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Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can significantly affect IBS symptoms. Shifts in oestrogen, progesterone and prostaglandins can influence gut motility, sensitivity and inflammation, often leading to changes in bowel habits, bloating or cramping. Recognising these patterns allows for targeted support through diet, lifestyle and functional strategies tailored to each phase of the cycle. This is where it can be helpful to consider working with a functional medicine practitioner in the UK. We’ll talk about the benefits of this in more detail later in the article.

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If your IBS symptoms seem to change throughout the month, it can leave you wondering whether hormones are involved. Many females notice phases where bloating feels heavier, digestion slows down, or stools become looser and more urgent, especially around their period. While these shifts can feel unpredictable, there is a clear explanation for them.

Your hormones interact closely with your digestive system. As oestrogen, progesterone and prostaglandins rise and fall during the menstrual cycle, they can influence gut motility, sensitivity and inflammation. This means your IBS may behave differently depending on where you are in your cycle.

Understanding this connection can be reassuring. It gives you a clearer sense of why your symptoms change, helps you spot patterns more easily and allows you to take steps that support your gut at the right moments. With the right strategies, you can feel more prepared and more in control throughout the month, which helps reduce stress, another trigger for IBS flare-ups. You can read more about this topic in our article, Can Stress Cause IBS?

Understanding the Link Between Hormones and IBS

Hormones shape more of your digestive experience than you might expect. Oestrogen, progesterone and prostaglandins all play a part in how your gut moves, how sensitive it feels and how it communicates with your brain. When these hormones rise and fall throughout the month, they can create the shifts you feel in your IBS symptoms.

Oestrogen can sometimes support smoother digestion. For some females, higher levels are linked with better motility and a calmer gut. Progesterone, on the other hand, may slow things down. When it rises in the second half of the cycle, you may notice constipation, bloating or a heavier, more sluggish feeling. A major review of the scientific evidence discusses these hormonal effects and highlights that different studies often show slightly different patterns, which helps explain why symptoms vary so much from one person to another [1].

Prostaglandins add another layer to this. These hormone-like compounds rise sharply during menstruation and can make the bowel contract more strongly. This often explains the looser stools, cramps or urgency that many females experience during their period.

All of this also affects the gut-brain axis. Hormonal changes can make the gut more reactive to stress, sleep disruption or dietary triggers. When these factors overlap, symptoms can feel much more noticeable.

So while the research doesn’t point to one single explanation for everyone, the overall message is reassuring. Your symptoms are responding to real, natural hormonal shifts, and once you understand those patterns, it becomes easier to predict what your gut needs at each stage of your cycle.

What Can Be Done: A Functional Medicine Approach

If you’ve noticed your IBS symptoms shifting through the month, the good news is that there are practical ways to support your body and reduce discomfort. A functional medicine approach doesn’t just look at the gut in isolation. It considers how your hormones, stress levels, diet, sleep and activity levels all interact and how small adjustments in these areas can make a big difference.

Supporting your digestion through diet

What you eat has a direct impact on gut function, but it can also influence how your body responds to hormonal fluctuations. Some foods help reduce inflammation or support more stable bowel movements, while others may make symptoms worse at sensitive points in the cycle.

A common approach is to look at FODMAPs – fermentable carbohydrates that can cause bloating and discomfort in people with IBS. You don’t need to cut them all out permanently, but learning how to adjust your intake at certain times may help calm symptoms. Research supports the role of dietary changes in managing IBS, with several studies showing that diet can affect both gut sensitivity and motility in relation to hormonal shifts [2].

Anti-inflammatory foods, such as berries, oily fish, leafy greens and turmeric, may also help reduce cramping or bloating during more active phases of the cycle. And it’s not just about what you eat, but when. Eating regular meals, chewing thoroughly and avoiding large portions late at night can support the gut’s natural rhythm, which may be disrupted by hormone-related changes [2].

Blood sugar balance is also important. Spikes and crashes in blood sugar can worsen IBS symptoms by triggering stress responses in the body, which in turn can influence the gut–brain axis. Focusing on protein-rich meals with fibre and healthy fats can help keep energy and digestion steady.

Lifestyle tools that can make a difference

Sleep, stress and movement are often overlooked, but they matter just as much as diet. Poor sleep can increase gut sensitivity, while high stress levels are known to worsen IBS symptoms. Because the gut and brain are so closely connected, anything that supports your nervous system can also support your digestion.

