Posted on 07/02/2023 9:40:13 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Whether hormone therapy (HT) can be linked to an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been debated for years. A new systematic review and meta-analysis attempts to resolve the controversy, suggesting that there is a significant association between ever or current HT use and GERD.
GERD is one of the most common conditions in gastroenterology practice. Its global prevalence has been estimated at nearly 14%. Common symptoms include heartburn, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and chest pain. Anatomical abnormalities, such as hiatal hernia and obesity, have been identified as risk factors.
Estrogen increases stomach acid production and is associated with higher levels of plasma nitric oxide, which is a key neurotransmitter for the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Progesterone relaxes the esophageal muscles and the LES, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing GERD symptoms. Previous research linked female sex hormones with GERD symptoms during pregnancy and with oral contraceptive use. A new systematic review and meta-analysis provides clarity by confirming a significant association between ever or current HT use and GERD.
Researchers conducted an online search of published randomized, controlled trials and observational studies investigating the association between HT and GERD. Although a total of 84 studies were originally identified, most were eliminated because of irrelevancy or because they were duplicates or associated with conference abstracts. What remained for analysis were five full-length studies that covered more than one million participants. No participants with a prior GERD diagnosis were included.
All five studies reported a significant association between estrogen use and GERD, as well as between GERD and HT containing a combination of estrogen plus a progestogen. Women who received combined estrogen-progestogen therapies had a lower risk of GERD symptoms compared with HT containing estrogen alone or progestogen alone.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Only thing I used for my meno was evening primrose oil caplets. Worked a treat for sweats.
I never did hormone replacement during/after meno, either. Or after hysterectomy. Never had typical meno issues, so consider myself super lucky considering what others endure.
One I might’ve had a hot flash, but it was noon, outdoors, on Maui. Maybe I was just hot.
How I envy you...meno about killed me. BioID compounded hormones saved my life.
Hormone Therapy = Don’t Pay Her
Incidentally, D-limonene (orange oil) and PepZin GI (Zinc-L-Carnosine) are some natural treatments worth checking out for GERD. Here are some example products with user reviews for reference:
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