Ovarian function and gastrointestinal motor activity.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic search methodology or primary data
What was done
This narrative review examined the relationship between ovarian function, ovarian steroid hormones, and gastrointestinal motor activity and visceral pain disorders based on literature describing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and reflux across various female hormonal states.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or specific statistics. It summarizes observational patterns indicating that irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gallbladder disorders are more prevalent in women, and symptoms (including abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) fluctuate during pregnancy, the luteal phase, and perimenopause/menopause. It also notes that pharmacological ovariectomy reduces abdominal pain symptoms in cited studies.
Why it matters
It highlights sex-specific hormonal influences on visceral pain and gut motility, suggesting that accounting for ovarian steroid variations could inform targeted therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders.
Limits
The abstract contains no systematic search criteria, quality appraisal, primary data, or quantitative risk estimates. Conclusions rely on broad narrative synthesis.
Cited by
- supports During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone elevation causes increased water retention, abdominal bloating, irregular bowel movements, disturbed sleep, and increased basal body temperature.