Regular gentle movement, such as walking, swimming or yoga, can help stimulate bowel function and reduce stress. There’s also evidence that moderate exercise may reduce IBS symptom severity over time [3].

Breathing exercises, mindfulness or short relaxation routines can help regulate the gut–brain axis and reduce the impact of stress-related flares. These small daily tools often become more powerful when used consistently, especially when symptoms tend to rise and fall with your cycle.

Medicines and supplements

Some people find symptom relief through certain medications or supplements, particularly when digestive discomfort interferes with daily life. Options might include antispasmodics to ease cramping, or peppermint oil capsules to calm bloating. These aren’t cures, but they can be helpful tools alongside broader lifestyle changes.

Some studies suggest a role for omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium in supporting gut health and hormonal balance, although the evidence is still developing and results vary between individuals [1, 3]. As always, it’s important to discuss these options with a practitioner before starting anything new.

What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to explore your own symptom patterns, try evidence-based strategies and adjust them as needed.

Menstrual Cycle Phase Support

Your menstrual cycle affects more than just your hormones, as it can also shape how your digestion feels. IBS symptoms often rise and fall depending on the phase you’re in. Understanding what to expect and how to support yourself during each phase can help reduce discomfort and give you a clearer sense of control.

Follicular Phase

What you may notice
This phase begins after your period ends and often brings a window of relief. You may feel less bloated, your digestion may feel lighter, and your energy may start to lift.

What’s happening in your body
Oestrogen begins to rise, which can support smoother bowel movements and may reduce sensitivity in the gut. Some research suggests that oestrogen plays a role in modulating pain perception and improving motility, although findings vary between individuals [3].

What can help

• Focus on building nourishing, balanced meals with plenty of fibre, protein and colour.
• Strengthen sleep routines and stress-reducing habits during this more stable phase.
• Movement may feel easier now, so this can be a good time for more active exercise.
• If you take supplements, this may be the best time to check in on how they’re working for you and adjust if needed.

Ovulation

What you may notice
Some people feel completely fine at ovulation, while others notice a return of mild bloating, sensitivity or even nausea.

What’s happening in your body
Oestrogen peaks and then drops, and a brief rise in luteinising hormone triggers ovulation. This can create subtle shifts in the gut–brain axis and in how your body responds to stress and inflammation [1]. Sensitivity may increase for some, particularly if ovulation is accompanied by changes in appetite or mood.

What can help

• If bloating returns, shift towards lighter, easier-to-digest meals.
• Include anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger or oily fish.
• Prioritise sleep, even if you feel energised. Rest supports the nervous system.
• Take note of any subtle digestive changes — these can help you plan future months more confidently.

Luteal Phase

What you may notice
This is often the most difficult phase for IBS. You might feel heavier, more bloated or more sensitive. Bowel movements may slow down, and you may feel more emotionally reactive.

What’s happening in your body
Progesterone increases after ovulation and can slow gut motility, leading to constipation or bloating. This phase is also associated with fluid retention and increased gut sensitivity. In some studies, females with IBS report more severe symptoms in the luteal phase than at other times of the cycle [1, 3].

What can help

• Shift towards smaller, more frequent meals to reduce digestive strain.
• Gentle fibre sources like soaked oats or chia may help relieve constipation.
• Support your emotional well being with regular breaks, breathing exercises or calming routines.
• Some people benefit from magnesium or omega-3 supplements during this time, although effectiveness can vary [1].

Menstruation

What you may notice
During your period, IBS symptoms can change again. Diarrhoea, urgency or sharper cramping are common.

What’s happening in your body
Prostaglandins rise to help the uterus contract, but they can also affect the bowel. This can lead to looser stools or urgency during your period. Hormonal withdrawal (drop in oestrogen and progesterone) can also temporarily increase gut sensitivity [1].

What can help

• Anti-inflammatory foods and herbal teas (like peppermint or chamomile) may ease cramping.
• Use heat pads or hot water bottles to help relax the abdomen.
• Gentle movement, like walking or restorative yoga, can ease tension and support motility.
• If needed, medications like antispasmodics or simple pain relief may help manage symptoms, particularly if cramps interfere with daily life.

The Value of Professional Support

Managing IBS across your cycle can be frustrating, especially if symptoms change without warning. This is where professional support can make a real difference.

