Still struggling with Gastritis?

Hormone Therapy and Gastritis: Finding Relief Naturally

Hormone therapy can be a game-changer for navigating the ups and downs of menopause, but what happens when it stirs up other health challenges, like gastritis? For many women, the stomach lining becomes unexpectedly sensitive during treatment, leading to uncomfortable flare-ups. If you’re struggling with chronic gastritis and noticing a connection to hormone therapy, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are ways to ease the discomfort while supporting your body’s needs.

Let’s break down what might be happening, why hormone therapy can impact your gut, and what natural steps you can take to find relief.

What Is Gastritis and Why Might Hormone Therapy Trigger It?

Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed or irritated, often due to factors like stress, diet, medications, or an overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormone pellets, can occasionally exacerbate these issues.

Why? Hormones like estrogen and progesterone influence many systems in the body, including the gut. Hormone fluctuations can alter the balance of stomach acid, impact gut motility, and heighten stress responses—all of which may trigger or worsen gastritis symptoms. Research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology highlights that estrogen has both protective and disruptive roles in gastrointestinal health, depending on individual factors like stress levels, diet, and pre-existing conditions.

Add in holiday indulgences or an already sensitive stomach, and it’s easy to see why flare-ups might occur.

The Stress Connection: Mental, Physical, and Environmental Factors

Managing gastritis requires looking at all types of stressors—mental, physical, and environmental. Each plays a role in aggravating the stomach lining and requires a different approach for relief.

1. Mental Stress: The Cortisol-Gut Connection

Stress is one of the biggest contributors to gastritis, and hormone therapy can amplify your body’s stress response. When cortisol (your body’s stress hormone) levels spike, it suppresses digestion, increases stomach acid, and leaves your gut lining more vulnerable to irritation.

What the Research Says:
Studies in Frontiers in Endocrinology show that elevated cortisol can weaken the gut barrier, leading to a condition called "leaky gut," which exacerbates gastritis symptoms. Stress-related cortisol spikes have also been shown to slow gastric emptying and disrupt stomach acid balance, worsening inflammation.

What You Can Do:

• Breathwork: Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signalling your body to relax and aiding digestion.
• Mindfulness or Meditation: Even 5–10 minutes of mindfulness can calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels. Apps like Calm or Headspace are great tools to get started.
• Gentle Movement: Yoga, tai chi, or even a quiet walk can shift your body out of fight-or-flight mode and help regulate your gut’s stress response.

2. Physical Stress: Food and Lifestyle Choices

Physical stress comes from what you eat, how you move, and how your body reacts to hormonal changes. With gastritis, your stomach lining is already inflamed, so added stressors like large meals or trigger foods can make it worse.

What the Research Says:
Research from Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology highlights that diets high in processed foods, sugar, and alcohol increase gut inflammation, which worsens conditions like gastritis. A study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that bone broth and gut-friendly foods rich in collagen may help repair the stomach lining.

What You Can Do:

• Eat Smaller, Balanced Meals: Instead of heavy or rich meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like:
  • Bone broth: Soothes the stomach lining and provides gut-healing nutrients.
  • Leafy greens and steamed veggies: Easy to digest and rich in antioxidants.
  • Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and seeds can support healing without irritating the stomach.
• Avoid Known Irritants: Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods are common gastritis triggers. Replace these with gentler options like herbal teas or whole, unprocessed ingredients.
• Try Soothing Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and marshmallow root teas are known for their gut-calming properties. Studies in Phytomedicine have shown that chamomile can reduce inflammation and soothe the stomach lining.

3. Environmental Stress: Beyond Diet and Emotions

It’s not just food and feelings—your environment can also affect your gut health. Everyday exposures to environmental toxins, chemicals, or even medications can contribute to gastritis flare-ups.

What You Can Do:

• Check Household Products: Swap out harsh cleaning products or detergents for natural, chemical-free alternatives. These can reduce your body’s overall toxic load.
• Rethink Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) are hard on the stomach lining. If possible, avoid these during flare-ups.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports digestion and helps flush out irritants. Add a slice of lemon to warm water in the morning to gently detoxify your system and improve stomach acidity balance.

Can Hormone Therapy Options Be Adjusted?

If gastritis symptoms persist, it may be worth discussing alternative hormone therapy methods with your healthcare provider. Some women find that lower doses or transdermal options (like patches or creams) are gentler on their system than pellets.

A study published in Menopause highlighted that transdermal estrogen has fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral or pellet-based therapies. Pairing these therapies with a personalized gut-friendly approach can help you find balance without compromising your treatment goals.

Additional Natural Remedies for Gastritis Relief

1️⃣ Probiotics: Support your gut microbiome with a high-quality probiotic supplement. Probiotics can help restore balance in the stomach and reduce inflammation. Look for strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are backed by research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

2️⃣ Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can help coat the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. Just make sure to choose a product labeled as safe for internal use.

3️⃣ Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha and licorice root can reduce stress and support adrenal health, which is key when balancing hormones and managing gastritis.

Take Action: Steps to Soothe Your Gut and Stay Balanced

Here’s a quick summary to help you get started:

1. Calm Your Mind: Practice daily stress-relief techniques like mindful breathing, journaling, or yoga.
2. Choose Gut-Friendly Foods: Focus on small, anti-inflammatory meals that nourish without irritating.
3. Reduce Triggers: Avoid irritants like alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and soothing teas.
5. Evaluate Your Hormone Therapy: If symptoms persist, consult your doctor to discuss alternative hormone therapy options.

Conclusion: Listening to Your Body

Gastritis flares can feel overwhelming, especially when paired with the changes your body is already navigating during menopause. But by addressing the root causes—whether mental, physical, or environmental—you can find relief and create a path toward healing.

Remember, your body is always communicating with you. By listening to those signals and taking proactive steps, you can feel better while staying on track with your hormone therapy.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and soothe your symptoms naturally, start with one or two of these strategies today. Small changes can make a big difference.

References:

• Frontiers in Endocrinology: Stress and cortisol's impact on gut health.
• Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology: The role of diet and inflammation in gut health.
• Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Benefits of collagen-rich foods for gut lining repair.
• Menopause Journal: Comparative effects of transdermal versus oral hormone therapies on gastrointestinal symptoms.

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