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Christian Hospital 11133 Dunn Road St. Louis, Missouri 63136 USA phone -- 314.653.5000 facsimile -- 314.653.4130 President -- Ron McMullen

by Charmaine Edwards, MD 

Dr. Charmaine Edwards is a gastroenterologist. She can be reached at 314.355.6703.

Problems in the digestive system affect men and women of all ages, but gastrointestinal diseases are more common in women. Some digestive problems are directly linked to gynecologic problems, or are caused by hormone changes during pregnancy or menstruation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome mainly affects women age 30-50, and can range from a minor issue to a life-altering condition. There is no cure that eliminates the condition completely. The best way to address irritable bowel syndrome is to manage its symptoms, which can occur frequently during menstrual periods and include:

• Cramps
• Bloating
• Gas
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea or both)
• A false urge to have a bowel movement

Stress, travel and eating large meals seem to trigger irritable bowel syndrome. Eating smaller meals more frequently -- rather than 2-3 large meals each day -- might help manage symptoms. If you think you have irritable bowel syndrome, consult your physician before making changes to your diet.

Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine and the rectum, and is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. Colorectal cancer is usually first identified in a polyp (tissue growth) in the colon or rectum. Routine screenings often can find evidences of cancerous polyps early enough to address the disease before it spreads.

Most people begin having tests for colorectal cancer at age 50, but that age and the frequency of screenings depend on family history, race, risk factors and symptoms. If you have relatives with colorectal cancer or have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, you might need to be tested before age 50.

Screening options for colorectal cancer include colonoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies and fecal occult blood tests (a check of stool samples for blood). There isn't necessarily a recommendation specifically for women; that decision that can be made between you and your doctor.

You can lower your risk for colorectal cancer by:

• Eating foods high in fiber and low in fat
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding foods that cause you to belch or pass gas
• Exercising regularly
• Knowing your family medical history

Talk with your doctor about screenings that can detect GI problems early, before they become serious conditions.