Allergies out of Control Options

[Mountaineer]

I think I'm perimeno, or was before my hysterectomy in January this year.  Since last fall, my allergies have been out of control.  Was off work all last fall because I couldn't breathe until hay fever season was over.  And it seems to be starting again this year.  Help!  Anyone have this problem?  No one has suggested that it might be meno related.  In fact, no one I have seen for this has even suggested that I'm peri-meno, but am having night sweats, depression, palpitations, etc.  The night sweats were particularly severe after the hysterectomy even thought they didn't take the ovaries.  It tapered off after a few months, but it hasn't dissapeared.  But I can handle everything but the allergies.  Will using some of the recommended remedies help stop the hormone fluctuation so my allergies will settle down?  (i HOPE!)

[Doryene]

Hi Mountaineer...welcome!

The following is a post that Dearest wrote on another forum as several of us posted that our allergies and sinus problems had become much worse during peri and menopause.  At least you know you are not alone and this is just another of those "wonderful" symptoms of meno.

Take care.

"I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but our histamine levels are directly connected to our hormone levels, which might account for why so many women develop allergies, sinus problems, wheezing and even asthma during perimenopause. I've heard many women come into Power Surge and complain about developing asthma from using hormone replacement therapy. Respiratory problems can also increase and it's been confirmed by more than one medical expert when I've asked the question that there's a direct correlation between histamine and hormone levels.

That might explain why many of you have more colds, even headaches, sinus problems, new or worsened allergies, coughing, sniffling and wheezing.

I think I'm going to write a new song -- not "Blame It On The Bossa Nova" -- but "Blame It On Stinking Menopause" -- wonder what kind of beat I'll give it -- maybe just cough and wheeze through it to make it more effective."  

[Mountaineer]

Quote: from Doryene on 9:22 pm on July 4, 2001[br]Hi Mountaineer...welcome!

The following is a post that Dearest wrote on another forum as several of us posted that our allergies and sinus problems had become much worse during peri and menopause.  At least you know you are not alone and this is just another of those "wonderful" symptoms of meno.

Take care.

"I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but our histamine levels are directly connected to our hormone levels, which might account for why so many women develop allergies, sinus problems, wheezing and even asthma during perimenopause. I've heard many women come into Power Surge and complain about developing asthma from using hormone replacement therapy. Respiratory problems can also increase and it's been confirmed by more than one medical expert when I've asked the question that there's a direct correlation between histamine and hormone levels.

That might explain why many of you have more colds, even headaches, sinus problems, new or worsened allergies, coughing, sniffling and wheezing.

I think I'm going to write a new song -- not "Blame It On The Bossa Nova" -- but "Blame It On Stinking Menopause" -- wonder what kind of beat I'll give it -- maybe just cough and wheeze through it to make it more effective."  

Yes, thanks Doryene, that's the quote that helped me put my allergy problems and the meno together.  I printed it out to take to my doctor, but knowing him, I'd need an article from JAMA or he wouldn't even begin to pay attention!  Are there any articles on the website or others that might help me make a case with my doctor?

[Doryene]

Hi Mountaineer:

I don't know of any other articles on allergies and meno, but I bet Dearest does.  She said in her post that she had spoken to medical experts about the histamine levels of menopausal women.

You could email her or maybe she will read your post and respond to you.

I know what you mean about doctors - mine doesn't think meno causes anything but hot flashes and if HRT doesn't help, then we need therapy.  

Take care...

[Jeannie]

Hi, Mountaineer!  Welcome!  I read your post in the "Introduce Yourself" and thought I'd find you over here

    I told my allergist a couple of years ago that my allergies seemed to become much worse each month just before my period started.  Wow...his look was priceless!  I remember thinking he was totally clueless about that part of allergies.  I wish there was a speciality in medicine where a person could be an allergist, gyno, and family doc all in one--wouldn't that be great?!

    My allergies have also gone whacko.  I even went back on the shots.  My allergist that says the shots take 2-3, maybe 4 years to kick in and that it is not unusual to need to take them again "down the road".  I took shots several years ago, and have been taking them again the past 3 (?) years.  My allergist also gave me Claritin D 24 hr. plus a nose spray (it works like an inhaler for your nose!  ) It's called Vancenase.  He insists that I should use it twice a day year round to really get the benefit of it.  I cough with my allergies because of the post nasal drip down my throat.  I am not disciplined about using the Vancenase, but I try.I also have an inhaler to use as needed.

