At least 20% of American have allergies due to unknown
causes, but women who are going through the various stages of menopause experience
increased allergies due to hormonal imbalances. As women get closer to reaching
menopause, they may notice an increase in allergic reactions or simply have a
complete new set of allergies that they have never experienced before.
Disruptive symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression,
irritability and loss of libido can be extremely tolling on your body,
physically and mentally, and increases your stress levels.
When your body experiences stress, your energy levels are
shot down and your body begins to slowly shut down, which reduces the immune
system’s effectiveness in fighting off allergens. Due to these hormonal
changes, menopause can often cause the immune system to react in a different
way when exposed to different allergens that were once harmless in the past.
How Allergies Work
Chemical messengers, known as hormones, govern many
changes within the body, including menopause and allergies. Hormonal
fluctuations can create an imbalance, causing the immune system to suffer and
causing a woman to be more likely to experience allergies.
As menopause develops, a woman’s body prepares itself to
stop the menstrual process. The hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease
significantly in order to enable her monthly cycle to cease. However, these
fluctuations can increase the incidence of allergies and allergy symptoms, most
often including hay fever, asthma, and dermatitis.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause a rise in histamine,
causing an increase in hot flashes as well as allergic reactions. For this
reason, women who have never suffered allergic reactions may develop them.
Link between
Menopause, Adrenals and Allergies
After years of chronic stress, the adrenals become
depleted and are no longer able to respond adequately to the ongoing pressure
many of us experience. Inadequate adrenal function can produce symptoms such as
sleep disruption, fatigue and anxiety. It can also lead to increased
sensitivity to various foods and elements in the environment. This increased
sensitivity can ultimately express itself as allergies.
Many people have underlying food sensitivities that have
never been diagnosed, and as a result, may worsen over time. In addition, there
is the problem of chronic exposure to chemicals in the workplace and at home in
the form of cleaning agents, new carpets and paint, solvents, molds, artificial
lighting, computers and electronics, and many other toxin exposures. This
cumulative toxic burden along with the overstressed adrenals and the hormonal
fluctuations of menopause becomes an overload for many individuals. This
overload can manifest as new allergies.
There can be other causes of allergies such as
pre-existing allergies or certain lifestyle choices. Components such as your
diet, medications and stress levels can also have an impact on your allergies.
Allergies are also known to be hereditary so if just one of your parents had
allergies you are 30% more likely to have allergies as well.
Symptoms of Allergies
The symptoms of allergies range in severity and are
unique to the individual. Symptoms range from mild to severe with mild being
itchy eyes, sneezing and rashes. Moderate symptoms are considered to include
itchiness and difficulty breathing. The most severe symptoms are swelling that
makes breathing and swallowing difficult, cramps, abdominal pain, vomiting,
diarrhea, mental confusion and dizziness.
Most people experience symptoms that are somewhat similar
to that of a common cold such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and headache.
Types of Allergies
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of
America, 50 million Americans have some type of allergy. Allergies can be
grouped by the nature of their symptoms and by the allergen that provokes the
symptoms. There are respiratory allergies (Hay Fever and asthma), Skin
allergies (Hives, Eczema, and Dermatitis), Food allergies, Medication
allergies, Insect Venom allergies and Environmental Allergies. The most common
allergens are fur, dander and pollen. Some other common allergens include:
eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shell fish, soy sulfites, trees, nuts and wheat.
1. Hay Fever is a seasonal caused by inhaling pollens,
trees and grasses and is often worse in the spring and fall seasons, when
pollen and airborne particles are at their highest. Hay Fever results in
inflammation of the delicate linings of the eyes and nose.
2. Asthma is a chronic condition that involves episodes
of inflammation and tightened airways that make breathing difficult, since the
airways spasms. Asthma can be worsened if exposed to common allergens, such as
animal dander, pollen and dust mites.
3. Allergic Eyes or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
(SAC) is the most common type of eye allergy, with grass and pollen being the
triggers. It creates an inflammation of the tissues that cover the eye.
4. Allergic Eczema is a condition in which the skin gets
an allergic rash which is usually associated with Asthma or Hay Fever.
