10 Crohn’s Disease Symptoms In Females

We often don’t discuss the role gender can play in symptoms, diagnosis and treatment – here are 10 Crohn’s Disease Symptoms in Females.

Living with Crohn’s disease can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand what’s happening in your body. As someone who works closely with patients navigating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), I want you to know that you’re not alone in this journey, and understanding your symptoms is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract and can cause a number of uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. Unlike a temporary illness that resolves with time, Crohn’s disease is a long term condition that requires ongoing attention and care.

What makes this condition particularly challenging is that each person experiences different symptoms at different times, especially among males and females. The way Crohn’s disease manifests can vary significantly from one individual to another, and gender plays an important role in how symptoms present themselves.

Today, I’m sharing a comprehensive roundup of symptoms of Crohn’s disease in females. My goal is to help you recognize these symptoms and symptom overlap early, understand what they mean for your health, and feel empowered to seek the medical therapy and support you need.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are supporting someone who does, I hope this will help you navigate your Crohn’s with greater confidence. With that being said, here are 10 Crohn’s Disease Symptoms in Females.

10 Crohn’s Disease Symptoms In Females

Before we dive into the specific symptoms, I want to take a moment to discuss who is more at risk for Crohn’s disease and why understanding the female experience of this condition is so important. Throughout this post, I’ll be covering how to better identify the symptoms in females, what puts certain individuals at higher risk, and practical strategies for managing this condition.

The reality is that Crohn’s disease can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk, and the symptoms often present differently based on gender. Women face unique challenges with Crohn’s disease, from hormonal influences to reproductive health concerns, and it’s essential that these differences are recognized and addressed. By understanding these gender-specific aspects, you’ll be better equipped to advocate for yourself and work effectively with your healthcare team.

Additionally, I’ll be sharing evidence-based management strategies that can help you live well with Crohn’s disease. While this condition is chronic, many people with Crohns disease lead full, active lives when they have the right information and support in place.

Who Is At Risk For Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease doesn’t discriminate, but certain factors do increase the risk of developing this inflammatory bowel disease. Understanding these risk factors can help you recognize symptoms earlier and seek appropriate care.

Age is one significant risk factor—while Crohn’s disease can develop at any age, it most commonly appears in people between 15 and 35 years old. However, a second peak in diagnosis occurs in people in their 50s and 60s, so it’s never too late to develop symptoms.

Family history may plan a role as well. If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with Crohn’s disease, your risk increases substantially. In fact, about 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have a family member with some form of IBD.

Ethnicity also influences risk. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease compared to other populations. However, the condition is increasingly being diagnosed across all ethnic groups.

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor that significantly increases the risk of developing Crohn’s disease and can worsen symptoms in those already diagnosed. If you smoke and have Crohn’s disease, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your health.

Geographic location matters too—people living in industrialized nations and urban areas tend to have higher rates of Crohn’s disease compared to those in rural or developing regions. Northern climates also see higher rates than southern regions.

It’s important to note that symptoms of Crohn’s disease can manifest differently in males and females. Women may experience symptoms related to their menstrual cycle, with many reporting flare-ups around menstruation. The immune system responds differently in females, which may contribute to different symptom patterns and disease progression.

Although both women and men can face additional challenges with fertility, women may also face pregnancy-related issues, need to switch medications in some instances and they may experience the impact of hormonal changes on disease activity.

Pregnancy related hormone changes has the potential to alleviate symptoms in some or may also make symptoms worse in others. Some of this may have to do with your unique immune system as we discussed with with Dr. Yas on our youtube.

Why Is Crohn’s Disease More Common In Females

While earlier research suggested Crohn’s disease affected males and females equally, more recent studies indicate that women may actually be diagnosed slightly more frequently than men. Understanding why this occurs can help us better recognize and manage the condition.

Hormonal Influences

Hormones play a significant role in how Crohn’s disease affects women. Estrogen and progesterone can influence inflammation throughout the GI tract, and many women notice their symptoms worsen during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.

The fluctuating hormone levels throughout a woman’s life—from menstruation to pregnancy to menopause—can all impact disease activity and symptom severity.

For our best resources on pregnancy specifically – check our YouTube with IBD Gastroenterologist Dr Kerri Glassner for a great conversation on pregnancy and IBD.

Immune System Differences

Women naturally have more robust immune responses than men, which is why autoimmune conditions are generally more common in females. While this enhanced immune system provides better protection against infections, it also means the immune system may be more likely to mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues, as happens in Crohn’s disease.

Genetic Factors

Research suggests that certain genetic variations associated with Crohn’s disease may be more common or more highly expressed in females. These genetic differences can influence both susceptibility to the disease and how severely it affects the digestive tract.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Some researchers believe that environmental exposures and lifestyle factors that disproportionately affect women might contribute to higher rates of diagnosis. However, more research is needed to fully understand these connections.

