Why Allergies Affect Women Differently and the Best Allergy Treatment Options

If allergies are a regular part of your life, you know how exhausting they can be. One day, you're fine, and the next, you're sneezing nonstop, dealing with itchy skin, or feeling like your sinuses are packed with cement. It’s incredibly frustrating when symptoms linger, forcing you to see a doctor just to find allergy treatment options that work.

But did you know allergy symptoms can be worse for women than men? Hormonal changes, pregnancy, and even stress can make asthma and allergy flare-ups more severe. As we celebrate Women's Month, let’s shine a light on women’s wellness, how allergies affect them differently, and what can be done to manage symptoms.

Finding It Hard to Manage Allergy Flare-Ups?

Why Do Women Experience Allergies Differently?

Estrogen and progesterone levels naturally rise and fall throughout a woman’s life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These two key hormones regulate many bodily functions and influence how your body responds to allergens, making symptoms less predictable.

Higher estrogen levels may increase inflammation and worsen allergies, while shifts in progesterone can lead to swollen airways and congestion. Pregnancy adds another layer of complexity as the immune system adapts to support the baby, offering temporary allergy relief for some women while heightening reactions for others. These changes can also affect your mental health and well-being, as persistent allergy symptoms may contribute to fatigue, stress, and poor sleep.

This connection between hormones and the immune system explains why many women notice their allergy symptoms changing over time.



Common Allergy Struggles Women Face

Managing allergies is challenging enough, but hormonal fluctuations can make reactions even more unpredictable. These changes can make the immune system more reactive, worsening common allergies such as:

Seasonal Allergies

Shifting hormones can make seasonal allergies (mold, dust, and pollen allergies) feel more intense at certain times of the month. When estrogen levels rise, your body produces more histamine, causing:

• Worse congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure
• Heightened inflammation, making allergies feel more intense
• Increased fatigue, especially when combined with PMS

Food Intolerances

Managing food allergies is already a daily struggle on its own, with limited safe options and the risk of cross-contamination. On top of that, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and monthly cycles can lead to sudden or heightened reactions, adding to the frustration. You may notice:

• Sensitivity to foods you once tolerated
• A stronger reaction to cross-contamination when eating out
• Sudden intolerance to common allergens during pregnancy or menopause

Skin Sensitivities

Beauty and skincare products expose women to more allergens, making skin allergies a common struggle. Hormonal fluctuations can make your skin more reactive, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions such as:

• Redness, itching, and irritation from fragrances and preservatives in skincare.
• Contact dermatitis from nickel in jewelry and personal care items.
• Flare-ups and sensitivity from sunscreens and anti-aging treatments.

Asthma and Respiratory Issues

If you have asthma or respiratory allergies, you may notice that symptoms worsen at certain times. Variations in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect lung function, leading to:

• More frequent asthma attacks before your period
• Increased airway inflammation during pregnancy or menopause
• Greater sensitivity to common allergens like dust and pet dander

Effective Allergy Treatment Options and Strategies

Allergies can get in the way of focus and comfort, making everyday tasks harder to handle. At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Care, we understand how frustrating this can be, which is why our allergy specialists have put together practical strategies to help you find relief and regain control of your daily life.

Here are some effective ways to manage your allergies and reduce symptoms:

Find the Right Medication

• Over-the-counter allergy treatment options, like antihistamines, work well for mild symptoms, but if they leave you groggy, look for non-drowsy options.
• Nasal sprays for allergies can help with congestion, but they work best if used consistently.
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help long-term by reducing sensitivity to allergens over time.

Allergy-Proof Your Lifestyle

• Reduce inflammation by avoiding dairy and processed sugar while incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, turmeric, and omega-3s.
• Use an air purifier, keep windows closed during pollen allergy season, and wash your bedding once a week.
• Swap out carpets for hardwood floors, use allergen-proof mattress covers, and avoid scented candles or air fresheners that trigger reactions.

Know Your Body’s Patterns and Needs

• Pay attention to how your allergy symptoms change during your period, pregnancy, or menopause to spot patterns and triggers.
• Discuss potential hormonal imbalances with your healthcare provider and consider functional medicine testing to explore underlying factors.

Signs You Should Visit an Allergy Specialist

If your allergies interfere with your daily life, it’s probably time to see an allergy specialist. Some red flags include:

• Frequent sinus infections or constant congestion
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Severe reactions to food or skincare products
• Over-the-counter allergy relief medications provide little to no relief

How Allergy Testing Can Help You Feel Better

Allergy testing helps identify the exact triggers behind your symptoms. A skin prick test quickly detects reactions, while a blood test measures your immune system’s response. With these insights, your allergist can create a personalized treatment plan, which includes avoidance strategies and the best allergy treatment options to help you find lasting relief.

Get the Relief You Deserve with Advanced Allergy and Asthma Care

As a woman, you take care of so much—your family, your work, and everything in between. You deserve to feel good, breathe easier, and have the energy to enjoy life without allergies holding you back.

At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Care, our allergy specialists are here to support women’s wellness with:



• Comprehensive allergy testing to identify your specific triggers
• Customized immunotherapy plans to help build long-term tolerance
• Tailored medication management to find what works best for your body

This Women’s Month, take a moment for yourself. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief!

Feel Your Best This Women’s Month