Straight Talk on Women's GI Health

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Judith Reichman, a well-known women's health specialist, is giving women food for thought with "Straight Talk on Women's GI Health," a new campaign about digestive health.

According to a nationwide survey, only 28 percent of women age 40 and older recognize constipation as a common part of aging -- even though the condition affects up to 42 million adults in the United States and is more prevalent in women than men. Women in this age group expect their bodies to change, but few realize that digestive health problems, such as constipation, may also increase with age and that fluctuating hormones may not always be the cause.

"As a gynecologist for more than 25 years, I have seen how the body changes as we get older. Too often, my patients blame their abdominal bloating, discomfort and constipation on hormonal changes," said Reichman. "However, as they describe their symptoms to me, I realize it's not their hormones, but instead general wear and tear in their GI tract. If you're a woman age 40 and older, I encourage you to take time to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Digestive health problems, like constipation, can disrupt your quality of life."

The survey, conducted by Braun Research, also found that of women age 40 and older who suffer from chronic constipation:

-- 87 percent say chronic constipation makes them physically uncomfortable.
-- Eight in ten report that their constipation has had a negative effect on them.
-- 66 percent report that their constipation negatively affects their mood.
-- 31 percent say constipation has kept them from leaving their home.

Thirty-three percent of these women also wished they had been warned about the condition as much as memory loss (30 percent) and arthritis (31 percent). When asked about what steps they have taken to relieve their symptoms, the majority (82 percent) said they have tried over-the-counter (OTC) medication; however, nearly 60 percent report that the treatments work some of the time or not at all.

"If digestive health problems are disrupting the quality of your life or if you are constantly aware of your gastrointestinal tract -- when you last went to the bathroom, if you had to strain, when you might go again -- you should see a doctor. Changes in diet and exercise, while a foundation for therapy, may not always work," said Reichman. "If you are not getting the relief you want, be persistent and keep an ongoing dialogue with your doctor about treatment options that can help alleviate your symptoms. Take charge of your GI health with these D.I.G.E.S.T. tips."

Diminish stress. Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation. Take a moment to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, gardening or spending time with a friend.
Increase your intake of fiber, bran and water. They may help reduce discomfort and enable your colon to pass stool more easily. Also, keep a food diary to help your doctor determine if any specific foods could be triggering your digestive health problems.
Get more exercise. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day.
Establish a daily bathroom routine. Set aside an adequate amount of bathroom time so that you don't feel rushed. And never ignore your urge to have a bowel movement. Stop what you're doing and go!
Stay informed. Many people fail to recognize that the discomfort or bloating they feel could be an indication of a more serious condition, such as chronic constipation. It is important to be aware of these symptoms in order to find relief.
Talk with your doctor. Don't be shy. Describe all of your symptoms. It's the best way to ensure you receive an appropriate and effective treatment for your condition. If your condition is persistent or chronic, you may need more than over-the-counter medications.

The "Straight Talk on Women's GI Health" campaign is sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For more information about the campaign, including a downloadable brochure and symptom checker, go to www.GIStraightTalk.com.

The "Straight Talk on Women's GI Health" survey was conducted online between November 8, 2006 and November 16, 2006 by Braun Research, and included a total of 1,004 respondents among a nationally representative sample of women age 40 and older (+/- 3 percent margin of error). Of the total respondents, 147 indicated that they had chronic constipation.

Constipation is the most common digestive complaint. Up to 42 million adults in the United States have constipation and the condition is more prevalent in women than men. Chronic constipation is defined as unsatisfactory defecation that is characterized by infrequent stools, difficult stool passage, or both. Difficult stool passage includes:

-- Straining
-- Hard or lumpy stools
-- Difficulty passing stool
-- Incomplete evacuation
-- Prolonged time to stool
-- Need for manual maneuvers to pass stool

Symptoms must persist for at least three months.

Source: Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.