Menopause and Allergies

Treating Allergies in Menopause

Naturally, you’ll want to begin with treatments that are minimally invasive and come with a low risk of side effects in order to avoid more discomfort. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to gain an advantage over your allergies, and most are fairly simple and cheap:

• Clean your air. There are several pharmaceutical solutions for seasonal allergy symptoms, but if you can eliminate airborne allergies, you can avoid the initial histamine reaction altogether. Keep your windows closed when pollen levels are high, and invest in an air filter for your home. Several species of house plants are known to help clear the air, too: peace lilies, dracaena, bamboo palm and pothos are very good at eliminating toxic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene that are found in carpet, paint and cleaning solutions.
• Ease skin irritation naturally. If your skin has become more sensitive and easily irritated, look to your kitchen cupboard for some safe and simple ways to calm the itch, burn or inflammation. Olive oil is an amazing moisturizer, as is coconut oil – they seep into the skin for long-lasting hydration, and can calm itch and irritation.Oatmeal contains helpful compounds called avenanthramides that diminish irritation and redness, and it’s been used to treat dry skin for generations. You could make an oatmeal paste to spread on your inflamed skin, or else sprinkle dry oats in the tub and soak your whole body for 15 or 20 minutes.

• Consider hormone replacement therapy. There are certainly pros and cons to hormone replacement therapy, but if you suffer from asthma or severe allergy symptoms, it might be your best bet for better health. Temporary hormone replacement, designed to be tapered off slowly, can help your hormones stabilize enough to curb the inflammatory response in your airways. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor before making up your mind – it’s helpful having a professional opinion when you’re navigating HRT facts and risks.Stress is an important (though often overlooked) allergy trigger, so do what you can to limit the stress sin your life. Your body is going through enough turmoil during perimenopause and into menopause, and how you choose to spend your time, adjust your attitude, and handle challenges can play a big role in limiting or accentuating the stress sin your life. Take time to feed your spirit and body well, and try to stay focused on the positive aspects of menopause – freedom, self-awareness, and the chance for a new beginning – to distract help you deal with the drawbacks.