6. Hormonal Imbalances: The Silent Puppeteers
Hormones aren’t just about mood swings and puberty; they’re the body’s chemical messengers that influence a host of physiological processes, including digestion. When it comes to gastroparesis, hormonal imbalances can play a massive role, often hiding in the background while the symptoms take center stage.
Take thyroid hormones, for example. An underactive thyroid can make the whole digestive system lethargic, essentially slowing down the stomach’s ability to empty itself. It’s like your gastrointestinal tract is stuck in a permanent ‘sleep mode.’ Unlike other causes, the onset can be gradual, almost sneaky, until the full-fledged symptoms appear.
We also have sex hormones coming into the picture. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have been linked to gastroparesis. During the menstrual cycle, increased levels of progesterone can relax the stomach muscles too much, stalling the digestive process.
In men, low levels of testosterone can also contribute to the condition. While the focus is often on the hormone’s role in muscle building and libido, people forget that it influences metabolic rates and, consequently, digestion. Lower testosterone can reduce gastric motility, adding another layer to this multifaceted condition.(6)
