Oestrogen and Histamine: The Link Between Your Menstrual Cycle and Allergy Symptoms

Many women notice that their allergy and hayfever symptoms—like sneezing, nasal congestion, hives, or itching—seem to worsen at specific points in their menstrual cycle. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s linked to the complex interaction between oestrogen and histamine in the body.

The Oestrogen-Histamine Connection

Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system in response to allergens. It plays a key role in allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, and hives. While histamine is essential for immune function, excessive release can trigger uncomfortable symptoms.

Oestrogen, a primary female sex hormone, is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including reproductive health, mood regulation, and immune modulation. However, it also has a significant impact on histamine production and degradation.

1. Oestrogen Stimulates Histamine Release:

• Oestrogen can upregulate the production of histamine by stimulating mast cells—immune cells that store histamine.

• It also increases the expression of histidine decarboxylase (HDC), the enzyme responsible for converting histidine into histamine.

• This means that when oestrogen levels are high, more histamine is released into the body.

2. Oestrogen Reduces Histamine Breakdown:

• The enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine is called diamine oxidase (DAO).

• High oestrogen levels can inhibit DAO activity, leading to reduced histamine clearance.

• As a result, histamine levels can build up, leading to heightened symptoms.

Why Symptoms Fluctuate with the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is characterised by fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone, and these changes can significantly affect histamine levels:

Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Ovulation)

• Oestrogen levels gradually rise, peaking just before ovulation.

• Increased oestrogen during this phase can lead to higher histamine release, potentially worsening allergy symptoms like hayfever, migraines, or skin reactions.

• Women with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) may experience intensified symptoms at this time.

Ovulation

• Around ovulation, there is a sharp peak in oestrogen.

• This can result in a sudden surge of histamine, triggering acute symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, headaches, or even hives.

Luteal Phase (Post-Ovulation to Menstruation)

• Progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, while oestrogen levels drop slightly.

• Progesterone is known to stabilise mast cells and support DAO activity, helping to break down histamine more effectively.

• For some women, symptoms may ease or stabilise during this phase. For others, the drop in progesterone and slight surge of oestrogen right at the end of the cycle is what triggers worsening allergy symptoms.

Menstrual Phase (Bleeding)

• Both oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.

• Some women notice symptom relief during menstruation due to the relative decrease in oestrogen levels.

• However, if there is oestrogen dominance or low progesterone, histamine-driven symptoms may persist even during bleeding.

Conditions That Exacerbate the Oestrogen-Histamine Link

Oestrogen Dominance:

• Women with high oestrogen or low progesterone may experience more severe allergy symptoms.

• Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and perimenopause can amplify this imbalance.

Histamine Intolerance:

• Some women naturally produce less DAO, either due to genetic factors or gut dysbiosis.

• A diet high in histamine-rich foods (like aged cheese, fermented foods, and alcohol) can exacerbate symptoms, particularly during high-oestrogen phases.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS):

• A condition where mast cells release excessive amounts of histamine, often triggered by hormonal fluctuations.

• Women with MCAS often experience worsening allergy symptoms around ovulation and just before their period.

How to Manage Oestrogen-Related Histamine Symptoms

Balance Oestrogen Levels:

• Support liver detoxification to help the body clear excess oestrogen (e.g., cruciferous vegetables, fibre). Broccoli sprouts are a standout here.

• Consider natural supplements that support hormone balance, such as DIM (Diindolylmethane) or calcium-d-glucarate, under professional guidance.

Support DAO Activity:

• Increase intake of vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium, which help optimise DAO function.

• Include low-histamine foods when symptoms are intense, such as fresh vegetables, gluten-free grains, and low-histamine proteins.

Stabilise Mast Cells:

• Natural mast cell stabilisers like quercetin (found in onions and apples) can help reduce histamine release.

• Anti-inflammatory herbs like curcumin, nigella and ginger can also mitigate symptoms.

Track Your Symptoms:

• Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns and understand how your menstrual cycle influences your allergies.

• This can guide dietary and lifestyle changes during peak oestrogen phases.

When to Seek Help

If you notice that your allergy symptoms significantly worsen around ovulation or just before your period, it may be worth discussing hormone balance with a healthcare professional. Conditions like oestrogen dominance or histamine intolerance can often be managed with tailored support, including dietary adjustments, supplements, and hormone regulation strategies. Understanding the oestrogen-histamine connection empowers you to take a proactive approach to your health. By treating the root cause you can say goodbye to allergy symptoms for good!

If you need some support with allergy symptoms or would like to know more about supporting your menstrual cycle, you can book a consultation here.