’s and in women’s bodies, the GI organs share space with the reproductive organs. In general, a female’s GI processes take longer to complete than a male’s.
Which digestive concerns are more common among women?
Certain gastrointestinal conditions impact women more commonly than men. Among the most common digestive disorders in women include:
- Gallstones: these are comprised of hardened cholesterol that develops into crystalline deposits in the gallbladder. Women are twice as likely to have gallstones than men.
- Constipation: A common GI complaint, constipation occurs when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. A woman is three times more likely to encounter constipation than men.
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease wherein consuming gluten results in damage to the small bowel. It is more frequently found in women than in men.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach does not empty quickly enough, which may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. This condition is more commonly diagnosed in women.
- IBS: Women are two times as likely to experience this disease, which impacts the small bowel and colon, than men. Moreover, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can be connected to a woman’s menstrual cycle, increasing in severity around the early pat of the period.
Should you or a family member have any conditions mentioned above, then help is within reach through Austin Gastroenterology. Request an appointment with one of our GI doctors in Austin , TX today to get care for your digestive health needs.
How might women maintain good gastrointestinal health?
Following healthy lifestyle habits will help maintain and foster optimal digestive health and wellness, no matter if you are a woman or a man. Ideal habits that can help keep your gastrointestinal health on track involve:
- Getting regular exercise
- Visiting a GI physician for digestive issues
- Minimizing stress
- Managing a healthy weight
- Drinking adequate water each day
- Eating more fiber-rich foods
- Eating smaller meals more frequently
Need help for digestive problems in Austin, TX?
In the event you experience any concerning symptoms related to your gastrointestinal tract, then contact the experienced gastroenterology physicians at Austin Gastroenterology to receive the personalized care you need. As a physician-led network of gastroenterologists, we regularly manage digestive disorders in Austin, TX patients. Our GI group can help you soothe your symptoms and live a better quality of life.
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