How brain-gut interactions affect IBS and constipation symptoms in women during their menstrual cycle and menopause
Official title: The role of brain-gut microbiome interactions in mediating IBS and constipation symptoms during menses and menopause
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10903906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain, gut bacteria, and hormone changes during your menstrual cycle and menopause affect IBS and constipation symptoms in women, and it’s inviting participants to help researchers learn more about these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $672,167 |
| NIH project number | 5U54DK123755-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing IBS or chronic constipation, particularly those who notice symptom fluctuations related to their menstrual cycle or menopause.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are men or women without IBS or chronic constipation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the brain, gut microbiome, and hormonal changes in women, particularly focusing on how these factors influence symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation during menstrual and menopausal phases. By examining the effects of estrogen levels on gastrointestinal symptoms, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that may lead to increased severity of these conditions in women. The approach includes analyzing gut microbial metabolites and their impact on brain function and emotional responses, which may contribute to symptom severity. Patients may be asked to participate in assessments and provide samples to help researchers understand these interactions better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for IBS and constipation in women, tailored to their hormonal cycles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that hormonal fluctuations can affect gastrointestinal symptoms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Lin — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Chang, Lin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.