5. Caused by histamine, Hives are a type of rash that
appears as swollen and itchy bumps that can look like a flat raised welt caused
by a bug bit. Hives can combine into an expansive hive area, as the allergic
reaction progresses.
6. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening allergic
reaction because the symptoms can develop rapidly, often within seconds or
minutes. It is known as an acute systemic allergic reaction, since it affects
the entire body. This condition is typically caused by a sting or when the
allergen is injected and it can be life-threatening.
Managing Allergies
The first step in managing allergies during menopause is
to identify the things that trigger them. Lifestyle changes are the best place
to start in your search for a treatment for your allergies. Try to change your
lifestyle in a way that eases the symptoms of allergies. For instance if you
typically get allergies because of dust in your home then get an air purifier
and vacuum regularly.
Daily Lifestyle Changes
* Use the air conditioner/fan in your house, office and
car
* Stay indoors on days when the pollen count is extremely
high
* If allergic to dogs or cats, keep the dander-producing animals
outside of your home
* Wash your sheets and blankets in hot water
* Remove carpets in your house
* Use air filters and dehumidifiers
* Use hypoallergenic pillows
* Vacuum and dust on a daily basis
* Rake leaves outside of your home to avoid mold
allergies
* Get rid of any indoor plants, as they may promote mold
growth
* If you have insect allergies, don’t wear too bright of
clothing when the weather is hot and humid, as it may attract insects.
Allergies
Treatment at Menopause
Vitamins
Vitamin C helps reduce histamine release from cells and
helps histamine break down faster once it is released. Calcium helps the body
regulate its acidic balance in tissues and reduces histamine production.
Magnesium, also known as the anti-stress mineral, has been used to treat
symptoms caused by nasal allergies, but recent studies have shown that it also
helps relieve bronchospasm, or constricted airways in one’s lungs. The
recommended daily value of magnesium is 400 mg. Copper is crucial to the
formation of T-cells and is an antioxidant that fights free radial damage to
the mitochondria. Selenium protects cell membranes and stimulates immune
function, which enhances the function of Vitamin C within the body.
Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, and other antioxidants all help to neutralize free
radicals and protect healthy molecules from harm.
Reducing Stress
Meditation, yoga, Chi gong, Tai Chi, massage and other
healing practices are important components in reducing stress and inflammation
related to allergies.
Self-hypnosis
Can you think yourself allergy free? Perhaps not
entirely, but hypnosis may help relieve your symptoms when it is used in
conjunction with other allergy treatments. In a 2005 Swiss study, allergy
patients were trained to achieve a hypnotic trance and then imagine themselves
in a "safe place" free of allergens (a pristine beach, for example,
or a snowy mountain). Those who underwent hypnosis reported a reduction of
about a third in congestion during allergy season; objective tests confirmed
the self-reports.
Detoxification
The liver is the main detoxification organ, also becomes
overtaxed and needs support during heightened allergies. Supplementing with
liver supporting nutrients and herbs, along with safe chelating and binding
agents to help eliminate toxins, is central to clearing allergies, balancing
inflammation responses, and reducing toxic burden.
Diet
If your body is out of balance from allergies and
menopause you need to cool your body off. Foods that are cooling to the body
include:
* Salads Vegetables – lettuce, radish, celery, cucumber,
broccoli, most leafy vegetables and tomatoes.
* Green, blue and purple vegetables and fruits contain
the most cooling properties.
* Foods that are cooked quickly and lightly i.e. stir-fried
food.
* Cooling spices include – fresh ginger, cilantro,
marjoram, white peppercorn, lemon balm and peppermint.
* Beverages – herbal teas, vegetable broths, fruit and vegetable
juices.
* Seafood.
* Grains – barley, millet, wheat and amaranth.
Acupuncture
Chinese medicine has been applied as a long-standing
treatment for many menopausal issues around the world. Acupuncture is a
technique that involves inserting fine needles into key points of the body.
Acupuncture has been used to treat allergies because it is said to signal the
brain to release endorphins that reduce pain and create a sense of well-being.
Those afflicted with allergies and asthma may experience a more relaxed state
and calmer breathing.
