Med Clin North Am

Gastrointestinal diseases in women.

Borum ML.
Department of Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. borum@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu
Gastrointestinal disorders are among the most common disorders for which women seek medical attention. Most gastrointestinal diseases in women are not inherently different from those that occur in men. There are several disorders, however, that occur more frequently or manifest themselves differently in women. This article reviews common gastrointestinal disorders affecting women. The pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, management, and gender-specific issues of gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are discussed.

Hepatobiliary diseases in women.

Borum ML.
Department of Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. borum@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu
Most diseases of the hepatic and biliary systems affect both women and men. There are several disorders, however, that affect women differently than they affect men. Gallstones, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and autoimmune liver disease occur more often in women. The impact of alcohol on the liver is worse in women. Chronic liver disease from any cause can affect fertility. In addition, oral contraceptive use and pregnancy can have specific effects on the liver.

Cancer and women.

Year 1998
Broome CM. Borum M.
Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Women have special physiologic considerations that may increase their risk of being diagnosed with certain cancers; however, the most important aspect to remember is that women are diagnosed with and die from many of the same malignancies as men. Health care providers need to be vigilant in evaluating women because one of the best ways to increase the chance of survival is early detection.