Is IBS Hereditary? When Your Family Tree and Science Intersect
In this article:
IBS is a daily struggle for so many. If you have it, then you understand the pain, constipation and diarrhea that affects roughly 1 in 20 Americans…
…and one of those may be a relative.
Scientists and researchers have delved into studies concerning the genetic link of IBS and why it can run in families.
But is IBS hereditary, and can you get genetic testing for IBS?
At RMG Gastroenterology, we’ve helped hundreds of Raleigh residents and members of the Triangle community find relief from IBS, restoring the quality of their lives. If you have the signs and symptoms of IBS, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today.
In this article, we’ll look at the connection between genetics and IBS as well as examine risk factors for the disease.
Is IBS Hereditary? What the Research Reveals
Studies show that IBS can run in families, but it’s still unclear how much genetics contributes to it. In some cases, genes may have little to no effect, while in others, they could account for more than half the risk.
If you have a biological relative with IBS, you’re twice as likely to develop it as those who don’t have a familial connection. Twin studies appear to reinforce this, with people more likely to have IBS if their parent did (as opposed to their own twin).
Polygenes can also have an influence. These genes have extremely small effects on their own, but when they combine with other genes, these effects become much more noticeable.
What Are the Chances of Inheriting IBS If a Parent Has It?
As we mentioned earlier, if you have a relative with IBS, your risk of also developing it is twice as high as those who do not.
What Are Other IBS Risk Factors?
The following are some additional risk factors for developing IBS:
- Your age: IBS typically occurs in those under age 50
- Your gender: Those who are female are at greater risk
- Estrogen therapy: Estrogen therapy, whether before or after menopause, is a risk
- Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, or a history of abuse may also be a risk factor
At What Age Do IBS Symptoms Typically Start?
We touched briefly on this earlier. While most develop the first signs of IBS before turning 40, several patients report that symptoms occurred as early as childhood.
Is Genetic Testing for IBS Available?
Researchers are still working to understand exactly how genes are linked to this disease. However, there are no genetic tests currently available that can predict your likelihood of developing IBS.
We’ll Help You Overcome the Painful Challenges of IBS
We understand that for many, IBS can be an embarrassing topic. However, we never want you to feel embarrassed to speak with us about it—your health is simply too important! We place your wellness at the center of everything we do.
Our board-certified gastroenterologists are available to help you. We have several convenient locations throughout the Triangle and wider community.
If you have IBS, don’t put your life on hold. Contact us for an appointment today.
Key Takeaways:
- While IBS can run in families, a lot of research is ongoing to understand more about the connection.
- If you have a biological relative with IBS, you’re twice as likely to develop it.
- Other risk factors for IBS include:
- Being under age 50
- Being female
- Estrogen therapy (pre- or post-menopause)
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or past trauma
- Being under age 50
Currently, no genetic test for IBS is available.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
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Sources:
American College of Gastroenterology, “About Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” https://webfiles.gi.org/images/patients/IBS-infographic.pdf
Cleveland Clinic, “Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms,”
Healthline, “Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Hereditary?” https://www.healthline.com/health/ibs/is-ibs-hereditary
Henström M, D’Amato M. Genetics of irritable bowel syndrome. Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016 Dec;3(1):7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4752571/
Johns Hopkins Medicine, “IBS,” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
Mayo Clinic, “Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes,” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
Very Well Health, “Is IBS Hereditary?” https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-ibs-hereditary-8551540#:~:text=No%20genetic%20tests%20are%20available,that%20can%20be%20acted%20upon.
