Hormones

Given that women are more likely to experience gastroparesis than men, gastric motility differences between the sexes have been investigated. In general, women appear to have a slower rate of gastric emptying than men, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Studies have also focused on the effect of estrogen and progesterone on gastric emptying, however further research is needed on this possible association before any conclusions can be drawn.

Other hormones that are currently being researched for a possible relationship with gastroparesis include motilin, which stimulates contractions of the gastrointestinal tract, and ghrelin, which stimulates appetite and gastric motility.