Top Causes of Constipation in Men and Women

Published July 7, 2025 | Updated September 7, 2026

Medically reviewed by

TEJAL AJMERA PATEL

28+ Years of experience
Dermatology,
Hair Specialist,
Oncology,
Pediatrics,
Skin Specialist

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Constipation affects millions in India every year, disrupting daily life with discomfort, bloating, and strain. Defined by infrequent or hard-to-pass bowel movements, it can stem from many triggers, some temporary and others more chronic. While often seen as a minor issue, untreated constipation can lead to more serious digestive problems.

At Dr Batra's®, we take a deeper look at what causes constipation and offer solutions that treat the root. With homeopathy, you get safe, gentle, and lasting relief without side effects. Let us help you understand your body better and feel lighter every day.

Insights from a global study

A ResearchGate study found that individualised homoeopathic remedies led to significant relief from constipation in patients aged 4–40, making them a safe and effective long-term solution for chronic cases.

Common Lifestyle Causes of Constipation

Poor daily habits are among the top triggers for constipation:

Low fibre intake from a diet lacking whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Not drinking enough water or fluids
Ignoring bowel urges due to time constraints or habit
Lack of physical activity or a sedentary routine
Excessive stress and irregular sleep cycles

Medical Conditions That Lead to Constipation

Constipation can also be linked to underlying medical concerns, such as:

Intestinal issues: Blockages, anal fissures, colon narrowing, or rectal pressure from excess weight
Nervous system disorders: Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or multiple sclerosis affecting bowel nerves
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and uncontrolled diabetes
Pelvic muscle weakness: Often from ageing or post-childbirth

Gender-Specific Causes: Men vs Women

Women are more prone to constipation due to hormonal and physical differences:

Causes of constipation in women: Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, iron supplements, and stress
Causes of constipation in men: Poor dietary habits, excessive protein intake, lack of hydration, and sedentary jobs

Dr Batra’s^® pro tip:

Drink plenty of water, add fibre-rich foods like fruits and oats to your diet, and stay active. For long-term relief, homeopathy helps treat the root cause of constipation, gently and without side effects.

Risk Factors That Worsen Constipation

Certain conditions and habits can make constipation worse:

Advancing age slows metabolism and digestion
Stress and mental health issues like anxiety
Use of painkillers, sedatives, or calcium/iron tablets
Dehydration or chronic low water intake
Inactive lifestyle or long hours sitting at work

Homeopathy for Long-Term Constipation Relief

Safe and Natural Constipation Relief

Homeopathy gently restores gut balance by targeting root causes such as lifestyle habits, stress, and hormonal shifts. Here's why it's an ideal solution:

Regulates digestion naturally using remedies like Nux Vomica, Lycopodium, and Bryonia
Avoids dependency, unlike chemical laxatives
Prevents dehydration while improving bowel function
Safe for all age groups, including children and elderly
Can be used along with other medications or treatments without side effects

Constipation: Homeopathy vs Conventional Treatment

Feature	Homeopathy	Conventional
Holistic relief for bloating, hard stools & incomplete evacuation
No Side Effects
Safe for Long-Term Use
Personalised Treatment
Improves Digestive Health
Suitable for All Ages

How Dr Batra's® Can Help You in treating constipation

With 40+ years of clinical excellence, Dr Batra's® offers expert-guided treatment for constipation:

Personalised homeopathic remedies for root causes
Lifestyle and dietary guidance for daily ease
Non-habit forming and safe for long-term use
Outcome-based reports to track progress
In-clinic or video consultations with digestive care specialists

5 DIY Tips to Ease Constipation

Start your day with warm lemon water Stimulates digestion naturally.
Add high-fibre foods Include papaya, banana, oats, spinach, and chia seeds.
Stay hydrated Drink 8–10 glasses of water, buttermilk, or coconut water.
Walk daily or try gentle yoga Especially poses like Pawanmuktasana.
Limit fried, sugary, and processed foods These slow down your gut.

Safe & natural solutions for Constipation

Book an Appointment

Conclusion

Lifestyle habits, medications, or underlying health conditions can cause constipation.
Women are more likely to face constipation due to hormonal changes and stress.
Ignoring early signs may lead to long-term digestive issues.
Homeopathy at Dr Batra’s® offers gentle, personalised relief, without side effects or dependency.
Combining expert treatment with small daily changes can restore gut health naturally.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Chronic constipation can be a sign of underlying health issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neurological conditions, or even colon obstruction. If it persists for more than two weeks, a medical evaluation is important to rule out serious problems.

Yes, women are more prone to constipation due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Slower digestion, stress, and certain medications can also impact bowel regularity, making constipation more frequent among women compared to men.

You can manage constipation naturally by increasing fibre intake, drinking 2–3 litres of water daily, staying physically active, and using safe alternatives like homeopathy. These methods support gut health and help maintain regular bowel movements without dependency or side effects.

Yes. Iron supplements, especially during pregnancy, often lead to constipation. To manage this, ask your doctor about switching to a gentler formulation or pairing the supplement with fibre-rich foods, hydration, and homeopathy to ease bowel discomfort safely.

Yes. Homeopathy addresses the root causes of constipation, such as sluggish digestion or stress. It offers long-term relief by improving bowel function, without habit-forming effects or harsh side effects, making it suitable for all age groups, including children and seniors.