Irritable bowel syndrome in women of
 reproductive and menopausal age

Abstract

This article presents a review of literature and original data concerning specific characteristics of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. Aim. To compare extraintestinal associated symptoms (EAS) in women and men with IBS, evaluate their frequency and characteristics in relation to age, type of IBS and changes in the psychovegetative status. Materials and methods.245 patients with IBS were enrolled in the study: 183 women and 62 men, aged from 19 to 81 years (mean 45,3 ± 6,9) including 88 with diarrhea-type IBS (IBS-D), 48 with constipation-type IBS (IBS-C) and 109 with mixed-type IBS (IBS-M). All women with IBS were divided into two groups (45 years (n=90) and older (n=93)). We used Rome III criteria (2006) to diagnose IBS. The analysis of EAS was carried out with the use of SOMS-2 questionnaire (Screening for Somatoform Disorders 2; Rief W. and Hiller W., 2008). We evaluated the degree of depression in IBS patients using the BDI scle (Beck Depression Inventory; Beck A.T., 1996) and anxiety using the STAI (State-Trate Anxiety Inventory; SpilbergerCh.D.). Results. IBS was more common in women of both reproductive and menopausalagesthan in men of the same age groups (women/men ratio 3:1). The EAS occurred significantly more frequently in women than in men; its incidence especially increased in elder groups (p < 0,05). High prevalence of pain syndromes was observed in both women groups: back pain up to 60-70%, pain in arms, legs and joints up to 40-60%; its frequency further increased in elder groups (p < 0,05). On the contrary, the prevalence of such symptoms as «dispareunia», «indifference to sex», «irregular periods» decreased in the elder groups. The prevalence of depression, the level of actual and personal anxiety increased in the group of women older than 45 years compared to thoseunder 45 years (p < 0.05). IBS-C was diagnosed only in the women independent of agein association with the age-related increase in the EASrate(p < 0.05). Conclusion. EAS are the integral part of IBS. We revealed their higher prevalence in women comparedwith men. The frequency of EASfurther increases significantly in elder women in comparison with men. A similar tendency was observed in the change of psychovegetative status especially with respect to depression and anxiety.