When should I see a gastroenterologist?

If you have red-flag bowel symptoms—such as rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, persistent or nighttime diarrhea, iron-deficiency anemia, fever, or a strong family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer—it’s worth being evaluated by a gastroenterologist. These signs can point to conditions that need targeted testing, not just symptom management.

We also often recommend a GI evaluation when “IBS-like” symptoms are severe, recurrent, or don’t improve as expected with endometriosis-focused care and nutrition adjustments. Coordinating care between our surgical gynecology team and a GI specialist can reduce delays, avoid duplicated workups, and help align your testing and treatment plan around the full picture of your symptoms. If you’re unsure where to start, you can reach out to schedule a consultation and we’ll help map the next best steps.