Symptomatology and physiology differ between men and women and across the menstrual cycle in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Ovarian hormones influence 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), an amine known to play a role in gut motor-sensory function.
Neurogastroenterology Unit, School of Translational Medicine-GI Sciences, University of Manchester, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK. Lesley.Houghton@manchester.ac.uk