Add Heartburn to the List of Estrogen’s Risks

If TV commercials for pharmaceuticals are a true reflection of what ails our population, then I have to conclude that a good percentage of people – men and women – suffer from Gerd, often called acid reflux or heartburn.   It has been commonly believed that lifestyle factors such as BMI (body mass index), diet, smoking status, alcohol consumption and the use of certain medications are the culprits.  But recent research has shown that if a post-menopausal women is complaining of Gerd-like symptoms, it’s very possible that her use of hormone therapies, or raloxifene (prescribed for osteoporosis prevention) or even over-the-counter soy estrogen products are to blame.

Researchers wrote last year in the Archives of Internal Medicine (9/8/08)  that hormone use was associated with 37% to 66% higher risk for Gerd symptoms, depending on the preparation used.  They concluded that “physicians prescribing hormone therapies should inform patients about possible Gerd symptoms, and those evaluating patients with new Gerd symptoms should ask about hormone therapy use as a possible contributing factor.”  Characteristics of Gerd include:Woman With GERD

  • Heartburn
  • Acid regurgitation
  • Chest pain
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Indigestion
  • Estraesophageal symptoms (chronic cough, wheeze, laryngitis)

If any of these symptoms look familiar, and you’re using hormone therapies, you should discuss this possible linkage with your physician.