Is Estrogen a Curse or a Blessing in Disguise? Role of Estrogen in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition wherein there is reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation with a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. It may or may not lead to mucosal injury. GERD symptoms can be troublesome and negatively impact the quality of life. Estrogen, the sex hormone in females, may play a role in the gender differences observed in GERD symptoms. This review article analyzes estrogen's mechanism in the causation of GERD symptoms and its complications. A better understanding of pathophysiology will help us guide early detection, treatment, and prevention of repeated reflux complications. We did a comprehensive PubMed database search and analyzed differences in GERD symptoms experienced by males and females and the role of estrogen in erosive and non-erosive GERD. GERD symptoms in association with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and pregnancy, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxant effects, and estrogens' protective effect on the esophagus from mucosal injury due to repeated reflux are discussed. Estrogen can cause GERD as an adverse effect and, at the same time, can be used to protect the mucosa from GERD induced injury and its complications like metaplasia and cancer. The mechanism is complex and requires further studies and trials. We recommend future researchers to look for possible estrogen use to treat erosive GERD and complication prevention.