What Are The Symptoms Of Crohn’s Disease In Females

Now let’s discuss the specific symptoms that women with Crohn’s disease commonly experience. Recognizing these early can lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatment. Common symptoms can range from mild to severe, and you may not experience all of them.

Abdominal Pain and Cramping

Abdominal pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Women may find it challenging to distinguish between menstrual cramps and Crohn’s-related abdominal pain, especially when symptoms coincide with their cycle.

When there is active inflammation present, this can actually worsen feelings of abdominal pain during menstruation due to additional prostaglandins circulating which can cause additional uterine cramping.

And vice vera, certain conditions like endometriosis or PCOS can sometimes complicate the picture with Crohn’s or might make it hard to distinguish if it’s a Crohn’s symptoms or other condition driving it.

The key difference is that Crohn’s pain often (but not always) accompanies other digestive symptoms and may worsen after eating. Because of symptom overlap, it may be helpful to track your cycle and pay attention to pain that persists beyond your typical menstrual period, occurs alongside digestive changes, or gradually worsens over time.

Keep a symptom journal noting when pain occurs, its intensity, and any triggering factors. These are things you should bring to both your Gastroenterologist and Dietitian. A IBD focused dietitian can help you not only get clarity on triggers, but can also use medical nutrition therapy to treat the Crohn’s and other accompanying conditions – to set up a call with us, you can do so HERE.

Persistent Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another hallmark symptom of Crohn’s and IBD in general. Symptoms include diarrhea that may be frequent, urgent, and sometimes contain blood or mucus. Unlike occasional diarrhea from a stomach bug, Crohn’s-related diarrhea tends to persist for weeks or longer.

This symptom looks like having three or more loose or watery bowel movements per day, often accompanied by an urgent need to use the bathroom. Some women may experience a worsening of diarrhea during and leading up to menstruation due the cramping of the uterus and prostaglandins which can also cause nearby organs like the colon to contract leading to diarrhea or increased frequency of stool.

Many may also experience nighttime diarrhea that disrupts sleep, which is particularly concerning and warrants medical attention. Addressing night time bowel movements is a top priority when we work with our patients as we want to encourage rest and recovery to support remission. If this is something you struggle with, please reach out as there are many tools we can use to help you reach more predictable bowel movements.

You might identify this symptom early by noticing changes in your normal bowel pattern that last more than a few days. If you’re consistently experiencing loose stools, especially with blood, mucus, or urgency, it’s time to consult your healthcare providers like your gastroenterologist and IBD dietitians like us!

Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic fatigue is an often-overlooked symptom that significantly impacts quality of life. This isn’t just ordinary tiredness—it’s a profound exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and can make daily activities feel overwhelming.

This fatigue occurs because Crohn’s disease can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and creates increased demand for nutrients. Additionally, disrupted sleep from nighttime symptoms and the emotional toll of managing a chronic condition contribute to exhaustion. Fatigue can also be a sign of either active disease or malnourishment – or both.

Fatigue is the most common symptom in IBD, and especially in Crohn’s can commonly impact the ileum where many nutrients like iron and B12 are absorbed. This is and low intake overall can be a sign of malnutrition in IBD – which can impact how well you respond to medications and your ability to get to remission. If you think this is you, take our malnourishment quiz here.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss can happen for a variety of reasons. One big reason for weight loss is the increased caloric demand in Crohn’s and UC flares – especially with complications like ongoing fever or severe inflammation. Additionally, symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may reduce appetite or make it hard to eat due to significant discomfort, leading to decreased food intake.

This symptom manifests as losing weight without trying—perhaps your clothes fit more loosely, or people comment on your appearance. You might also notice you’re eating less because food causes discomfort or worsens your symptoms.

Early identification involves monitoring your weight regularly and noting any downward trends that occur without dietary changes. Losing 5% or more of your body weight unintentionally within six months is significant and should prompt a medical evaluation.

It’s important to note – not all Crohn’s or IBD patients experience weight loss but they may still be malnourished. If you are curious about this – check out the YouTube above and check out our Malnutrition quiz.

Nausea and Vomiting

Many women with Crohn’s disease experience persistent nausea, and in some cases, vomiting. These symptoms often worsen after eating, particularly if there’s inflammation or narrowing in the upper digestive tract.

Nausea feels like an unsettled stomach, sometimes with a queasy sensation that makes eating unappealing. Vomiting may occur after meals or when symptoms are severe. Some women also experience acid reflux or a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts.

Nausea can be related to many factors. Nausea can be triggered by things moving through the bowels, malabsorption (such as fat or carbohydrate), food intolerances, allergies and even spicy food can trigger receptors that lead to nausea.

In women, sometimes hormone fluctuations can also trigger nausea. Some literature indicates that women in general tend to be more prone to nausea than men.

