Do hormones cause bloating, reflux, or constipation during perimenopause? Ekta Gupta, MD, Gastroenterologist at University of Maryland Medical Center – Midtown Campus, University of Maryland Medical System, explains that changing estrogen and progesterone levels can alter gut motility, relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase visceral hypersensitivity, but that evidence shows many symptoms are also linked to metabolism, sleep, diet and medications. Learn which signs suggest a hormonal link and which warrant further evaluation.