Relationship between Bowel Symptom Changes and Dysmenorrhea in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women / 대한소화관운동학회지

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.