For women, having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease may intensify menstrual symptoms such as PMS and cramps, and medication used to treat Crohn's can unfortunately result in irregular menstrual cycles, and over-the-counter pain relief drugs often used for cramps are not recommended for people with IBD. The topic has been the subject of research led by Sumona Saha, MD, MS, associate professor (CHS), Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 

An article in Everyday Health quoted study led by Dr. Saha in 2014. The study found that women with IBD often had more intense menstrual pain, heavier periods, and were more likely to experience irregular periods than women without IBD. 

“We know that there are estrogen and progesterone receptors in the GI tract, and this may explain why women are subject to GI symptoms around the time of their period,” said Dr. Saha. 

Not all women with IBD experience an increase in menstrual discomfort or pain; about 13 percent were found to have worsened symptoms in the year prior to diagnosis.  “We’re not clear on why some women have heightened symptoms and other women don’t,” said Dr. Saha.

Resources: 

• "Crohn's and Women: How IBD Can Affect Menstruation," Everyday Health, September 27, 2017