Hormonal Associations in Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Introduction to Hormonal Profile

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is consistently elevated in hyperemesis gravidarum, representing one of the primary hormonal associations with the condition, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 1, 2
Estrogen (estradiol) levels are significantly elevated in women with hyperemesis gravidarum compared to normal pregnancy controls, as noted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1
Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) shows higher levels in maternal blood and correlates with vomiting severity in hyperemesis gravidarum patients, as reported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 2

The hormonal associations in hyperemesis gravidarum help explain why the condition is linked to molar pregnancies, characterized by extremely high hCG levels, as stated by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 1, 2
Hyperemesis gravidarum is also linked to multiple gestations, due to elevated hCG and estrogen levels, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2
The condition is associated with female fetuses, due to higher estrogen production, as noted by the Endocrine Society 1, 2
Additionally, hyperemesis gravidarum is linked to hyperthyroid disorders, as hCG has thyroid-stimulating activity, as reported by the American Thyroid Association 1, 2

Progesterone causes relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and delayed gastric emptying, contributing to heartburn and general nausea/vomiting of pregnancy through its inhibitory effects on GI motility, as stated by the American Gastroenterological Association 1
Progesterone elevation is a normal physiologic change in all pregnancies, not a distinguishing feature of hyperemesis gravidarum specifically, as noted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1