April 3, 2026

Honors student advances research on inflammatory bowel disease and menopause

After noticing that menopausal experiences are frequently underrepresented in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research, Tanvi Kale began writing a systematic review on IBD and menopause in 2024. Now a senior, she reflects on this work as part of our Community Spotlight series.

Conducted through the UW Gastrointestinal Health and Wellness Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Kendra Kamp, the project synthesizes clinical and epidemiological literature to examine how hormonal changes during menopause may influence IBD symptoms, disease activity, and quality of life. Tanvi’s work has since shaped her broader academic interests in health equity, gender-based disparities in medicine, and patient-centered care. Reflecting on the project, Tanvi shared, “As an Honors student, I’ve been motivated to pursue work that goes beyond the classroom to address real-world gaps in knowledge, and this review grew directly out of that mindset. I hope sharing this work can highlight how Honors students engage deeply with complex topics and use research as a tool for advocacy, connection, and impact within and beyond the UW community.”

Tanvi’s review was published in February 2025 in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Read her review here.