A functional medicine practitioner or nutritionist will work with you to identify your personal symptom patterns, understand how your hormones might be contributing and create a plan that adapts to your cycle. This often includes diet and lifestyle changes, but also considers stress, sleep, movement and any other factors that could be contributing to flare-ups.

Sometimes, testing is helpful — for example, looking at hormone profiles, gut bacteria or nutrient levels. These tools can help personalise your care further, so you’re not left guessing what’s causing your symptoms.

Support doesn’t mean a one-size-fits-all plan. It means working with someone who understands the complexity of female health and digestion, and who can help you feel more stable, more informed and better equipped to manage IBS in real life.

What IBS Clinics Offers

If you’re looking for tailored support to help manage IBS throughout your cycle, IBS Clinics offers a personalised, functional approach that looks at your symptoms in context; not just your digestion, but how your hormones, lifestyle and overall health are connected.

You’ll begin with a detailed functional assessment to explore how your symptoms relate to diet, stress, hormone changes and other underlying factors. From there, we’ll build a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that’s designed to work with your body and adapt as your needs change.

All plans are led by experienced Functional Medicine Practitioners (FMPs), including IFMCP-qualified professional, Tracey Randell. IFMCP status means an FMP has been certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine and follows a science-based, systems-oriented approach to care.

When appropriate, we may also recommend targeted testing, such as hormone panels, microbiome analysis or nutrient markers, to provide deeper insight and guide more precise support.

Above all, you’ll be supported throughout. We work with you to monitor progress, adjust your plan as needed and help you feel more confident managing IBS across your cycle and in daily life.

Next Steps

If your IBS symptoms seem to follow a monthly pattern, or you’ve tried different approaches with limited success, it may be time to look a little deeper. You don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe, as support is often most effective when it’s used to prevent flare-ups, not just manage them.

A good time to seek help is when:

• Your symptoms are interfering with daily life or emotional well being
• You’re unsure whether hormones are playing a role
• You’ve already tried adjusting your diet or routine, but you aren’t seeing reliable improvements
• You’d like a more personalised plan rather than general advice

During your initial consultation at IBS Clinics, your practitioner will take the time to understand your full picture. This includes your symptom history, menstrual cycle patterns, past medical testing, lifestyle and stress levels. You won’t be rushed, and you’ll be able to explore what’s really going on rather than just managing symptoms in isolation.

If there’s a clear link between your cycle and your IBS, we can build a personalised pathway that supports your digestion, hormones and overall resilience. That might involve practical changes to your diet, targeted supplements, stress reduction techniques or testing to fill in any gaps. The goal is to help you feel more comfortable, more informed and more in control.

Conclusion

Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle can have a real impact on IBS symptoms. Whether it’s constipation in the luteal phase, cramping during your period or bloating around ovulation, these shifts are common, and they can be managed with the right support.

Understanding your personal pattern is the first step. From there, small but consistent changes to diet, lifestyle and stress management can help bring more stability to your symptoms. When those changes are tailored to your body and cycle, they’re often more effective.

If you feel ready to explore a more personalised approach to managing IBS, IBS Clinics can help you build a plan that fits your life, supports your hormonal rhythm and reduces the ups and downs many females experience each month. Contact us to discuss how we can support you today.

References

1. Meleine M, Matricon J. Gender related differences in irritable bowel syndrome, potential mechanisms of sex hormones. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2014;20(22):6725 to 6743. PMCID: PMC4051914.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4051914/
2. Guts UK. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) information. Available at: https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
3. Woods, Nancy Fugate PhD, RN, FAAN; Mitchell, Ellen Sullivan PhD. Symptom interference with work and relationships during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study. Menopause 18(6):p 654-661, June 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e318205bd76 https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2011/06000/symptom_interference_with_work_and_relationships.12.aspx

Author – Tracey Randell

At IBS Clinics, Tracey Randell, a renowned Nutritional Therapist and one of the few IFM Certified Practitioners in the UK, extends her specialised knowledge and unique approach to managing and treating IBS and other gut-related conditions effectively.

Tracey’s profound understanding of Functional Medicine allows her to connect the dots for complex health conditions, identifying and addressing the root causes to curate personalised and comprehensive health plans for her patients. Her holistic approach focuses on resolving underlying imbalances and optimising gut health, enabling the body to correct other issues and attain overall well-being.

At IBS Clinics, we are dedicated to being your partner in navigating your gut-related health concerns, offering expert care and individualised treatment plans to alleviate your IBS symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

You can read more about Tracey on our About page here.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.