Posted On: August 18, 2021
As a female gastroenterologist who specializes in women’s digestive health, many women ask me similar questions, especially as they age. In this article, I address FAQs that commonly arise, and I hope they will help you on your health journey!
My first response is always that, as we age, it’s important to prevent as many health problems as possible. Prevention is key- whether it is a mammogram, cholesterol screen, or pap smear. The colonoscopy is the only screening test in which not only can you diagnose cancer but also PREVENT colon cancer, as the goal is also to remove any precancerous lesions (polyps). Once you hit age 45, screening for colon cancer should begin for the average population. However, if you do have an immediate family member with colon cancer, then screening should start at age 40 or 10 years before the age of the family member’s diagnosis, whichever one is earlier. Now, as I mentioned, a colonoscopy IS the gold standard for screening for colon cancer. Alternatives do exist for those who may not be able to undergo a colonoscopy due to other reasons or just won’t do it! These include stool tests such as a FIT (detects blood) annually or a Cologuard (detects blood/genetic material) every three years. A virtual colonoscopy is a special type of CT scan that can also be used but is not as good for smaller polyps, less than 1 cm. Anything you choose is better than nothing. So if you remember one thing…… GET SCREENED!
This is a hot topic everyone seems to want to know about! So what is SIBO? SIBO is an abnormally high growth of bacteria in the small intestine, causing bloating, cramping, and particularly diarrhea. Some risk factors include prior surgeries (i.e., gastric bypass) or adhesions, underlying disease of the small bowel, diverticulosis of small bowel, diabetes, and slow motility (less common type- methane overgrowth). If SIBO is suspected, testing with a breath test is reasonable. Unfortunately, the breath tests are not always 100% accurate, and thus some people choose to be treated without testing if the suspicion is high. Usually, antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment. However, diet can also be helpful, specifically the FODMAP or the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). Great resources to learn more about SIBO and treatment, as well as diet, are available on www.Gastrogirl.com and the book “Breaking the Vicious Cycle.”
The microbiome has become a hotbed of discovery, but there is so much still unknown. Often people come into my office and ask me for recommendations for the “best” probiotic. There are no FDA-approved probiotics, and large, rigorous studies comparing probiotics are not available. The AGA (American Gastroenterology Association) reviewed the available data and came up with only two situations in which probiotics have been deemed officially helpful in adults. Their recommendations include prevention of a gut infection called C difficile when using antibiotics, and probiotic use in the condition of pouchitis (seen in inflammatory bowel disease). However, this does not mean that probiotics cannot be useful. I have seen many patients who find that probiotics help general gut symptoms- most commonly diarrhea and bloating. It may be worth trying probiotics if symptoms like these exist. I often caution patients against the use of probiotics if they have a weakened immune system, such as with the use of immunosuppressant medication. In these situations, it is best to discuss using probiotics with your doctor. As time goes on, more recommendations will come forth, so stay tuned.
Many women suffer from constipation and often ask why? For most, it is a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, slow gut motility, pelvic floor problems, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But the good news is there are many options currently for improving symptoms! I am listing my top favorite “over the counter” recommendations below:
If these over-the-counter methods fail, there are many safe prescription alternatives, so visit your doctor or a gastroenterologist to help you decide on the next steps. For those who are struggling with pelvic floor problems, I would encourage you to have a conversation with your physician about trying physical therapy with biofeedback. These strategies and others have had strong positive statistical outcomes and have helped patients improve their quality of life. Remember, your health is important so just be sure you don’t ignore any warning signs such as rectal bleeding since this will require additional testing. The bottom line is…. don’t suffer in silence, reach out to your doctor for advice!
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month! So what is it? Gastroparesis literally means “partial paralysis of the stomach” and is a condition in which there is a delay in food moving through the stomach. Causes are broad, and it can be seen in conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, and post-viral infections. It can also occur spontaneously. While it is not a very common disorder, it is becoming increasingly recognized, often associated with constipation and more often seen in women. Symptoms typically include nausea/vomiting, feeling full fast, reflux, and bloating. As you can see, these symptoms are nonspecific and can overlap with many other conditions, so the diagnosis can often occur late. Fortunately, it is not a dangerous condition for most people but can cause unpleasant symptoms. Testing is available and dietary modifications are the first step in improving the condition — this includes eating small meals and lower residue or less fibrous foods that empty out of the stomach faster. Limited medication options are available for gastroparesis currently, but luckily this is an active area of study.
IBS is common in women. Very often, patients come in with a variety of complaints for years but didn’t realize these were all related to IBS. It is a functional problem, which means that your gut is sensitive but structurally normal. The definition is based on clinical symptoms of 3-6 months of abdominal discomfort associated with bowel changes, which can be either diarrhea or constipation, or both. The good news is there are medications and other options available now! I have included a few of these below:
Patients have time and time again told me that they knew they had IBS but figured there was nothing they could do to improve the complaints. This is a common misconception, so talk to your doctor and get started on a path to a happier gut.
