BALTIMORE —

In this Woman's Doctor segment, do people know that hormones can have an impact on digestion?

Dr. Sara Yacyshyn, a gastroenterologist at Mercy Medical Center, said in a normal cycle hormones increase and decrease, especially during certain times in a woman's life like pregnancy or during pre or post menopause.

She said hormones, especially progesterone, can have an impact on mobility or smooth muscle movements, especially during the second half of the menstrual cycle, or early on in pregnancy.

That can cause constipation and increase the risk of heartburn. Hormone fluctuations are normal but she said if people made changes and still have symptoms, it's time to see a doctor.

"When it comes to lower-GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea if you make

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