High Levels of Hormones and Inflammation
PCOS is characterized by excess levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Both hormones play a role in ovulation. Therefore, people with PCOS may not have ovulation as usual, which results in abnormal menstrual periods. Similarly, high levels of both hormones may lead to IBS symptoms as well. Many studies have shown that excess hormones may hold up the movement of foods in your digestive tract. This may cause constipation and other problems in people with IBS. [4]
Inflammation may be a connection between IBS and PCOS. Scientists have found that PCOS leads to chronic inflammation, which increases the risks of certain inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In turn, inflammation may play a part in the occurrence of IBS. This includes neuroinflammation that affects the gut-brain axis and mucosal inflammation that affects your intestinal lining. The gut-brain axis is important for the connection between the gut and brain. [5]
