If you experience severe allergies, your estrogen levels could be causing symptoms of hormonal allergies.
Hormones are chemical messengers that govern the body’s natural processes. Hormones influence the immune system and immune responses for women can vary throughout puberty, menstruation and menopause.
Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance such as pollen or dust and labels it as a threat to the body. The immune system then releases histamine to trigger inflammation at the contact site causing itching, sneezing and rashes. Hormonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to changes in hormonal levels by releasing histamines.
Symptoms of Hormonal Allergies Can Include:
- premenstrual asthma
- menstrual migraine
- fatigue
- skin rash
- acne
- mood swings
- anxiety and panic attacks
- interstitial cystitis
How Female Hormones Influence Histamine Production
Because women have varying levels of hormones throughout their lives, estrogen and progesterone levels can trigger histamine release.
A 2012 Study reported, “Among allergy and autoimmunity, there is disproportionate representation of males before puberty and females after puberty, suggesting a role for sex hormones. Hormone allergy is an allergic reaction where the offending allergens are one’s own hormones. It is an immune reaction to the hormones, which can interfere with the normal function of the hormones. It can occur premenstrually in women along with the variation in menstrual cycle.”
When women have excess estrogen, aka estrogen dominance, they can experience more severe allergic reactions and be at higher risk for autoimmune disorders. For instance, when hormone levels peak during menstruation, allergy symptoms can increase. Estrogen can increase histamine production, while progesterone can break down and flush out histamine.
Because adequate levels of progesterone help to balance the effects of estrogen, estrogen dominance can also be called progesterone deficiency. This hormonal imbalance can cause sudden onset allergies for expectant mothers, perimenopausal women and menopausal women.
Many women may take over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve hormonal allergy symptoms. However, this does not address the underlying cause of hormone imbalance. Instead, you may consider trying herbal antihistamines, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or natural allergy supplements to balance hormones and reduce hormonal allergies without side effects.
3 Reasons Why Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Can Reduce Hormonal Allergies
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a natural solution to restore hormone balance. The Endocrine Society has defined bioidentical hormones as “compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body.”
Bioidentical hormones are made from plants such as soy and yams. Bioidentical estrogen derived from plant sources (17β-estradiol) is available in pellets, pills, patches, sprays, creams, gels, and vaginal tablets. Micronized progesterone is available in a capsule or as a vaginal gel.
1. BioIdentical Hormones Act Like Ovarian Hormones
There are a variety of “natural” hormone replacement therapies that claim to be natural because they aren’t made from synthetic chemicals. However, bioidentical hormones are the only natural alternative that your body can’t distinguish from the ones your ovaries produce. Premarin hormone therapy is made from pregnant mares’ urine. It is sourced naturally, but the molecular structure is not bioidentical to human estrogen. The same goes for Cenestin, which is made from plants, but is not bioidentical.
2. BioIdentical Hormones Can Be Delivered More Effectively
According to Harvard Health, when estrogen is taken as a pill, it’s first processed through the liver. This stimulates proteins associated with heart disease and stroke, such as C-reactive protein, activated protein C, and clotting factors. When delivered by transdermal (skin) patch, estrogen isn’t first processed by the liver and — at the same level of blood concentration — doesn’t have these effects.
3. BioIdentical Hormones Can Be Customized
Menopausal women who cannot tolerate the non-hormonal ingredients contained in synthetic hormone therapy can have compounded bioidentical hormones (CBHT) speciality formulated to their unique body type. Practitioners can prescribe custom dosages based on individual biochemistry and health history.
An Australian survey of 366 women using compounded progesterone identified symptom improvement, the perception of compounded progesterone as safe and natural, and the tailoring of treatment as key factors impacting the acceptability of compounded progesterone to women. In interviews with 25 women seeking anti-aging care, all of whom reported using CBHT, Fishman and colleagues found that women pursued anti-aging services for two overarching reasons: first, for treatment of symptoms they attributed to menopause-related hormonal imbalance or decline, and second, out of frustration with conventional medical care they viewed as “unwilling or unable to adequately treat their hormonal imbalance.”
5 Supplements That Can Reduce Hormonal Allergies
Natural Bio Health offers a variety of natural supplements to support immune health and balance hormones. A strong immune system can help reduce all types of allergic reactions including those that occur due to excess estrogen.
- Vitamin D: Research shows how Vitamin D plays an important role in reducing respiratory inflammation, boosting immunity and increasing overall health.
- Zinc: Zinc is an immune-essential mineral. A zinc deficiency can increase risk for infections. Zinc helps fight colds and early flu symptoms as well as acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Magnesium: Magnesium keeps the immune system strong, helps strengthen muscles and bones, and supports many body functions from cardiac functions to brain functions. It is also a key hormone regulator since low magnesium levels cause menopausal symptoms.
- Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and immune system booster. Oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic reactions. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may reduce allergy symptoms.
- Probiotic: 70% of immune cells reside in the gut. Probiotic Supplements help clean your digestive tract, stop sugar and carb cravings, reduce body fat and stop acid reflux. Symptoms of an unhealthy gut include imbalances of good and bad bacteria, heartburn, gas and bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach, GERD, diverticulitis, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, obesity or other weight struggles.
Contact Natural Bio Health Today
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