Herbal Remedies
One of the most commonly used herbal remedies is Black
Cohosh, a perennial plant that is a member of the buttercup family. It provides
powerful phytoestrogens that mimic the hormone’s effects and bind to hormone
receptors in the uterus and other parts of the body, alleviating hot flashes.
Black Cohosh is also known to relieve hot flashes efficiently and is a good
alternative to HRT. It is also used effectively for treating PMS, arthritis and
lowering blood pressure. Red Clover, Dong Quai, Ginseng, Kava and evening
primrose oil can be used as natural therapies, although there are some risks
involved. Herbal supplements are not as closely regulated as prescription drugs
and the amount of the herbal product, quality and safety may vary between
brands.
There are many other herbal remedies, which have been
used with great success over the years to help treat and prevent menopausal allergies.
Chamomile is used to reduce duration of hay fever attacks; Nettle extract is
used to reduce sinus inflammation; St.John’s Wort is used to relieve sinus
headache; Eucalyptus is used to inhale in steam to ease congestion; Ephedra is
used to help relieve congestion; Ginger is used to reduce inflammation. Two of
the most common types of herbs that can be used for preventing and alleviating
menopausal allergies are phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs. Some of the
most common phytoestrogen herbs are Saint Johns Wort, Black Cohosh and Dong
Quai – all which contain estrogenic components produced by plants and replace
some of the missing estrogen hormones experienced as a result of menopause.
Although these herbs are known to maintain the balance of key neurotransmitters
in the brain, they can also make your body less responsive to producing its own
hormones, causing a further decrease of one’s hormone levels. Non-estrogenic
herbs are known to nourish one’s hormonal glands into producing its own natural
hormones. By stimulating one’s own hormone production, non-estrogenic herbs,
such as Macafem. Macafem is grown in the Andes of Peru and has achieved great
success in naturally increasing one’s hormone levels.
Other Natural
Remedies
Neti Pots.
What could be simpler than rinsing away allergens with saltwater? Neti pots,
small vessels shaped like Aladdin’s lamp, have been used in India for thousands
of years to flush the sinuses and keep them clear. It is an idea that takes
some getting used to for most Westerners, but it is a bit like using nasal
spray. A little douse of saltwater can rinse away those prickly pollen grains
and help treat allergies and other forms of sinus congestion.
Just last year, an Italian study published in the
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that nasal flushing was
a mild and effective way to treat seasonal allergies in children, and markedly
reduced their use of antihistamines.
You could simply use your cupped hand instead of a neti
pot to rinse sinuses, but netis are inexpensive, and many people find them much
easier to use. To flush your sinuses, mix a quarter to a half teaspoon of non-iodized
table salt into a cup of lukewarm water and pour it into the pot. (You can
adjust the amount of salt, depending on what feels most comfortable.) Lean over
a sink with your head slightly cocked to one side, then put the spout of the
neti into one nostril and allow the water to drain out the other nostril. Use
about half of the solution, then repeat on the other side, tilting your head
the opposite way. Gently blow out each nostril to clear them completely. Neti
pots are widely available online and at natural food stores. Use your pot about
twice a day during allergy season, especially in the morning and after spending
time outdoors. You also can use a neti pot before bed to prevent snoring caused
by allergies and promote optimal overnight breathing.
Quercetin. A
natural plant-derived compound called a bioflavonoid, quercetin helps stabilize
mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a
natural antioxidant that helps mop up molecules called free radicals that cause
cell damage, which can lead to cancer. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley,
tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine are naturally high in quercetin, but
allergy sufferers will most likely need to use supplements to build up enough
of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage is about 1,000
milligrams a day, taken between meals. It is best to start treatment six weeks
before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so
please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement —
especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Stinging Nettle.
If you decide you need an antihistamine but want a natural option, stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica) behaves in much the same way as many of the drugs sold
to treat allergies, but without the unwanted side effects of dry mouth and
drowsiness. Nettle actually inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine. It
is a common weed in many parts of the United States, but the most practical
medicinal form is a freeze-dried extract of the leaves sold in capsules.
