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Gastrointestinal (GI) Health in Women

The proper functioning and well-being of the digestive system in women, encompassing the stomach, intestines, liver, and related organs. It focuses on how digestion, nutrient absorption, gut microbiota, hormones, and lifestyle factors uniquely influence digestive health in women, including common issues such as bloating, acidity, constipation, irritable bowel symptoms, and digestive discomfort across different life stages.

Common GI Disorders in Women

Why It Affects Women More?

Several gastrointestinal and liver conditions are more common or present differently in women due to hormonal and physiological factors. IBS causes pain, bloating, and bowel changes, influenced by estrogen and progesterone. GERD, marked by heartburn and chest discomfort, is common in pregnancy due to hormonal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Gallstones are more likely in women as estrogen raises cholesterol in bile, causing pain and vomiting. Constipation is frequent due to slower gut transit and worsens during pregnancy or menopause. IBD (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) can flare with menstruation and impact pregnancy. Celiac disease, more common in women, presents with infertility and anemia. Colorectal cancer is rising in Indian women over 50. NAFLD, linked to obesity, PCOS, and diabetes, leads to fat accumulation in the liver without alcohol use.

GI Symptoms Specific to Women:

  • Abdominal bloating and cramps
  • Cyclical constipation or diarrhea (menstrual link)
  • Nausea/vomiting during early pregnancy
  • Heartburn or sour burps
  • Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
  • Rectal bleeding or black stools
  • Pelvic pain overlapping with GI issues
  • Early satiety and iron-deficiency anemia

Condition:

  • GERD 
  • IBS
  • Constipation
  • IBD
  • Celiac Strict gluten-free diet
  • Gallstones Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • NAFLD

 Surgical Options:

  • Cholecystectomy for gallstones.
  • Resection/colectomy for complicated IBD or CR.
  • Polyp removal via colonoscopy.

Our Commitment:

At Hercyclopedia, we offer a dedicated Women’s Cardiac Care Program that includes:

Comprehensive cardiovascular risk screening

Women-specific heart health check-ups

Advanced diagnostic testing (including coronary CT, cardiac MRI, and microvascular assessment)

Cardiac care tailored for pregnancy-related conditions

Lifestyle and nutrition counseling

Post-MI and heart failure rehabilitation programs designed for women

Diagnostic Work-Up

Lab Investigations

Test/ Purpose

  • CBC/ Anemia, inflammation
  • LFT/ Liver health, NAFLD
  • TSH/ Rule out thyroid causes of constipation
  • Anti-tTG/ EMA IgA Celiac screening
  • CRP/ESR/ Detect inflammation (e.g., IBD)
  • Stool Tests/ Occult blood, parasites, calprotectin

Imaging

  • Ultrasound Abdomen: Gallbladder, liver, ovarian/GI overlap
  • CT/MRI Abdomen & Pelvis: IBD, masses, abscess
  • MRI Enterography: Best for Crohn’s Disease
  • Fibroscan: Detects liver fibrosis in NAFLD

Endoscopy

Procedure

  • Upper GI Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Capsule Endoscopy

Purpose

  • Diagnose GERD, ulcers, celiac
  • Colonoscopy
  • Capsule Endoscopy

Functional Tests

  • Esophageal Manometry + 24h pH: GERD or motility disorders
  • Anorectal Manometry: Constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Breath Tests: Used to diagnose lactose intolerance, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and H. pylori infection.
  • Wireless Motility Capsule (SmartPill): Measures pressure, pH, and transit time throughout the GI tract to assess motility disorders.
  • Scintigraphic Gastric Emptying Study: Evaluates the rate at which food leaves the stomach, useful in diagnosing gastroparesis.
  • Red Flags – When to See a Specialist

Blood in stools

Unexplained weight loss

Persistent vomiting

Abdominal pain > 4 weeks

Postmenopausal GI complaints

Anemia with no known cause

We offer a specialized Women’s Digestive Health
Program combining:

  • Female-friendly gastroenterology consultations
  • Integrated care with gynecologists & nutritionists
  • Advanced endoscopic services
  • Personalized dietary therapy
  • IBD and liver clinics
  • Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease in women is a major public health concern that requires greater awareness, timely diagnosis, and individualized care. Empowering women with the right knowledge and support is essential for prevention and long-term heart health.

FAQs – Women's Gastro Health

 Hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone, influence gut motility and sensitivity. This leads to cyclical symptoms and slower bowel movement in women.

Yes, around 40–80% of pregnant women experience GERD due to hormone-related muscle relaxation and increased abdominal pressure.

Absolutely. Celiac disease, IBD, and iron-deficiency anemia can impair fertility. Screening is recommended in unexplained infertility.

 Women often experience flares during menstruation and pregnancy. They may also report more fatigue and joint pain compared to men.

PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Yes. Women above 45 should undergo a screening colonoscopy every 10 years, especially with family history or symptoms.

Disclaimer: Results and patient experiences may vary. These are dependent on a number of factors including age, medical history, lifestyle and more.