Crohn’s disease is a chronic health condition caused by abnormal immune system behavior. It is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the gut. It affects different parts of the digestive tract, mostly the small and large intestines, causing inflammation. According to the experts, Crohn’s disease is more likely to affect people aged between 15 and 35, although it can affect anyone at any age.
Women develop the condition the same as men, but certain symptoms are specific to women. In this article, we will learn about the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease in women.
1. Irregular Menstrual Cycle
The woman living with Crohn’s disease may experience certain issues in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods. When Crohn’s disease is active, the inflammation can disturb the hormones’ normal functioning, resulting in an irregular menstrual cycle. According to the experts, females also experience more gastrointestinal symptoms during menstruation than their peers if they are living with IBD, including Crohn’s disease. The fluctuations of hormones in females during menstruation may impact Crohn’s symptoms.
2. Anemia
It is the most common complication in IBD, where the person develops an iron deficiency, and females are at higher risk. Iron deficiency occurs in most women suffering from IBD and may be due to a lack of iron absorption or bleeding in the digestive tract. The iron level of the body also gets affected due to heavy bleeding during menstruation. The person may experience various symptoms like dizziness, lack of concentration, constipation, pale skin, etc.
3. Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is a condition where the person feels pain during sex. It is more common in women than in men. People with active Crohn’s disease experience painful sex due to the problem in the digestive tract that surrounds the vagina or anus. This could also be an indication of a rectovaginal fistula. The fistula is a small abnormal passage that gets formed between the rectum and vagina, causing pain during sex.
4. Fertility Issues
It has been noted by experts that females with active Crohn’s disease or who have had recent surgery related to it may suffer from fertility issues. With the active disease, the woman may experience some difficulties conceiving. According to the research, if the woman conceives during IBD flare-ups, the disease remains active, and the condition may get worse during pregnancy. If you are suffering from IBD, you must consult with your doctor before planning a pregnancy.
5. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak. People living with active Crohn’s disease may increase their risk of developing osteoporosis, where the disease impacts the health of the bones. Women with active Crohn’s disease have an increased risk of osteoporosis due to their menstruation. Factors like poor appetite, lack of nutrition, difficulty exercising, and lack of energy may increase the risk of osteoporosis in females with active Crohn’s disease.
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease may vary from person to person. You must speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding in the rectum, along with issues in the menstrual cycle, anemia, fertility issues, sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis. Visit icare4u for more information.
