Related Experiment Videos
The normal menstrual cycle has no effect on gastric emptying
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|July 1, 1985
Summary
The menstrual cycle does not significantly alter gastric emptying of solids or liquids in women. This study found no difference in gastric emptying rates between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Orocaecal transit time is known to be prolonged during the luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle and pregnancy.
- Previous research has not distinguished between gastric emptying and small intestinal transit effects on orocaecal transit time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific impact of the normal menstrual cycle on gastric emptying of both solid and liquid meals.
- To determine if hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle influence the rate at which the stomach empties its contents.
Main Methods:
- A dual isotope scintigraphic technique was employed to measure gastric emptying.
- Gastric emptying was assessed in 10 healthy women during two distinct phases of their ovulatory menstrual cycle: the follicular phase (days 8-10) and the luteal phase (days 18-20).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the measures of solid gastric emptying between the follicular and luteal phases.
- Similarly, liquid gastric emptying rates showed no significant variation between the follicular and luteal phases.
- These findings indicate that the normal menstrual cycle does not exert a significant influence on gastric emptying.
Conclusions:
- The normal ovulatory menstrual cycle does not appear to affect gastric emptying of solids or liquids in healthy women.
- The observed prolongations in orocaecal transit time during the luteal phase are likely attributable to factors other than changes in gastric emptying, such as small intestinal transit.