> [Symptoms include: chest pains, chest and throat tightness, shallow breathing, occasional palpitations, constant heartburn, bloating, asthma-like symptoms] Have you had [[blood tests]] for hormones? The whole complex of symptoms including hiatal hernia is usually caused by a general weakness of digestive and hormonal processes, and it’s especaily important to check [[thyroid]] function carefully, with a blood test and recording waking and midday temperature and [[pulse]] rate, and average caloric requirement. > It is most likely to develop as a result of reduced [[thyroid]] hormone and increased stress hormones (especially cortisol, in relation to [[testosterone]] and [[DHEA]]), weakening connective tissues. Some foods that cause intestinal irritation can make it worse; a simplified diet makes it possible to identify any specific foods that make the problem worse. Keeping a record of temperature and [[pulse]] rate can help to recognize any hormonal problems.