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Foreword
In 2001, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued its landmark report Exploring the Biological
Contributions to Human Health: Does Sex Matter? The report, which was initiated and cosponsored
by the Society for Women’s Health Research, examined the state of knowledge of
sex-based biology and gender-based medicine and made recommendations for advancing an
appropriate research agenda for this emerging field.
The report validated what the Society has long advocated: sex must be considered in all
aspects and at all levels of biomedical research and health care. Among its findings, the
report identified barriers to the advancement of knowledge about sex differences in health
and illnesses that can impede the proper diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect
women solely, predominately, or differently.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is just one of the many disorders that takes an excessive toll
on women. Of the millions of IBS sufferers in the United States, approximately 60% to
75% are women. IBS can impact every aspect of a woman’s health—physical health,
emotional health, and economic health. This report outlines misconceptions about this
disabling condition and discusses unmet needs of patients; gaps in our knowledge; areas for
further research; and the need for patient and physician education.
Scientists still do not understand fully why IBS affects more women than men. But with
the advancement of the field of sex-based biology, the answers are within our reach.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Greenberger, MSW
President and CEO
Society for Women’s Health Research
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