    My worst allergies are to mold, mildew, and dust.  My classroom was in the moldy, mildewy basement of our building for about 8 years!!  MAJOR YUCK!  The medicines help to keep things RELATIVELY under control, but I'm not completely without symptoms.  When I'm really bad with my allergies, my coughing would clear a restaurant or store or whatever in 5 minutes .  I do clear my throat frequently and have some coughing but nothing like I used to have.  

    I'm supposed to see the allergist later this summer.  If I learn anything new, I'll share that with you.If you think I can be any more help to you, please feel free to email me     GOOD LUCK!!!

[Liz51]

My GP told me I had allergies for years and treated me with a nasal spray.  Finally, he sent me to an allergist to be tested so we knew exactly what I was allergic to.  Turns out  I'm not allergic to anything!  They tested me for all trees, dust, molds...all that stuff and those little pricks didn't even turn pink.  Absolutely no reaction at all.  So, we joke about my "cure" from allergies.  I do, however, continue to have irritated eyes, stuffed head, post nasal drip and pressure type headach, so I guess I just have sinuses that are irritated easily by pollens.  Do you think the histamine-hormone link would affect sinus problems too?

[NancyV]

Liz,

I discovered that the skin prick test for allergies does not turn up what can be wrong.  I did it years ago and I was found only allergic to cats by that test.

Then I went to an environmental allergist who looked also at foods and chemicals.   There I found I was allergic to milk, wheat , yeast, and soy...Then also perfumes and chlorine.

I had major fatigue and brainfog and severe sinus headaches....all that did get much better as I worked on reducing those things but was worse at period time too.

The skin test is a joke in my opinion.

[Liz51]

Thanks Nancy,  maybe I'll pursue this further.  If I do have allergies they aren't as bad as some people I know.  I don't even take over-the-counter sinus products, only a tylenol if the headaches get too bad and moisture drops in my eyes when they get too irritated.  The allergist who tested me acted like I was wasting his time when I was there.  He made me feel like a hypochondriac or something.  That must have been 15 years ago, so maybe I should get it checked out again.  Thanks.Liz51

[Snowbird]

Liz....Hi!!

I agree with NancyV!! I was skin tested years ago.....for the same reason!!   "Found NOTHING!!"  My eyes are constantly RED...I SNEEZE....and as many gals on site know,  I break out in HIVES when taking soy products and most herbs!!! :(The doctor, at least will acknowledge, I have allergies.....'cause it's hard to agrue with hives.......but  won't hazzard a guess as to what it is!! Grrr!I'm finding out on my own.....thro' trial and error!!I don't think skin tests reveal sensitivities to foods??!!

Anyhoo.....good luck!! I know it's frustrating ta say the least!!

((((((Hugs from a Canadian Chick)))))                      Nancy

[NancyV]

Snowbird,

How's your chirp today?  :)

Regarding allergies again,  I know the skin test doesn't pick up on food allergies for sure--same for  environmental chemicals.

My son and brother did have the skin test show up grasses, dust and molds allergies and they both have asthma.   Thank goodness my son's is mild as I stuffed him with vit's for years and kept the candy at minimum to make him stronger.    But if you have those types of allergies, you are at least believed....

(Food allergies or sensitivities are because of not digesting them down to a small enough size and the body thinks they are foreign substances.   There is also something called leaky gut syndrome where the lining of the intestine is too permeable and allows these food particles to go through and cause trouble as well. )

Also my eyes get red in some department stores or around lots of perfumes and things like that.  Drug stores are the worst for chemical pollution I think.  It's not as bad as it used to be as it actually caused brainfog or even weepiness around candles etc.

So in our cases, our skin does not react, but our brains do or we can tired or have aches of some kind.   Food we are allergic to can cause mood swings at the blood sugar can be affected.   I remember milk years ago causing light sensitivity....that was weird when I tested for it.

Oh by the way, I have never owned a cat....found that interesting as I only like long hairs like Persians and when around them I get breakout on the skin.    I guess it's the dander.....but I am a dog person anyhoo....    

Environmental allergists are the ones who look and treat food and chemicals.   The traditional ones think you are nuts...!!  when you complain of symptoms you feel are related to allergies.    

How's the weather up Canada way?  We are having much rain and thunderstorms in the South.  I guess the birds hide out....the thunder can make you jump!

