The association between the exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual symptoms in young Taiwanese women

Studies of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have focused on the relationship between IBS and the menstrual cycle in Western societies. Specifically, an exacerbation of bowel symptoms, gas, distention, diarrhea, and constipation in the premenstrual and menstrual phases has been recognized among female IBS clients. Menstrual experience is culturally specific. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of IBS in young Taiwanese women and to identify the most prevalent symptoms of IBS among this population. Moreover, this study explores the exacerbation of IBS during menses among young Taiwanese women. A cross-sectional survey was applied. A composite of validated questionnaires including the Modified Woods Daily Health Diary and Talley's Bowel Disease Questionnaire were administered to a stratified random sample of 971 female high school students in Taipei City, Taiwan. The results indicated that exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms during menstruation is present among young Taiwanese women with IBS. The IBS prevalence rate was 16.2% based on the Rome II criteria. Abdominal pain had the highest severity level, and bloating was ranked second among young Taiwanese women with IBS. These symptoms significantly increased in magnitude across time from postmenstrual to premenstrual to menses.