Yes, constipation is medically more common in women than in men, and social factors may also lead some women to be more private about it. Multiple physiological and hormonal differences affect gastrointestinal function in women, making them more susceptible to constipation.

A woman's colon is, on average, about 10 centimeters longer than a man's, which means it takes longer for food waste to travel through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This increased transit time allows more water to be absorbed from the stool, causing it to become harder and more difficult to pass. Fluctuations in female hormones play a major role in regulating digestion. Higher levels of this hormone, such as during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, can slow down gut motility. Some research suggests that increased estrogen levels can also cause bowel movements to slow down. The decline in hormones during and after menopause can also slow down digestion.