By Meyya Venkat, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Nutrition Revitalised

IBS can affect individuals of any age but did you know that symptoms and triggers can evolve significantly throughout your life? From childhood tummy aches to postmenopausal bloating, our gut health is dynamic and influenced by age, hormones, stress, and dietary habits. Understanding symptom progression can empower you to make smarter, symptom-sensitive choices and seek timely support.

Childhood & adolescence:

Tummy troubles and early triggers Kids may complain of stomach pain, altered bowel habits, or food-related discomfort without any obvious cause. Anxiety, school-related stress, and a lack of dietary fibre are common culprits.

Early signs of IBS in children and teens include:

• Recurrent abdominal pain
• Bloating or excessive gas 
•  Diarrhea, constipation, or both 
•  Increased symptoms during stressful periods (e.g., exams, social transitions)

Key nutrition tip:

• Minimise ultra-processed snacks and foods high in fermentable sugars (like apple juice or soft drinks)
•  Introduce a wide variety of fibre-rich foods gradually to support regularity

Young adulthood: Diet, stress and lifestyle pressures

 A time when you face peak stressors: university, work, relationships, poor sleep, and irregular meals. It’s no surprise this is when many receive their first IBS diagnosis. Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or rich takeaway foods can intensify symptoms.

Key nutrition tip:

• Establish consistent eating patterns and meal timings to regulate gut motility
• Explore gut-directed hypnotherapy or mindfulness techniques alongside dietary strategies

Fertility & pregnancy: Hormones at the helm

For people with IBS, pregnancy can be a mixed bag. Some report symptom relief in the second trimester, while others experience worsened bloating, constipation, or reflux due to elevated progesterone levels and slowed gut transit. Morning sickness, prenatal vitamins (especially iron), and food aversions can further disrupt gut health.

Key nutrition tip:

• Focus on small, frequent meals rich in soluble fibre (oats, bananas, carrots)
• Speak to your dietitian about safe fibre supplements and tailored meal plans during pregnancy

Menopause & midlife: IBS meets hormonal transition

As estrogen and progesterone decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women report new or worsening IBS symptoms, particularly bloating, cramping, or constipation. Stress, declining muscle tone in the gut, and lifestyle changes also contribute to this. Midlife is also when other digestive conditions may develop (e.g., diverticulosis) - making a thorough check-up essential if symptoms change.

Key nutrition tip:

•  Manage stress through restorative movement (yoga, walking) and nervous system regulation
• Choose calcium-rich, gut-friendly dairy or fortified plant-based milks to support bone health

Older adults: IBS vs. ageing gut

In older adults, slower gut transit, reduced digestive enzymes, and polypharmacy (multiple medications) can mimic or worsen IBS-like symptoms. While IBS can persist into later life, new symptoms should always be assessed to rule out more serious conditions such as coeliac disease, IBD, or colorectal cancer.

Key nutrition tip:

• Use gentle cooking methods (steaming, stewing) to make fibrous foods easier to digest
• Consider a daily probiotic, particularly strains shown to support gut function in older adults under the guidance of your dietitian

The Takeaway

IBS doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Dietary management alongside muscle relaxation therapies have proven to be beneficial in managing symptoms. Consult with a dietitian to trial a temporary low FODMAP diet followed by a FODMAP challenge to identify your food triggers. A low FODMAP diet is very restrictive and should not be followed longterm.