Many women live with bloating, acidity or irregular bowel habits for months before they mention it to anyone. Part of the reason is practical. Symptoms come and go, and it is easy to blame a busy week or a heavy meal. Part of it is personal. Describing changes in stool, bleeding from the back passage or pain that seems tied to your periods is not an easy conversation, and for some women it simply feels more comfortable with a female doctor.

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. This guide explains why some women prefer a female gastroenterologist, which digestive concerns tend to affect women differently, and how a consultation with Dr. Sona Kaushal works at Gut Clinic in Lajpat Nagar and at Epitome, New Friends Colony.

Why Some Women Prefer a Female Gastro Doctor

Choosing a doctor of the same gender is a common and reasonable preference. It says nothing about the ability of any doctor; it is mostly about comfort. When you feel at ease, you are more likely to share small details you might otherwise leave out, and those details often guide the diagnosis.

Research reflects this. A 2025 study on patient preferences for endoscopist gender, published in the journal Endoscopy found that around 65% of women preferred a female endoscopist, compared with about 19% of men. Every woman who held this preference said she would feel less embarrassed, and women were more willing than men to wait a week or longer to see a doctor of their chosen gender.

Gastroenterology has traditionally had far fewer women than men, so finding a female specialist close to home is not always easy. For families in South and Central Delhi, Gut Clinic offers this choice at two of its centres.

Digestive Concerns That Often Affect Women Differently

Most digestive conditions affect both men and women, yet hormones, pregnancy and different life stages can change how symptoms show up in women. Some of the concerns women commonly bring to a gastroenterologist include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is diagnosed more often in women, and many notice that bloating, cramps or loose stools worsen around their period. Our guide on the IBS diet and what actually works explains how food choices can help.
• Bloating and constipation: Hormonal shifts during the monthly cycle, pregnancy and the months after childbirth can slow the movement of the bowel.
• Acidity and heartburn: Pregnancy and hormonal changes may relax the valve between the stomach and the food pipe, making reflux more likely. Read more about sudden heartburn in women and when to worry.
• Digestive changes around menopause: As oestrogen levels fall, some women notice new bloating, acidity or a change in bowel habits in their late forties and fifties.
• Gallbladder and liver concerns: Gallstones are more common in women, and fatty liver can develop quietly alongside weight gain or hormonal conditions such as PCOS.
• Low iron levels: Ongoing iron deficiency in women is often put down to heavy periods, but it can sometimes point to slow bleeding in the gut or poor absorption, which deserves a closer look.

Lower abdominal pain is a good example of why a careful assessment matters. It may come from the bowel, the ovaries or the uterus, and the overlap can make it hard to tell where the problem lies. A gastroenterologist who asks about your cycle, pregnancies and hormonal history alongside your digestive symptoms is better placed to find the real cause, or to work with your gynaecologist when both need attention.

Meet Dr. Sona Kaushal, Consultant Gastroenterologist

Dr. Sona Kaushal is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Gut Clinic. She holds an MBBS with a gold medal, an MD in Medicine and a DrNB in Gastroenterology. She trained in Medicine at IGMC Shimla and in Gastroenterology at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi.

Her clinical interests include inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), pancreatic disorders and liver disease. She also has a particular interest in women's digestive health, including concerns linked to hormonal changes and menopause, and many women seek her out for this reason.

Her approach centres on building rapport. The aim is simple: you should feel able to describe your symptoms fully, ask every question on your mind and leave with a clear understanding of what happens next.

Where You Can Consult Dr. Sona Kaushal

Dr. Sona Kaushal sees patients at two Gut Clinic centres in South Delhi.

Gut Clinic, Lajpat Nagar: 2nd Floor, Aartas, 18A Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar 4, New Delhi. Her OPD timings are:

• Monday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Gut Clinic, Epitome, New Friends Colony: The newer Gut Clinic centre, conveniently placed near Sukhdev Vihar metro station. Her OPD timings are:

• Monday: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

As timings can occasionally change, it is a good idea to call the clinic and confirm your appointment before you visit.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your first visit begins with a conversation. Dr. Kaushal will ask about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your diet, your medicines and, where relevant, your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. A gentle abdominal examination usually follows, and you are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you.

Tests are advised only when they will add useful information. Depending on your symptoms, these may include blood tests, a stool test, an ultrasound or an endoscopy. Our patient guide to common tests a gastroenterologist may recommend explains each one in plain language, and you can learn more about endoscopy and colonoscopy at Gut Clinic.

A short symptom diary kept for a week or two before your visit, noting meals, bowel habits and where you are in your cycle, can make the consultation far more productive. For more tips, read what to expect at your first gastroenterologist appointment.

Symptoms That Should Not Wait

Whatever your preference of doctor, some symptoms need prompt medical attention:

• Blood in your stool, or black, tarry stools
• Weight loss you cannot explain
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing
• Repeated vomiting
• A lasting change in bowel habits, especially after the age of 45
• Iron deficiency that keeps returning despite treatment
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain

Taking the First Step Towards Feeling Better

Digestive symptoms can affect how you eat, sleep, work and feel about yourself, and there is no reason to keep putting them aside. Feeling comfortable with your doctor is a valid part of good care, because an open conversation often leads to a clearer diagnosis. Women's digestive health is shaped by hormones, life stages and everyday routines, and it deserves a thoughtful assessment.

If you would feel more at ease with a female specialist, you can book a consultation with Dr. Sona Kaushal at Gut Clinic in Lajpat Nagar or at Epitome, New Friends Colony, to understand what your symptoms mean and how to manage them.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Sona Kaushal

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