PMS & hayfever
Both PMS and hayfever are thought to come about as a result of a complex combination of hormonal, chemical and metabolic interactions in the body – so could there be some overlap in terms of the symptoms and/or driving factors behind them? It’s quite possible. Here I run through some common factors which could connect both, and explore some diet and lifestyle tips to overcome them.
1. Oestrogen
Oestrogen is well known as the ‘female hormone’; not the only one, but certainly one of the most significant female sex hormones. Oestrogen is thought to play a pivotal role in the onset of PMS symptoms. Whilst oestrogen fluctuates in a similar fashion for most women throughout a typical month, the ratio of this hormone relative to another female sex hormone, progesterone, could have a significant influence on the onset of PMS symptoms. Watch my video blog on this topic for more information.
So, how does this hormone have an effect when it comes to hayfever? Well, mast cells, a specific type of immune cell known for releasing histamine (one of the many chemicals released during an allergic reaction which gives rise to inflammation and all the uncomfortable itching), are also known to house oestrogen receptors. Therefore, with the binding of oestrogen to these mast cells, histamine is synthesised and released.
Therefore, we can assume that in conditions such as PMS, where oestrogen dominance is thought to be more of an issue, excess histamine may also be a problem.1
What can be done to help?
If oestrogen dominance is a likely problem, the herbal remedy Agnus castus could help to get things back under control. Agnus castus helps to gently support our progesterone levels, which is helpful as this particular hormone acts as a gentle regulator of oestrogen.
It may, therefore, help to correct the imbalance in oestrogen which is not only driving PMS, but may also be playing a role in exacerbating allergic symptoms, such as those associated with Hayfever.
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2. Histamine
Histamine is a chemical released in response to the reaction of your immune system. This, in turn, is thought to give rise to many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with hayfever, including itchiness and congestion. But is it also possible that excess histamine, or what is called histamine intolerance, could also be contributing to the symptoms of PMS?
There has been some suggestion that women who experience histamine intolerance are also more likely to suffer from PMS. Plus, much like oestrogen could potentially stimulate histamine release from mast cells, as mentioned above, once released, research suggests that excess histamine may also influence further oestrogen release2 – creating an unhelpful vicious cycle of symptoms.
See, the effects of histamine in the body are considered to be inflammatory; much like the symptoms of PMS which can give rise to painful cramps, crippling headaches or monthly skin complaints. So there seems to be a definite overlap in some of the symptoms and it’s very likely that excess inflammation may be a common driving factor in cases of both hayfever and PMS.
What can be done to help?
It seems that following an anti-inflammatory diet may be an important step in helping to manage both these conditions.
Aim to include a good dose of anti-inflammatory omega-3 foods such as oily fish, flaxseeds and walnuts, paired with sources of dietary fibre including a wide range of fruit and vegetables and wholegrains. In addition to this, some pro-inflammatory items to consider limiting can include caffeine, alcohol, processed meats and lactose-containing dairy products.
3. Insulin
Another interesting theory is that insulin resistance could be a driving factor when it comes to allergic conditions such as hayfever. Now, insulin tends to get a bad name as we often associate it with health conditions such as diabetes. However, insulin shouldn’t actually be considered inflammatory in the body, but what is considered inflammatory, is a state called insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is when the cells of our body no longer respond appropriately to insulin, meaning levels can become elevated. This, in turn, drives our blood sugar levels up, which is also inflammatory. In research, insulin resistance has been considered to have a role to play when it comes to allergic conditions such as hayfever or asthma.1
Unsurprisingly, we know that insulin resistance isn’t a very helpful state if you also suffer from PMS. Insulin resistance could potentially exacerbate a number of PMS symptoms including cravings, headaches, fatigue, low libido, cramps and is also strongly associated with a condition called PCOS, which is thought to affect more and more women nowadays.
What can be done to help?
Stabilising wobbly blood sugar should be the main aim if we are hoping to improve insulin resistance. Whilst refined sugar is found in many of the more obvious processed foods such as sweets, cakes and biscuits, refined carbohydrates including white bread, pasta or rice can also risk spiking our blood sugar levels.
So, as well as incorporating more brown varieties of carbs, it can also help to include good sources of protein and healthy fats with each meal or snack as this can help to slow the release of carbohydrates into our bloodstream. Aim to include some top picks including lean meats, pulses, legumes, oily fish, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds. 
4. Nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies have a lot to answer for and it’s possible some common nutrient deficiencies could also be having a part to play when it comes to both hayfever and PMS.
We need an array of nutrients including magnesium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in order to properly support our immune system, nervous system (which can take a hit if we’re stressed by our symptoms) and general inflammation in the body. With more processed foods, less fresh foods and more sedentary and/or stressful lifestyles, our nutrient levels can easily risk becoming depleted.
What can be done to help?
If monthly PMS or seasonal hayfever symptoms are getting you down, sometimes a supplement may be required to give your body some extra support. I often recommend our Balance Mineral Drink for those in need as it contains a sensible dose of magnesium, together with vitamin D, which can often be especially useful for women of child-bearing age.
Next, in terms of upping your omega-3 intake, I often recommend a good quality flaxseed oil supplement. This can be mixed through dressings or simply taken off the spoon! It has a delicious, nutty taste, although capsules are also often readily available for those who prefer them.
5. Medications
It’s possible that steroid-based medications which are often heavily prescribed to help manage allergic symptoms such as those associated with hayfever, could be having some effect on the regularity of your cycle and/or the balance of our sex hormones.1 
What can be done to help?
If you’re worried about any possible side effects your hayfever meds could be having, why not chat this over with your doctor and discuss the possibility of switching over to a more natural alternative, to see if you notice any improvements?
Pollinosan tablets are homeopathic in action and aren’t thought to be associated with any of the same side effects as conventional allergy medications, so may be worth a try.
