Sex hormones in the modulation of irritable bowel syndrome

Figure 1 Sex hormones in the mutual brain-gut-microbiota interactions. Sex hormones influence peripheral and central regulatory mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome contributing to the alterations in stress response, visceral sensitivity and motility, intestinal barrier function, and immune activation of intestinal mucosa. Sex hormones have also a direct effect on the gut microbiota. ENS: Enteric nervous system.