Is there a relationship between IBS and perimenopause?

The relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and perimenopause is mainly mediated by the hormonal changes characteristic of this life stage.

Fluctuations and the overall decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause can modulate visceral sensitivity, gastrointestinal motility and intestinal barrier function, potentially worsening or modifying IBS symptoms.

Women in perimenopause frequently report increased visceral sensitivity and a higher prevalence of functional gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, compared with men and postmenopausal women. [1–5]

1. Gender-Related Differences in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Potential Mechanisms of Sex Hormones.Meleine M, Matricon J.World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2014;20(22):6725-43. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6725.

2. Sex Hormones in the Modulation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Mulak A, Taché Y, Larauche M. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2014;20(10):2433-48. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i10.2433.

3. Sex Differences, Menses-Related Symptoms and Menopause in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. Sarnoff RP, Hreinsson JP, Kim J, et al. Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2025;37(2):e14977. doi:10.1111/nmo.14977.

4. Menopause and Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Ley D, Saha S. Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2025;:10.1038/s41575-025-01075-7. doi:10.1038/s41575-025-01075-7.

5. Postmenopausal Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Have More Severe Symptoms Than Premenopausal Women With IBS. Lenhart A, Naliboff B, Shih W, et al. Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2020;32(10):e13913. doi:10.1111/nmo.13913.