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Are there changes in gastric emptying during the menstrual cycle?
A M Caballero-Plasencia1, M Valenzuela-Barranco, J L Martín-Ruiz
1Dept. of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 28, 1999
Summary
Gastric emptying of solids and liquids is slower in women than men, indicating physiological gastroparesis. Sex hormones do not influence gastric emptying rates during the menstrual cycle.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Investigates sex-based differences in gastric emptying of solids and liquids.
- Examines the influence of sex hormones on gastric smooth muscle function.
- Addresses unresolved questions in gastrointestinal motility research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gastric emptying rates between men and women.
- To determine the effect of menstrual cycle phase on gastric emptying.
- To assess the relationship between sex hormones and gastric motility.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed gastric emptying of digestible solids (GES), liquids (GEL), and indigestible solids (GER) in healthy men and women.
- Utilized [99mTc]-DTPA for solid and [111In]-DTPA for liquid gastric emptying measurements.
- Assessed GER via abdominal roentgenograms on a separate day.
Main Results:
- Gastric emptying of solids (GES) and liquids (GEL) was significantly slower in women compared to men (P < 0.05).
- No significant differences in GES, GEL, or GER were observed between follicular and luteal phases in women.
- Gastric emptying rates did not correlate with plasma estradiol or progesterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Women exhibit evidence of postprandial 'physiologic gastroparesis'.
- No sex differences were found in gastric motility during fasting.
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle do not affect gastric emptying rates.
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