Georgia Dove~~~~

[Snowbird]

Hi, thar Georgia Dove!!WOW!!  Who Knew!!  Ya know a thing or two about this stuff!! :biggrin: Wish we had Enviromental Allergists here!!  I've actually been keepin my sore-red eyes, :cheesy: open for one, to come into this area.....but nuttin yet!!  Dumb too......it's suppose to be the most polluted area in Canuck Land!!! :confused:

Weather yesterday......was the most purrrrfect I've experienced....since being born.....I think!! :biggrin: Temps were in mid 70's.....low.....low....humidity.....clear blue skies......I sure took advantage of it, while I could........"Did absolutely Nothing....Alllll Day!!" :biggrin:Of course today's another day.......humidity is already shoottin up!! Grrrr!!

HEY!! I put a new "bird-bath" in the back yard, for my feathered friends!!  We're already fightin over it........ONLY KIDDING!!! :biggrin:

((((Hugs)))))    Snowy

[jeanne]

Hi gals,I have had so many allergies it's easier to write what hasn't caused me to have some sort of reaction at one time or another. They are : onions, lettuce, horses, and lizards.Other than those I can't think of any. I laso read that the body can change from being internally affected (like with foods) to externally affected ( like smells and contact with things). That is what happened to me. I had allergies to almost every fresh fruit and vegie known to man , then all of a sudden I changed and can tolerate most all of them to varying degrees. But now I'm allergic to things like bleach, different detergents , and all perfumes and scents in things (like shampoos and gels, etc)I broke out so badly the first time I became allergic to bleach . My face was red as a beet. I had just washed the linens. Same happened with the blue liquid dish detergents, my hands and arms were red and itchy for 2 days. I lathered on the cortisone cream. Only thing I still can't eat is crab and lobster and red snapper. I can eat prawns thank goodness and most white fish.  Had to kick my own son out of the house one day because of his aftershave-"I love you son , but you're killing me go wash that stuff off and then come back "-said with a smile , of course. Lots of good info NancyV.  I don't particularly like the name they gave it "leaky gut syndrome" , but still interesting -lol

Here's to a non-itchy day :)hugs , jeanne

[NancyV]

Jeanne,

At least you have never had to give up onion slices wrapped in lettuce, or riding a horse, or having a pet lizard...all quality of life things....LOL!  

Georgia Dove...~~~~

[Jeannie]

Maybe the skin tests have changed!  My youngest (now 19) was tested 18 years ago.  She would just run to the bathroom as soon as she had eaten her oatmeal with milk.  Turns out she was allergic to the milk.  A little baby like that--was worried for a while, but we worked it out.

    She was also allergic to citrus, tomatoes, and chocolate, also.  I felt so bad.  Our family was going through the milk and orange juice like they were nothing.

    Anyhow, she outgrew those allergies, but came to be bothered by dust, mildew, etc. -- those types of things more.  jeanne is right on that one.

    Allergies can really change.  I never had the shots until I was an adult.  I go through times when I have to cover my nose and mouth when passing the cosmetic counters in stores.  And the candle and incense places--couldn't hack it.  Besides making me sniff, cough, sneeze--you know, generally be miserable, cologne has been known to give me one royal headache--ESPECIALLY Estee Lauder.  I never wore that kind, but if I was around someone who did, look out.  The colognes and candles are calming down for me now.  I've even had some yummy candles burning at home.  Go figure------

[Mountaineer]

Thanks for all the replies to my post.  It seems that I'm not alone with the allergies.  Does anyone know if getting the hormones balanced out, like with naturally compounded hormones, can help?  I don't have a lot of options left, as I've done just about everything the doctor's have recommended and still can't breathe.  If anyone out there has gotten any improvement in allergies by getting the hormone fluctuations under control, PLEASE post and let me know what you have done.  I REALLY need some ideas at this point, as my only other option is to move away (wouldn't even know where to go, and don't want to anyhow, but I also want to preserve my health.)  Thanks in advance!  

[jeanne]

Hi again,

You mean you eat that too Nancy? heehee My lizard and i dine together lolwhile I'm riding my horse. Hey , don't knock it till you try it!Bummer part for me is there are no antihistimes that I can take with my high blood pressure and heart medicines . Has anyone heard of anything that a person can take with those medicines?

