Kor J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2003; 9(1): 47-52  
Original Articles : Relationship between Bowel Symptom Changes and Dysmenorrhea in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women
You Kyoung Cho, M.D., Sung-Ae Jung, M.D., Ki-Nam Shim, M.D., Young Ju Choi, M.D., Hee Sun Kim, M.D.,
Jong Su Lee, M.D., Seong-Eun Kim, M.D., Doe-Young Kim, M.D. and Kwon Yoo, M.D.
Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
© The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. All rights reserved.

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.
Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome, Menstrual cycle, Dysmenorrhea, Women


This Article


Cited By Articles
  • CrossRef (0)

Services

Social Network Service

e-submission

Archives

Aims and Scope