Does progesterone fluctuation across the menstrual cycle predispose to gastroesophageal reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs in 30–50% of all pregnancies. The progressive rise in plasma progesterone has been suggested as a possible mediator of GER during pregnancy. It is not known whether progesterone, at physiological concentrations, has an effect on acid contact time. We sought to evaluate the relationship between progesterone concentrations, lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), and acid contact time across the normal menstrual cycle.
