Digestive health in women: why symptoms are often missed

Digestive symptoms can affect every part of daily life, from your energy levels to your confidence. Yet for some women, these issues are attributed to ‘hormones’ or stress and left to settle. Some do settle, but others may signal conditions that benefit from timely diagnosis and treatment.

At King Edward VII’s Hospital, we believe every symptom deserves to be understood. This guide looks at why women’s digestive symptoms are sometimes missed and how expert assessment can help you take back control of your health.

Understanding women’s digestive health

Digestive symptoms can vary from day to day, and it’s not always clear what’s causing them or when it’s worth speaking to a doctor. 

Common digestive symptoms include:

• Bloating or abdominal swelling
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Nausea or a loss of appetite
• A feeling of fullness even after small meals

It’s natural to link changes in digestion to factors like stress, diet or hormones, especially because these influences can play a genuine role. However, persistent or disruptive symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying digestive condition that may benefit from deeper investigation and treatment.

Learning to recognise your own pattern of symptoms and understanding what feels typical for you can make it easier to decide when to seek advice and to feel confident about doing so.

Why are digestive health symptoms often missed in women?

Understanding the cause of digestive symptoms can take time, particularly when they overlap with gynaecological conditions. Looking at your health as a whole often helps reveal the full picture. So why do digestive symptoms in women sometimes go unnoticed or take longer to diagnose? 

Hormonal influences

Hormone shifts can change how the digestive system works. Your period can affect your digestion – when you’re on your period, you may find yourself bloated, constipated or suffering from other gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, trapped gas or diarrhoea. This is down to hormonal fluctuations, which can influence bowel movement and function.

Fluctuations during the pregnancy and menopause can also trigger bloating, constipation or changes in bowel habits. 

Because these shifts are expected, symptoms may be dismissed as ‘normal’ when they could be pointing to a more complex digestive issue.

Overlap with gynaecological conditions

Digestive discomfort often mirrors symptoms linked to gynaecological conditions, which can make it harder to get a clear diagnosis. Bloating, pelvic pain and cramping may be put down to period-related changes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or ovarian cysts, rather than a digestive cause. 

Because there is often an overlap with the symptoms of gynaecological concerns, women can face extra hurdles in getting the right diagnosis, and may sometimes be treated for one condition while the digestive element goes unrecognised.

For example, women with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body (often around the ovaries or bowel), are more likely to also experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Without a thorough investigation, it can be difficult to know which condition is causing which symptoms. Research shows the odds of having IBS are roughly three times greater in those with endometriosis compared with women without it.

The result is that some women live with symptoms for years before finding the right answers, which can be frustrating and delay the right treatment. Getting the right answers often depends on careful assessment and support from specialists who understand the full picture of women’s health.

Social stigma and underreporting

It can feel awkward or uncomfortable to talk about bowel habits. Cultural and social stigma around digestive symptoms means that problems are sometimes managed silently, with women changing what they eat, avoiding social situations or planning their days around symptoms instead of seeking medical advice. Over time, this can prolong discomfort and delay diagnosis or treatment.

Misdiagnosis and gender bias

Gender bias in healthcare doesn’t usually come from bad intentions. It’s the subtle, often unconscious tendency to explain women’s symptoms as stress, anxiety or normal hormonal changes before physical causes are fully explored.

Digestive symptoms can be particularly vulnerable to this because they are influenced by hormones and stress, and early test results can sometimes appear normal. Existing diagnoses such as anxiety, IBS or endometriosis can also make it harder to spot when something new is developing.

Awareness of these patterns is growing, and it’s helping to shape a more balanced understanding of women’s health. Taking symptoms seriously and reviewing them in context helps ensure that underlying causes aren’t missed and that women feel listened to and supported throughout their care.

When to seek medical advice for your digestive health symptoms

Digestive discomfort now and then is common, but if symptoms continue or begin to interfere with daily life, it’s important not to ignore them. Speaking to a specialist early can help you find answers, ease worry and, if needed, start treatment sooner.

You should seek medical advice if you experience:

• Ongoing or severe bloating, pain or cramping
• Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation or alternating between the two
• Regular indigestion or heartburn that does not improve with simple changes
• Blood in the stool or unexplained changes in stool appearance
• Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or loss of appetite

If you decide to see a doctor, keeping a clear record of your symptoms can make those conversations easier and help reach a diagnosis sooner. 

You might find it helpful to:

• Keep a diary of your symptoms and menstrual cycle to spot any patterns
• Try to keep a note of what you eat and drink, especially if you notice symptoms after
• Record any bowel habit changes, such as how often you go or if anything looks different
• Make a short list of questions or points to discuss before your appointment

Listening to your body and trusting your instincts matters. If something feels unusual or is affecting your quality of life, you don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe. Getting checked can provide reassurance, rule out more serious conditions and help you feel more in control of your health.

Investigations for digestive symptoms

The following are some of the tests available at King Edward VII’s to investigate digestive symptoms:

• Endoscopy (Upper and lower GI tract)
• pH monometry testing
• 24-hour reflux testing
• BRAVO study
• Breath testing
• GI transit studies
• Functional MRI
• CT
• Fatty meal ultrasound

Support for women’s digestive health at King Edward VII’s Hospital

At King Edward VII’s Hospital, we know how frustrating it can feel when your concerns are overlooked or dismissed. That’s why our gastroenterology specialists take the time to listen, understand your symptoms and explore the possible causes in detail.

With rapid access to advanced diagnostics and consultant-led care, you won’t be left waiting for answers. From your very first appointment, you’ll receive a personalised approach that considers your overall health, hormonal influences and any overlapping conditions that may be affecting your digestion.

We aim to give you clarity and peace of mind, whether that means reassurance, lifestyle advice or a tailored treatment plan. Most importantly, you will feel heard and supported at every step.

If you’re concerned about your digestive health or simply want expert reassurance, book an appointment with one of our specialists today.