Women are fierce as they deal with the struggles of childbirth, raising kids, and then menopause. We often hear about how hormonal shifts in women affect mood as well as the reproductive system, but we don’t often talk about the impact on the gut. Estrogen and progesterone will fluctuate during this time. For instance, in perimenopause, estrogen levels rise and fall initially before dropping off precipitously at menopause. These fluctuations in hormones around menopause can do the following:
Don’t be alarmed if you notice these changes or even others that are unexpected. Manage symptoms as best as you can, get lots of sleep, exercise, and eat well. These steps will help you on your journey through this phase of life!
Hopefully, the information above gives you a roadmap of options and advice for managing your gut health. If you would like to read and hear more about these topics, feel free to watch my videos on doctorpedia.com, a leading source of information for patients provided directly by doctors. https://www.doctorpedia.com/doctor-profile/asma-khapra/
Dr. Asma Khapra is a board-certified gastroenterologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at George Washington University Hospital. She practices at Gastro Health-Virginia, is skilled in all aspects of gastroenterology, and specializes in Women’s Digestive Health. As voted by her peers, Dr. Khapra has been routinely recognized as a ‘Top Doctor’ in the Mid-Atlantic region by Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.
Dr. West recently hosted a video discussion with Dr. Khapra on these topics and more, which you can watch HERE. And don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. West if you have any questions about your gut health!
The scenario plays out like this… you’re sitting at home watching reruns of Friends when your vision blurs. Minutes later your head feels like it's set in a vice, and someone is cranking the lever. With your head throbbing, the nausea kicks in. After making a bathroom stop (goodbye lunch), you climb into bed and pull the covers over your face, lying still in the dark. Can you relate? This is called migraine, and sadly this illness is all too common. ● Approximately 39 million people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide have migraines ● Most people with migraine have 1 to 2 attacks per month which can extend from 4 hours to 3 days ● 36 billion is spent each year on healthcare and loss of productivity due to migraines Add onto those staggering stats this surprise—WOMEN are at greatest risk. Studies show that 8 out of 10 people with migraine are females. While research isn’t fully conclusive as to why, the data points to women’s hormone levels changing. ➡️ If you are battling migraines, please know that you do not need to suffer alone. At Eileen West, MD, and Associates, we are here to help you find the right treatment to prevent migraines and make them less painful. You have a life to lead. We’re here to help you on that journey and provide exceptional care. ⭐️ June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. Share your migraine questions below… We’d love to help. #youdeservebetter #msmedicine #fairfaxphysician #conciergemedicine #lifestylemedicine #doctorsofinstagram #femalephysician #womenshealth #fairfaxdoctor #fairfax #fairfaxva #fxva #dc #washington #loveVA #fairfaxcounty #virginia #northernvirginia #nova #dcarea #dmv #va #nham
IT’S SELF-CARE SUNDAY. We’re back this week to focus on the importance of self-care and giving you tips on how to practically care for the physical, mental, emotional, & social parts of you. Today’s self-care tip is simple but necessary: Find Ways To Relax Our American society prides itself on doing, doing, doing. Here’s the truth - busy doesn’t equal beneficial. We need a balance of work, play, and rest. Your mind, body, and emotions need periods of relaxation in order to refuel. Here are 10 Ways You Can Relax: ● Meditate ● Do Yoga ● Get a massage ● Take a nature walk or hike ● Journal ● Swim ● Listen to calming music ● Sit in the sun ● Color ● Read a book Self-care isn’t selfish, it is essential. Your brain and body need downtime. Do yourself a favor & RELAX. ➡️ What is your favorite way to relax? Tell us in the comments. #youdeservebetter #msmedicine #fairfaxphysician #conciergemedicine #lifestylemedicine #doctorsofinstagram #femalephysician #womenshealth #fairfax
More than 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Hot flashes can occur during the day or night and have a range of severity. If you fall into the category of moderate to severe, here are 6 tips to help you find relief: 1. Keep the temperature in your home cool. 2. Reduce stress with yoga, tai chi, meditation, biofeedback, acupuncture & massage. 3. Eliminate hot drinks, hot foods, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarette smoking 4. Wear light, breathable clothing during the day and to bed. 5. Sleep with cooling products, including sprays, gels, and a cool-fabric pillow. Use layered bedding that can be easily removed during the night. Cool down with a bedside fan. 6. When a hot flash is starting, try “paced respiration”—slow, deep, abdominal breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe only 5 to 7 times per minute, much more slowly than usual. ➡️ There are some prescription treatments to help with menopausal symptoms. Talk with your primary care doctor to discuss the best path for you. If you currently are seeking a provider, we are here to advocate for your total wellbeing and provide knowledgeable and personal care. Please reach out to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help! References: The North American Menopause Society (mnflashes.pdf), Stat from National Library of Medicine #youdeservebetter #msmedicine #fairfaxphysician #conciergemedicine #lifestylemedicine #doctorsofinstagram #femalephysician #womenshealth #fairfaxdoctor #fairfax #fairfaxva #fxva #dc #washington #loveVA #fairfaxcounty #virginia #northernvirginia #nova #dcarea #dmv #va #menopause
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