Women & Acid Reflux

Over 15 million Americans have acid reflux disease or gastreoesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to womentowomen.com. Acid reflux involves stomach acid leaving the stomach and entering the esophagus. When this happens often, it is considered acid reflux disease.

Symptoms

• Acid reflux can affect the esophagus.

  According to WebMD, acid reflux includes some of the following symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, belching, and stomach discomfort. These symptoms often prove that stomach acid may be adversely affecting the esophagus.

Stress

• Stress can increase symptoms.

  Some women experience increased acid reflux symptoms when experiencing stress. Consequently, women should engage in activities, like exercise, to help manage and reduce stress if they suffer from acid reflux disease.

Pregnancy

• Some pregnant women experience acid reflux.

  Many women experience acid reflux when they are pregnant because of increasing hormones, as well as pressure from the fetus. However, after giving birth, the acid reflux often disappears.

Hormone Therapies

• Hormone therapies may increase acid reflux.

  An Archives of Internal Medicine report shows acid reflux development in postmenopausal women using estrogen hormone therapies. According to the report, women who used the treatments had a greater chance of developing acid reflux symptoms than those who never used the hormone therapies.

Treatment

• Medicine may be used to treat acid reflux.

  Medication, lifestyle change, or surgery helps to treat some women's acid reflux. Surgery is necessary in extreme cases of acid reflux disease.