Women: What To Know About Your Digestive Tract

Not all differences between men and women are superficial. In fact, they go much deeper. For reasons both anatomical (your physical makeup) and endocrinological (your hormones), women’s digestive systems function quite differently from men’s.

“There are two main differences between the male and female gastrointestinal tracts,” explains Shakti Singh, M.D., a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Sutter. “The first is that women have a uterus and ovaries and the colon has to go around them, hypothetically making the colon’s route more convoluted. The second difference is that women’s hormones affect the way the GI tract functions.”

Why These Differences Matter

One consequence of these differences is that women can be more sensitive to irritants in the esophagus, small intestine, colon (large intestine) and rectum. This can make women experience heartburn more strongly than men. Women are six times more likely than men to have irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder that causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.

Women may also be more sensitive to medications. “Aspirin and aspirin-like compounds known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase a woman’s risk of developing stomach ulcers, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and bleeding from the stomach, so a woman should work with her doctor to create a plan to protect her stomach if she takes NSAIDs,” Dr. Singh says.

Because of differences in enzyme systems in women’s liver and small intestines, certain medications may affect a woman more or less strongly than a man. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends women check with their doctors to see if any medication prescribed has been shown to have that tendency. The doctor may want to adjust dosages accordingly.

Finally, a woman’s digestive organs empty themselves more slowly than a man’s. This can increase the chances of nausea, bloating, gallstones and constipation. As hormones shift during pregnancy or menopause, these conditions become even more common.

Nevertheless, not all differences in women’s digestive process are negative. Women have the advantage of more sensitive bitter and sweet tastebuds. This makes them quicker and more accurate at identifying flavors, a chef’s dream.

Women also have stronger muscles in the esophagus that prevent the backflow of food and stomach acid. Although this can increase the sensation of having a “lump in your throat,” these strong muscles may also increase a woman’s protection against esophageal damage caused by heartburn and acid reflux.

Improve Your Digestive Health

Regardless of their differences, both women and men can improve or maintain the health of their digestive system by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Singh says. “Everyone should drink plenty of water, about 64 ounces a day on average, and eat a nutritious diet that includes foods that are high in fiber. The ideal is 25 grams of fiber per day. Along with that, maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise. All of these practices keep the GI tract functioning optimally.”

Dr. Singh says studies now show that allergies to certain food groups or hormonal imbalances can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including bloating, weight gain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. If you’re experiencing problems, ask your doctor about specialized testing that can help you tailor your diet and divide food groups into three different categories: foods to completely avoid, foods to try to avoid and foods that are safe to consume. (Note: Many insurance plans do not cover this specialized testing, so talk with your doctor and insurance provider to determine your options.)

Women of average risk for colon cancer also should get a complete colonoscopy when they reach age 50. “Cancer on the right side of a woman’s colon can be missed with a routine flexible sigmoidoscopy test, which only looks at the left side of the colon,” Dr. Singh says.

Finally, mothers should educate their daughters about their family history of cancers, including colon and stomach cancers. “A family history of certain types of breast, bladder and ovarian cancers can increase a woman’s risk of developing colon cancer,” Dr. Singh says. “If certain risk factors exist in your family history, your doctor may recommend screening at an earlier age and at more frequent intervals.”