Hugs , jeanne

[AnnS]

Jeanne,

Are you sure you can't take antihistamines???  I take medication for high blood pressure, and my brother takes heart medication (I don't what it is, though), and my mom also took heart medication, and we can take antihistamines, like benadryl, but we can't take decongestants, like Contact,or Nyquil, or any other medication that says "cold,or sinus" on it.....just "allergy" medications....it doesn't help the sinus part, but it sure helps with the sneezing and watery eyes, etc.

I don't know what meds you're taking, but if you ask your doctor, perhaps you can take an antihistamine that might give you at least a little relief :cheesy:

Love and hugs :cheesy: Ann

[jeanne]

Thanks Ann, I will ask him again. I might have misunderstood. I sure hope so cause a little Benadryl would be great to be able to take at times. maybe I have been suffering all this time for nothing :(Geez that would be something :shocked:hugs, jeanne

[Snowbird]

Jeanne..Hi'ya!!Of course I hafta be different :biggrin:  As you probably know I have hypertension and on a Beta Blocker.I can take certain antihistamines and decongestants.....however I can't take Benadryl....gives me palps! Grrrr!.  Certain antihists' and decongestant do that to me!  I had to find out which ones I CAN take!!

Since you're also on heart meds. and have had heart attacks....you may have to do a little trial and error stuff!!Contact works fine for me and so does Dristan.....but at the risk of repeating myself~~~*Oh Why Not* :biggrin: We are all different.....and what works for you may not for the Snowbird!!I'd just be a little extra careful, given your history.....which I'm sure you're doing......being the *SMART* gal that you are!! :biggrin::cool:

Luv ya and hugs from Snowy                 Nancy  :cool:

[jeanne]

Hi Snowy,We have a pretty good pharmacist in town , I will talk to him if I can get off my butt today. LAZY beyond words!! Also disgusted !! Now my back and sciatic nerve are giving me fits. I don't know whether to cry or scream or pout . Seems everytime I get going good something else flairs up. Hmm , guess I decided to pout -heehee I feel like a 75 year old woman instead of a 57 yearold one. Think I will just lie down and mope for about an hour . I'd kick something but with my luck I'd break my toe. Got any cheese to go with this whine? lolOk I'm done ,

Hugs, jeanne  :)

[Joannaran]

You can develop an allergy literally overnight, so it might have nothing to do with menopause.  I had mild allergy symptom for years and didn't even recognize them as allergies, but a number of years ago they suddenly got really bad, keep getting worse, too.  My GP told me she'd be happy to send me for more allergy tests, if I wished, but that the truth is the treatment will be antihistamines.  Hope you get some relief, no picnic, is it?  The stuffiness blows me away, makes me snore!

[LynetteDC]

[quote=Mountaineer,Jul 4 2001, 08:49 PM]
I think I'm perimeno, or was before my hysterectomy in January this year.  Since last fall, my allergies have been out of control.  Was off work all last fall because I couldn't breathe until hay fever season was over.  And it seems to be starting again this year.  Help!  Anyone have this problem?  No one has suggested that it might be meno related.  In fact, no one I have seen for this has even suggested that I'm peri-meno, but am having night sweats, depression, palpitations, etc.  The night sweats were particularly severe after the hysterectomy even thought they didn't take the ovaries.  It tapered off after a few months, but it hasn't dissapeared.  But I can handle everything but the allergies.  Will using some of the recommended remedies help stop the hormone fluctuation so my allergies will settle down?  (i HOPE!)

Hi! I'm new! Not sure how to work this board, nut I wanted to make sure I responded to you. I am experiencing the same things you are. I've had perimeopausal symptoms for years, and with it came migraines, allergies, sinus problems and just general overall illness. I've gone to several allergy doctors, had numerous tests - both skin and blood - and have had 7 plus years of shots and meds. Nothing has helped. What I've noticed it this: just before my periods, around the time I also get mood swings, insomnia and hot flashes, my allergies get worse and I catch more viral infections. In short, I believe that the fluctuation in my hormones has a very negative effect on my immune system as a whole. I'm slowly digging my way out of this mess, and if you'd like, I'll post back and let you know what has worked for me (and what hasn't!) thus far!

Cheers!

Lynette

[Mommy]

we go through so much during peri and meno -- I hope you'll feel better soon

[Mommy]

hope you feel better soon!!! please do post with your progress