If you’re frequently feeling nauseated, especially around mealtimes, or if you’re vomiting regularly, these are important symptoms to discuss with your doctor. Sometimes adjusting your diet— and getting clarity on your triggers can be helpful. Also, many times we can treat your nausea as well with nutrition strategies which may vary depending on the driver of nausea.

Mouth Sores and Inflammation

Oral manifestations of Crohn’s disease include painful mouth sores, similar to canker sores, that appear on the lips, gums, or inside the cheeks. These sores can make eating and talking uncomfortable. Mouth ulcers and inflammation are also more common in women than men.

These lesions look like small, round ulcers with white or yellowish centers and red borders. They may appear singly or in clusters and can take longer to heal than typical canker sores.

Pay attention if you’re developing mouth sores more frequently than usual or if they’re particularly painful and slow to heal. While many people get occasional canker sores, frequent or persistent sores alongside digestive symptoms may indicate Crohn’s disease activity.

Nutritionally speaking, reoccurring mouth ulcers and inflammation can sometimes mean we want to look closer at nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition and the microbiome. The oral microbiome is connected to what goes on further into the digestive tract.

Rectal Bleeding and Anal Fissures

Inflammation in the lower digestive tract can lead to rectal bleeding, which appears as bright red blood in your stool or when wiping. Additionally, people with Crohn’s disease may develop anal fissures—small tears in the tissue lining the anus—which cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

Rectal bleeding might look like streaks of blood on stool, blood in the toilet or with wiping. Fissures cause sharp pain, especially during and after bowel movements, sometimes described as feeling like “passing glass.”

Any rectal bleeding warrants medical attention, as it can lead to anemia over time. Women are already at higher risk for anemia due to menstruation each month. Women with IBD and active disease are even more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia due to how ongoing inflammation suppresses hepcidin – which is also our regulator of iron levels.

Fever and Night Sweats

Low-grade fevers are common during Crohn’s disease flare-ups, reflecting the ongoing inflammation in your body. Some women also experience night sweats that disrupt sleep and require changing clothes or bedding.

A fever in Crohn’s disease typically ranges from 99°F to 101°F (37.2°C to 38.3°C), though higher fevers may indicate complications including abscesses or infections. Night sweats feel like waking up drenched in perspiration without an obvious cause like room temperature.

Hormonal changes in pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and sometimes menstruation may also add to the tendency for night sweats.

Track any recurring fevers or night sweats, especially if they occur alongside other symptoms. Persistent fever can indicate active disease requiring treatment adjustment.

Menstrual Irregularities

Women with Crohn’s disease often experience changes in their menstrual cycles, including irregular periods, heavier bleeding, or worsening premenstrual symptoms. Disease activity and inflammation can disrupt normal hormonal patterns.

You might notice your cycle becoming unpredictable, with periods arriving earlier or later than expected. Some women experience more severe cramping that’s difficult to distinguish from Crohn’s pain, while others notice their Crohn’s symptoms consistently worsen around menstruation.

Tracking your menstrual cycle alongside your Crohn’s symptoms can help identify patterns and assist your healthcare team in optimizing treatment timing and approaches.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

Crohn’s disease is a systemic condition, and inflammation can extend beyond the digestive tract to affect joints. Many women experience joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, particularly in large joints like knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows.

This joint involvement, often correlates with disease activity—when your digestive symptoms flare, joint symptoms typically worsen too. The pain may feel like aching, stiffness (especially in the morning), or swelling that limits movement.

If you’re experiencing unexplained joint pain alongside digestive symptoms, mention this to your doctor. Addressing the underlying inflammation can often improve both digestive and joint symptoms.

There is also good research on incorporating certain types of curcumin and fish oil to reduce joint pain. Talk to your Gastroenterologist and Dietitian about if that would be a good fit for you.

How To Manage Crohn’s Disease In Females

Managing Crohn’s disease requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying inflammation. Here are evidence-based strategies that can help you take control of your health.

Work Closely With A Gastroenterologist

Your gastroenterologist is your partner in managing Crohn’s disease. Regular appointments allow for monitoring disease activity, adjusting medications, and addressing concerns before they become serious complications.

To fulfill this effectively, schedule appointments as recommended (typically every 3-6 months when stable, more frequently during flares). Come prepared with your symptom journal, questions, and honest information about medication adherence and side effects. Don’t hesitate to reach out between appointments if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

Building a strong relationship with your healthcare team means being an active participant in your care, asking questions when things are unclear, and following through with recommended tests and treatments.

Follow Prescribed Medical Therapy

Medical therapy for Crohn’s disease has advanced significantly and may include medications to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, and manage symptoms. Options include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic therapies.

Take medications exactly as prescribed, even when you’re feeling well. Many Crohn’s medications work to prevent flares, not just treat active symptoms. If you experience side effects, discuss them with your doctor rather than stopping medications on your own—often alternative options exist.

