If you’ve noticed that your seasonal allergies have gotten worse, you’re not imagining it! Many women find that as they approach perimenopause, their hay fever, sneezing fits, or itchy skin become harder to manage. But why?
The surprising link lies in your hormones—especially Oestrogen—and how they interact with histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions.
Hormones, Histamine & Inflammation: What’s the Connection?
Histamine plays a key role in your immune system. It helps your body react to allergens, like pollen, by triggering inflammation—cue the sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. But histamine is involved in more than just allergies; it also influences digestion, brain function, and even your menstrual cycle.
Here’s the catch:
Oestrogen stimulates histamine production, and histamine in turn triggers more oestrogen. This creates a vicious cycle where high oestrogen levels (like around ovulation or in perimenopause) can ramp up histamine activity, making allergies feel more intense.
Oestrogen stimulates histamine production, and histamine in turn triggers more oestrogen. This creates a vicious cycle where high oestrogen levels (like around ovulation or in perimenopause) can ramp up histamine activity, making allergies feel more intense.
On the flip side, progesterone helps calm down histamine levels—but during perimenopause, progesterone naturally starts to decline. This imbalance can make you more sensitive to allergens than before.
Why Gut Health & Stress Make Things Worse
Your gut and nervous system play a huge role in histamine breakdown.
- Gut Health: The enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase) helps break down histamine, but if you have digestive issues like IBS, bloating, or food intolerances, your body may struggle to clear excess histamine—leading to more allergy symptoms.
- Stress & Cortisol: High stress levels can weaken your adrenal glands, affecting how your body regulates inflammation and histamine responses. This can make allergy symptoms feel worse and harder to control.
Natural Ways to Support Your Body & Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Instead of just relying on antihistamines, supporting your body naturally can help reduce histamine buildup and improve resilience against allergies.
✅ Eat Antihistamine-Rich Foods
Some foods help lower histamine naturally, including:
Some foods help lower histamine naturally, including:
- Vitamin C-rich foods (peppers, citrus, berries) – support histamine breakdown
- Quercetin (onions, apples, green tea) – acts as a natural antihistamine
- Turmeric & ginger – reduce inflammation
🚫 Reduce High-Histamine Foods
Certain foods can increase histamine in the body, making symptoms worse. Common culprits include:
Certain foods can increase histamine in the body, making symptoms worse. Common culprits include:
- Aged cheeses & fermented foods
- Processed meats
- Alcohol & vinegar-based foods
- Leftover or slow-cooked meals
💆♀️ Support Your Stress Response
Since stress plays a role in histamine intolerance, using relaxation techniques can help. Some simple options include:
Since stress plays a role in histamine intolerance, using relaxation techniques can help. Some simple options include:
- Breathwork & meditation to lower cortisol
- Adrenal-supporting adaptogens like tulsi tea
- Quality sleep to regulate inflammation
The Takeaway: Balance Hormones, Support Gut Health & Reduce Allergy Symptoms
If your allergies are worse than usual this year, your hormones may be playing a role. Supporting your body through food, stress management, and gut-friendly habits can help you feel better and minimize histamine overload—without relying solely on antihistamines.
Reach out if you need help figuring out what’s triggering your symptoms?
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