IBS and PCOS

What do these two things have in common besides being acronyms for common medical syndromes (Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)? Recent research suggests that there is a connection between insulin resistance and leaky gut, which may then in turn cause irritable bowel syndrome. Want your gut to be healthier? Cut back on carbs and exercise daily to maintain normal insulin levels. Your hormones will be better balanced and you’ll be less prone to food sensitivities.

Endometriosis and IBS

These two often seem to go hand in hand and it’s difficult to differentiate whether the gut issue is part of the endometriosis or a separate entity. In one study, 29% of endometriosis patients had either IBS or constipation.

Here are potential links between endometriosis and the gut:

1. Adhesions – abdominal tissue stuck together and not functioning normally due to endometriosis
2. Gluten sensitivity has been linked to both IBS and endometriosis
3. Endometriosis tissue adhering to the gut and causing gut irritation or inflammation
4. Ovarian hormones affect sensorimotor gastrointestinal function, modulate pain, and modulate susceptibility to stress. So the same imbalances that are causing or contributing to endometriosis can also be causing IBS symptoms.
5. Gut dysbiosis – overgrowth of unhealthy microorganisms in the gut can disrupt the ability to excrete excess estrogen and create more inflammation in the gut. An inflamed gut will increase endometriosis related abdominal pain.

Naturopathically we can address all of these issues, improving gut health, hormone balance and endometriosis.

Sources:
1. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jun 14;20(22):6725-43. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6725.
Gender-related differences in irritable bowel syndrome: potential mechanisms of sex hormones.
Meleine M, Matricon J.
2. Colorectal Dis. 2011 Jan;13(1):67-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.02055.x.
Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation in patients with endometriosis.
Meurs-Szojda MM1, Mijatovic V, Felt-Bersma RJ, Hompes PG.