Understanding how each medication works and why it’s been prescribed helps you commit to the treatment plan. Ask your healthcare team to explain the goals of your medical therapy and what to watch for in terms of both benefits and potential side effects.

Adopt An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

While diet alone cannot cure Crohn’s disease, certain dietary approaches can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Working with a registered dietitian who specializes in IBD can be incredibly valuable.

An anti-inflammatory diet for Crohn’s typically emphasizes lots of color in the diet and omega-3 fatty acids. Often in our practice we also incorporate modifications to foods that are commonly hard to tolerate. We have even created a system and path to slowly progress and expand the diet while also minimizing triggering symptoms. To get a small taste of our method – check out our Rainbow Challenge.

The Rainbow Challenge is a snap shot of some of the ways we help people – but obviously working with our patients we can provide more expanded guidance and make it customized to them. If you’d like a good comprehensive starting point for this – check out our top rated Flare Guide + Flare Friendly Meal Plan.

Implement dietary changes gradually and keep a food diary to identify your personal triggers. Remember that tolerance can vary—foods that bother you during a flare might be fine during remission. Also, be mindful of fiber intake; if you’re experiencing symptoms from consuming too much fiber, learning how to adjust your intake can provide relief.

Manage Stress Effectively

While stress doesn’t cause Crohn’s disease, long term perceived stress can increase risk of flare ups and worsen symptoms. The gut-brain connection is powerful, and emotional stress directly impacts digestive function.

Effective stress management looks different for everyone but might include regular meditation or mindfulness practice, gentle exercise like yoga or walking, adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly), therapy or counseling, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies and social connections.

To fulfill this recommendation, start small—even five minutes of deep breathing daily can make a difference. Experiment with different stress-reduction techniques to find what resonates with you. Consider this an essential part of your treatment plan, not an optional add-on.

Stay Hydrated and Monitor Nutrition

Diarrhea and reduced food intake can lead to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and malnutrition. Dehydration is common in IBD with diarrhea and fevers which can increase fluid and electrolyte loss. Certain locations in the digestive tract affected by IBD can also impact fluid and electrolyte absorption as well.

Aim for more water and electrolytes if experiencing active diarrhea. Consider electrolyte solutions during flares. Work with your healthcare team to identify and address nutritional deficiencies through diet or supplementation—common deficiencies include vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and zinc.

In our practice we run nutrition related labs often and will run non standard labs on occasion to look deeper at how well nutrients are stored or utilized.

Monitor your hydration status by checking urine color (should be pale yellow), tracking how often you urinate, and noting symptoms like dizziness or excessive thirst. Regular blood work can identify nutritional deficiencies before they cause problems.

Exercise Regularly (When Possible)

Gentle, regular exercise offers numerous benefits for people with Crohn’s disease, including reduced inflammation, improved bone health, better mood and stress management, and increased energy levels.

During remission, aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, which might include walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga. When possible weight bearing exercises can also be helpful especially for bone health.

During flares, modify activity to gentle stretching or short walks as tolerated. Listen to your body and rest when needed—pushing through severe symptoms can worsen inflammation.

Start slowly if you’re new to exercise, perhaps with just 10-minute walks, and gradually increase duration and intensity. The goal is consistency over intensity, especially during flares.

Plan For Menstrual Cycle Changes

Since hormonal fluctuations can impact Crohn’s symptoms, tracking your menstrual cycle alongside your digestive symptoms helps identify patterns and allows for proactive management.

Consider adjusting your diet during the premenstrual phase when symptoms typically worsen, scheduling important activities during times when you typically feel better, discussing with your doctor whether adjusting medication timing around your cycle might help, and using heat therapy for combined menstrual and abdominal cramping.

Some women find that birth control that regulates or stops menstruation helps manage Crohn’s symptoms, though this should be discussed thoroughly with both your gastroenterologist and gynecologist, as some hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots, which is already elevated in IBD.

Build A Support Network

Living with a chronic condition can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Connecting with others who understand can provide emotional support, practical advice, and hope.

Building your support network might include joining IBD support groups (in-person or online), connecting with friends and family who are understanding and supportive, working with a therapist who specializes in chronic illness, and following reputable IBD organizations and advocates on social media.

Don’t be afraid to educate those close to you about Crohn’s disease and what you need from them. Clear communication helps loved ones understand how to support you effectively.

Living with Crohn’s disease as a woman presents unique challenges, but with the right knowledge, medical therapy, and self-care strategies, you can manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life. Remember that every person’s experience with Crohn’s disease is different—what works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself as you learn what helps your body feel its best, and never hesitate to advocate for your needs with your healthcare team. You deserve comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of this condition, and with proper management, many people with Crohn’s disease live full, active, and joyful lives.

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Check out our recent blog – How to Reduce Symptoms with Too Much Fiber