The link between hormones and hayfever

For many women, it can come as a real surprise when hayfever symptoms suddenly appear for the first time, or become noticeably worse, during perimenopause.

If you’ve found yourself struggling more with sneezing, itchy eyes, or sinus congestion in recent years, hormonal changes could be playing a significant role.

Why hay fever can change during perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, when hormone levels—particularly oestrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate. These hormonal shifts don’t just affect periods and mood; they also influence the immune system and inflammatory responses.

This is where hay fever comes into the picture.

The link between hormones and histamine

Histamine is the chemical responsible for many hay fever symptoms. It’s released by the immune system in response to allergens like pollen.

During perimenopause:

• Oestrogen can stimulate histamine release
• Histamine can also encourage the body to produce more oestrogen
  
  

This creates a kind of feedback loop, where higher histamine levels can lead to increased sensitivity and more intense symptoms.

At the same time, progesterone—which can have a calming effect on the immune system—often declines. The result is that your body may react more strongly to allergens than it did before.

Why symptoms may suddenly appear

Even if you’ve never had hay fever in the past, perimenopause can make your immune system more reactive.

This means you might notice:

• New sensitivity to pollen or other allergens
• Symptoms appearing earlier in the season
• Reactions to things that never previously caused an issue
  
  

It’s not uncommon for women to feel caught off guard by this change, especially if hay fever was never a concern before.

Why existing hay fever can feel worse

If you already experience hay fever, hormonal fluctuations can amplify symptoms.

You may find:

• Symptoms feel more intense or harder to control
• Antihistamines seem less effective than they used to be
• Flare-ups last longer or occur more frequently
  
  

This can be particularly frustrating, especially when combined with other perimenopausal symptoms such as poor sleep or fatigue.

What you can do to manage symptoms

The good news is that there are practical ways to regain control.

1. Revisit your treatment approach
What worked in the past may need adjusting. A pharmacist or GP can help review your medications and suggest alternatives if needed.

2. Be proactive with prevention
Reducing pollen exposure—by keeping windows closed, showering after being outdoors, and monitoring pollen counts—becomes even more important.

3. Support your body holistically
Looking at diet, stress levels, and sleep can help regulate both hormones and immune responses.

4. Track your symptoms
Keeping a simple record of when symptoms flare up can help you spot patterns and better understand triggers.

A broader perspective

Experiencing worsening hay fever during perimenopause is more common than many people realise. It’s a reflection of how interconnected the body’s systems are—hormones, immunity, and inflammation all working together.

Understanding this link can be reassuring. It’s not “out of the blue”, and there are ways to manage it effectively.

Ready to take control?

If your hay fever symptoms have recently changed, become more severe, or are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to take a more personalised approach.

Speak to a healthcare professional (like me!) who understands both allergy management and hormonal health. With the right support, you can find a strategy that works for your body—so you can feel more comfortable and in control, whatever the season brings.