Allergies during the Menopause

There are some bizarre symptoms that happen when we go into the Menopause, including allergies to things we never suffered with before. Just when we thought we had had enough thrown at us, we start coughing for no reason and sneeze at everything in sight!

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Allergies during the Menopause

Why do we start to suffer with allergies during the menopause?

It is all down to our Oestrogen levels declining as we go through the Menopause, and the impact it has on our immune system, making it react very differently to allergens. Whilst some women are already suffering with hot flushes, joint pain, sleep issues, digestive problems and so on, this puts a huge pressure on our nervous system. The body then starts to defend itself by producing more histamine (a chemical that leads to allergy symptoms). Dust, pollen, animals, and cleaning products now start to cause you to sneeze, cough and your nose to run as your immune system releases histamine to try to combat these issues.

Histamine and Hormones:

Some of us always start to dread the summer months in the back of our minds, as it is the season for hayfever! Having suffered as a child, then I did not suffer for years and now I get the occasional itchy eye and sneeze post menopause. For some women who have never suffered with hayfever, this can be another symptom that rears its ugly head. This Qu-Chi Acupressure Band is clinically proven to relief hayfever and allergic rhinitis.

Histamine is the body’s chemical that is released when there is something irritating the body but can play havoc during the menopause too. It is a vital part of our immune system and normally works well and works hard to repair us, for example if you cut your arm and it starts to become hot, and even swollen, your immune system takes immediate action by releasing histamine. It opens blood vessels and allows more blood to get to the injured arm and the white blood cells fight off any possible infection.

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But, during menopause we have so many other factors causing stress to our immune system that it causes the histamine to totally overreact, causing a lot of other menopausal symptoms by doing this. Menopause causes lots of problems with our immune system and there are a few reasons why:

• Stress to our Nervous System – Menopause causes stress to the nervous system, causing it to overfire, possibly having an effect on our immune system in turn.
• Tiredness – With hormones depleting, this makes us tired, and fatigue sets in, effecting our immune system.
• Sleep – With hot flushes and disturbed sleep, and possibly anxiety, this can have a huge effect on our sleep pattern, again effecting our immune system.
• Dehydration – A huge factor on our immune system is dehydration, this can lead to issues with our liver function, causing it to be stressed. The role the liver plays can have a huge part in deactivating histamine. Get yourself a reusable water bottle so you can keep track of how much water you have had to drink.

Allergies and Remedies:

Asthma:

If you suffer with asthma, this may get worse as you go through the Menopause. Some women will develop asthma for the first time. Always see your GP with any breathing or wheeze issues.

Food:

Becoming sensitive to certain foods you never had a problem with before, may mean you have an allergy to them, or that group of foods. Keep a diary and speak to your GP if the symptoms are worrying you.

Eczema:

Our skin becomes much drier going through the Menopause and this may trigger Eczema. Your skin can become itchier and redder and inflamed and start to bleed. You can buy some over the counter creams for this, or your GP can give you a prescription for something stronger if it persists.

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Hives:

Menopause can be a super stressful time, and this can trigger lots of skin issues including itchy lumps or hives (nettle rash). It is a good idea to take an antihistamine tablet.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy):

HRT can work on lots of symptoms of the Menopause including allergies, and hives. Speaking to your GP about your options is a good idea, if the symptoms become unbearable.

Natural Products that may help:

Be careful when choosing washing powders and anything that is going on or next to the skin. Try more natural products. Lots of women say that Coconut Oil is an absolute game changer and great for dry skin.

Vitamin C – A natural antihistamine and great if taken regularly. This Natures Best Vitamin C has been highly recommended to me!

Probiotics – These can help with hay-fever and help with your immune system too. Click here!

Vitamin E – May reduce inflammation when applied onto the skin. Click here to purchase now!

Magnesium – This helps to fight stress and aid the immune system, Magnesium can also help with a lot of other Menopausal symptoms.

Calcium – Helps to reduce histamine production, these calcium tablets are great for those who don’t like taking tablets.

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Menopause allergies often improve, if not go altogether, making some lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet can help with symptoms too.

Be sure to check out our other menopause blogs over at www.theexecutivemenopausecoach.com!

*DISCLAIMER*This page does not provide medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only and is based upon my opinion and experiences. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on The Executive Menopause Coach website. Always seek professional medical advice.