Progesterone and Acid Reflux
There is a connection between progesterone and acid reflux, but first, some basics: Progesterone is a hormone that rises in the body during pregnancy and during the second half of the menstrual cycle, closer to when your period starts, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Progesterone allows the lining of the uterus to thicken, which helps the body get ready for a fertilized egg. If that doesn’t happen, progesterone levels go down, and a menstrual period begins.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is what happens when what’s in your stomach doesn’t flow through your system the way it should, but instead heads back up into your throat through your esophagus, according to Mayo Clinic. If that sounds painful, that’s because it can be: It can cause heartburn, plus a bitter, uncomfortable taste in your mouth.
Progesterone can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle between the esophagus and stomach that helps the food and acid in your stomach stay where it belongs, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. If it’s not functioning right, it can lead to acid reflux, says Jason R. Rubinov, MD, a gastroenterologist and clinical instructor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
This means that progesterone can indeed bring on or worsen reflux, including around the time you get your period. It’s also why acid reflux is a common issue during pregnancy.
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