Increased levels of which hormone are associated with hyperemesis gravidarum?

Increased levels of estrogen are associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Estrogen levels rise significantly during pregnancy, and this increase is thought to contribute to various physiological changes including those affecting the gastrointestinal system.

In hyperemesis gravidarum, the elevated estrogen may lead to delayed gastric emptying and increased sensitivity in the gastrointestinal tract, thus exacerbating nausea and vomiting. Although other hormones such as progesterone can also be elevated during pregnancy, it is the specific rise in estrogen that has been closely linked to the severe symptoms experienced in hyperemesis gravidarum.

Understanding the hormonal shifts in pregnancy helps to clarify the mechanisms behind various conditions pregnant patients may experience.