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[Hormonal influence on gastrointestinal reflux during pregnancy]
Carmen Anton1, E Anton, V L Drug
1Clinica a II-a Gastroenterologie, Facultatea de Medicină, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa, Iaşi.
Summary
High progesterone levels during pregnancy may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). However, normal progesterone fluctuations in menstrual cycles do not significantly impact GER symptoms in healthy women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) affects 30-50% of pregnancies.
- Elevated plasma progesterone is a suspected cause of GER during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of physiological progesterone concentrations on GER.
- To determine if progesterone influences acid contact time.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 70 women (50 pregnant, 20 non-pregnant).
- Hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone, beta-hCG) measured using immunoenzymatic tests.
- 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring and serum progesterone levels assessed during different menstrual cycle phases in healthy women.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women with GER symptoms showed increased steroid hormone levels.
- Progesterone fluctuations during normal menstrual cycles did not significantly impact 24-hour esophageal pH parameters.
Conclusions:
- Physiological progesterone levels do not cause GER in healthy women.
- High progesterone concentrations during pregnancy may contribute to GER.
- GER symptoms resolve post-delivery with decreasing hormone levels.