Women’s Digestive Health
Your gut health as a woman deserves specialist attention
How gut health and women's health overlap
Digestive symptoms affect women and men differently — yet much of the research and many of the diagnostic frameworks in gastroenterology have historically been built around male physiology. If you have ever felt that your symptoms were minimised, or that your concerns were not fully explored, you are not alone.
Dr Arti Rattan is a female specialist who understands the ways in which hormonal cycles, reproductive health, and life stages — from puberty through pregnancy to menopause — can profoundly affect the gut. She creates a consultation environment where you can speak openly, be heard carefully, and leave with clear answers.
There are several areas where the intersection of digestive and reproductive health is particularly important to understand:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects significantly more women than men, and symptoms commonly fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. Many women go years without a diagnosis because their symptoms are normalised or attributed to period pain. Dr Rattan takes IBS seriously and offers a thorough, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management.
Endometriosis and gut symptoms
Endometriosis frequently causes bowel symptoms — bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, and rectal pain — that overlap with gastrointestinal conditions. A careful assessment is needed to understand whether gut symptoms in a woman with endometriosis are due to the condition itself, bowel involvement, or a co-existing GI disorder.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a term for long-term conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis can behave differently in women, and both the disease and its treatment require careful consideration around contraception, fertility, and pregnancy. Dr Rattan offers specialist guidance at every stage.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron deficiency is common in women of reproductive age, but when anaemia persists despite supplementation, or when there is no clear gynaecological cause, a gastrointestinal source such as coeliac disease, an upper GI bleed, or small bowel pathology should be investigated. Dr Rattan uses capsule endoscopy and other advanced techniques to find the source.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Women are sometimes under-screened for bowel cancer compared to men. Dr Rattan offers colonoscopy, bowel cancer screening, and surveillance for polyps — including for women with a family history or prior polyp findings.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for a professional consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.
This content has been prepared by a specialist gastroenterologist registered with the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) and is consistent with current evidence-based guidelines. However, medical knowledge evolves and individual circumstances vary. Always seek the advice of your treating doctor or another qualified health professional regarding any medical condition or before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
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A safe space to discuss sensitive symptoms
Bowel symptoms can be deeply personal and sometimes embarrassing to discuss. Many patients — particularly women — tell Dr Rattan that they waited a long time before seeking help because they were not sure how to raise the subject with their GP or specialist. In her clinic, there is no such barrier. She asks the right questions, creates space for you to describe your experience, and takes your symptoms seriously from the very first appointment.
Consultations available in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and Kashmiri
For patients from South Asian or Middle Eastern backgrounds, discussing sensitive health matters in your preferred language can make a significant difference to the quality of your consultation. Dr Rattan is equally comfortable in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and Kashmiri.
Consulting locations
Campbelltown Office
Suite 118, Level 1,
4 Hyde Parade
Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: 02 8014 7604
Fax: 02 8379 6633
Email: admin@yourgastrocare.com.au
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Randwick Office
South Eastern Gastroenterology
Suite 7C, Level 7,
66 High Street, Randwick, NSW 2031
Phone: 02 9398 0200
Fax: 02 9398 0201
Email: admin@segsydney.com.au
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Wollongong Office
Suite 5, Level 2,
354 – 358 Crown Street
Wollongong NSW 2500
Phone: 02 4210 7912
Fax: 02 4210 7313
Email: gastro@igss.net.au
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Five Dock Office
Centre of Digestive Diseases
1/229 Great North Road
Five Dock NSW 2046
Phone: 02 9713 4011
Fax: 02 9712 1675
Email: reception@cdd.com.au
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm