Hormones and Allergies: Why Women Suffer More

Many women experience changes in their allergy symptoms without realizing the role hormones play in allergic reactions. This Women’s Month, we’re shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between hormones and allergies and how they impact daily life.

Research published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that allergy symptoms in women are often more severe than in men due to hormonal influences. Fluctuating hormones exacerbate allergies, triggering everything from seasonal sniffles to asthma and skin irritations. These fluctuations occur throughout different life stages and shape how your immune system reacts to allergens.

Let’s break down the relationship between hormones and allergies, why women are at higher risk for severe reactions, and the best ways to stay ahead of symptoms.

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The Link Between Hormones and Allergies

Research from the National Library of Medicine confirms that women naturally have a more active immune system than men, making them more prone to allergies, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammation. Estrogen and progesterone, the primary female sex hormones, can have a major effect on allergic reactions.

Estrogen strengthens the immune system, which is excellent for fighting illness, but it can also cause the body to overreact to harmless triggers like pollen or pet dander. Progesterone, on the other hand, is unpredictable—it can help reduce inflammation (at times) but may also worsen allergy symptoms in women when levels fluctuate.

Consulting a doctor helps adjust and align your allergy medications with your hormonal changes and allergies, allowing for better relief. 

Allergy Challenges at Different Life Stages

As women transition through life phases—puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—hormonal changes can significantly affect allergy symptoms. If you want to manage your allergies more effectively wherever you are in life, you need to understand how hormones interact with the immune system.

Let’s take a closer look at how different life stages shape your immune response and allergic reactions:

Puberty

Before puberty, boys are more likely to have allergies, but this changes once girls reach adolescence. Estrogen and the immune system are closely linked—rising estrogen levels strengthen immune responses, making girls more sensitive to allergens and increasing the severity of allergic reactions.

Menstrual Cycle

Changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can make your allergy symptoms worse at certain times. Many women notice that their sensitivity to allergens increases during specific phases, leading to stronger reactions like sneezing, congestion, or skin irritation.

Pregnancy

The prenatal period brings significant immune system changes, highlighting the complex relationship between pregnancy and allergies. Some women find allergy relief from the body’s temporary immunosuppressive state, while others experience worsened symptoms due to fluctuating estrogen. Pregnancy-induced rhinitis, for example, affects approximately 20% of expectant mothers, while others may go through pregnancy without experiencing any allergy-related nasal congestion.

Menopause

As estrogen levels decline after menopause, the immune system undergoes shifts that can alter allergy severity. Some women may develop new allergic sensitivities, while others might see existing allergies worsen, particularly conditions like allergic rhinitis.

Common Allergies That Impact Women

Now we know that having allergies as a woman is not as simple as most people think. Hormonal shifts throughout your life can throw your immune system into overdrive, making it even harder to deal with common allergies like:

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies in women’s lives are challenging enough to begin with, but hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can make allergic reactions even more intense. Estrogen surges before ovulation can heighten reactions to pollen, dust, and other allergens, while progesterone spikes in the luteal phase may trigger inflammation.

Asthma

Asthma is more common in women than in men, largely due to estrogen’s influence on the immune system. Estrogen enhances the Th2 cytokine profile, which contributes to airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness—both key factors in asthma flare-ups.

Skin Allergies

The relationship between skin allergies and hormones is evident in conditions like eczema, which can worsen due to estrogen fluctuations. These hormonal shifts can heighten skin sensitivity, leading to increased inflammation, irritation, and frequent flare-ups.

Food Sensitivities

Hormonal fluctuations can also impact how the body reacts to certain foods. Some women report heightened food sensitivities during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, which can lead to stronger allergic reactions.

Managing Allergies with a Hormone-Aware Approach

Recognizing the connection between hormones and allergies allows women like you to take proactive steps in managing symptoms. You can take charge of your allergy care with a hormone-aware approach by:

Keeping a Symptom Journal

• Track allergy symptoms throughout your menstrual cycle to identify patterns.
• Note whether symptoms worsen before your period, during pregnancy, or at other times.

Working with Your Doctor

• Consult reputable allergists to personalize your treatment, adjusting antihistamines, nasal sprays, or asthma medications to match your body’s hormonal changes.
• Some women find hormonal treatments (such as birth control) help stabilize allergy symptoms.

Supporting Your Body with Lifestyle Choices

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods – Omega-3-rich foods (like fish and nuts) and antioxidants (found in berries and leafy greens) can help regulate immune responses.
• Prioritize quality sleep – Good sleep supports immune function and may reduce allergy severity.
• Manage stress – Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help lower histamine levels triggered by stress.

How Brazos Valley Allergy & Asthma Clinics Can Help

At Brazos Valley Allergy & Asthma Clinics, we know that fluctuating hormones can make allergy management even more challenging. Whether your symptoms shift throughout your cycle, intensify during pregnancy, or change after menopause, our expert team is here to provide the best care possible to help you find lasting relief.

• Comprehensive allergy testing – We identify allergens influenced by hormonal changes to help you manage symptoms effectively.
• Personalized treatment plans – For optimal relief, our allergy doctors customize your treatment plan, accounting for both hormonal changes and allergy symptoms.
• Expert guidance through every stage of life – From puberty to menopause, our team will guide you through allergy changes with specialized care.

Manage Your Allergies through Every Hormonal Shift with BV Allergy

Allergies are frustrating enough on their own, but when hormones come into play, they can feel even more unpredictable. Whether your symptoms spike before your period, change during pregnancy, or flare up in menopause, understanding the connection between hormones and allergies can help you take control.

If you’re struggling with allergies and suspect hormones might be making things worse, you’re not alone. Our team at Brazos Valley Allergy & Asthma Clinics is here to help with personalized care tailored to your body’s unique needs. Celebrate Women’s Month by prioritizing your health—contact us today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

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