Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Orocecal Transit Time

Kim, Sung Han; Huh, Kyu Chan; Kang, Young Woo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Symtoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility including dyspepsia, constipation, and nausea are more common in the female than in the male, which rnay be attributed to the female sex hormone to reduce gastrointestinal motility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the menstrual cycle on gastrointestinal transit using breath hydrogen analysis of expired air as a monitor of the delivery of lactulose, a nonabsorbable disaccharide, to cecum.
METHODS
Orocecal transit time was measured in 18 normally menstruating women twice during their menstrual cycle; once in the follicular phase (days 8-10) when progesterone leveL were low and once in the luteal phase (days 18-20) when progesterone levels were increased. Orocecal transit time was determined by monitoring breath hydrogen levels after ingestion of latulose and pota1o soup.
RESULTS
Orocecal transit time was significantly (p=0.006) prolonged in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase (89.4+/-18.9 min vs 76.6+/-15.7 min).
CONCLUSIONS
The menstrual cycle played a role in determining the gastrointestinal transit time in normal menstruating women.