Studies have shown that taking about 300 milligrams daily will offer relief for
most people, although the effects may last only a few hours. You also can make
your own tinctures or teas with stinging nettle. Contact with the stinging
hairs on fresh nettle can cause skin inflammation, so wear protective gloves
when handling it.
Butterbur.
Derived from a common weed in Europe, butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is another
alternative to antihistamines, though it may be hard to find in the United
States. In the days before refrigeration, its broad, floppy leaves were used to
wrap butter during warm spells, hence the name butterbur. A Swiss study,
published in British Journal of Medicine, found that butterbur was as effective
as the drug cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec. Even though cetirizine
is supposed to be a non-sedative antihistamine, researchers reported that it
did cause drowsiness, though butterbur did not. Participants in the study took
32 milligrams of butterbur a day, divided into four doses. A word of caution
though — butterbur is in the same family as ragweed, so it could worsen allergy
symptoms in some cases. Effects of taking butterbur over a long period of time
also are unknown.
Decongestants
Here is how decongestants work: Allergies make the lining
of your nose swell. Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues.
That relieves the congestion. However, decongestants cannot help with sneezing
or itching. Decongestants come in pills, liquids, nose drops, and nasal sprays.
Many are available without a prescription. Common decongestants include:
* Afrin, Dristan, Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline)
* Sudafed PE, Suphedrin PE (phenylephrine)
* Silfedrine, Sudafed, Suphedrin (pseudoephedrine)
Some over-the-counter decongestants -- those with
pseudoephedrine -- are found behind the pharmacy counter. Many medicines
combine an antihistamine and decongestant, like Allegra-D, Benadryl Allergy
Plus Sinus, Claritin-D, and Zyrtec-D. Do not use nasal sprays longer than three
days. Using them longer can actually make your nose more stopped up.
Prescription Drugs
Relieves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including
Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Allegra), Steroid nasal sprays (Nasonex and Nasocort)
and eye drops containing Cromolyn (Nalcrom). Also, one can choose allergy
injections which are known to desensitize your immune system to the allergens
that cause problems.
Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy
symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. When
you are exposed to an allergen -- for example ragweed pollen -- it triggers
your immune system. People with allergies demonstrate an exaggerated immune
response. Immune system cells known as
"mast cells" release a substance called histamine, which attaches to
receptors in blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to
other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions.
By blocking histamine and keeping it from binding to receptors, antihistamines
prevent these symptoms.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine eye drops can
relieve red itchy eyes, while nasal sprays can be used to treat the symptoms of
seasonal or year-round allergies. Examples of antihistamines include:
* Over-the-counter:Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin,
Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, Zyrtec, and Tavist. Ocu-Hist is an OTC eye drop.
* Prescription: Clarinex and Xyzal are oral medications.
Astelin is a prescription nasal antihistamine spray. Prescription antihistamine
eye drops include Patanol and Elestat and Optivar.
Examples of prescription steroid nasal sprays include
Beconase, Dymista, Flonase, Nasacort, Nasarel, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Vancenase,
Qnasl, Zetonna, and Veramyst. Two sprays, Nasacort Allergy 24HR and Flonase
Allergy Relief, are available over the counter. These drugs decrease
inflammation within the nasal passages, thereby relieving nasal symptoms.
Sublingual
Immunotherapy
Specific immunotherapy, otherwise known as allergy shots,
has been used widely to inject patients with diluted doses of certain allergens
to help build immunity over time. However, allergy shots can take three to five
years to be effective, and a small percentage of people suffer severe reactions
to this treatment.
While in the United States, it's usually done by
injection, in southern Europe, 80% of immunotherapy patients get a needle-free
treatment called SLIT, in which you place tablets or drops of allergen extract
under your tongue
Hormone Therapy
Treatments (HRT)
For more severe cases of menopause, women may seek surgical
or pharmaceutical treatments, although it is important to keep in mind that
there are many studies showing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases a
woman’s risk of elevated blood pressure, endometrial and breast cancers,
strokes, blood clots and gallbladder disease. It is advised to speak with your
doctor or healthcare professional regarding the negative side effects before
you begin treatment.
Sources and
Additional Information:
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