Menstruation May Worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(New York, Reuters Health, 3/14/02)

According to a study by Dr. Lesley A. Houghton and colleagues from the University Hospital of South Manchester, UK, menstruation increases the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Sex hormones, such as estrogen, may responsible for exacerbating the pain, bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms.