Are Women More Likely to Get Constipated?

While both men and women alike suffer from constipation, studies have shown that indeed women are more likely to be affected with this problem than men. One of the main reasons for this is that the digestive system in women moves much slower than that of their male counterpart. When both a man and woman eat the exact same type and amount of food, a man’s digestive system will work much quicker to eliminate the waste. The slower rate of digestion by women is in turn the reason more women suffer from constipation than men. There has also been research which has shown that a woman’s saliva is chemically different than that of a man, which could account for the slower rate at which women digest food.

Another reason that women appear to be more prone to constipation, is the fluctuation of hormones that women experience. These fluctuations can be due to pregnancy, menstrual cycle or even lifestyle. Studies have also shown that women become more concerned with staying regular, than do men. In turn many women will decide to use laxatives, which may actually make the problem worse in the long run.

Additionally, women are much more likely to eat considerably less than men do. Some women report that they are so busy taking care of their families, that after cooking a meal, when it comes time to eat they are just too tired and simply do not have an appetite. Also, women are more fearful of becoming overweight and consequently consume too little food. When this happens there is not enough food to eliminate, and thus women become more constipated.