If you're hitting menopause and suddenly finding yourself sneezing and wheezing more than usual, you're not alone. Let’s dive into how menopause can make hayfever more intense.

Hormones and hay fever: what's the deal?

During menopause, your oestrogen and progesterone levels go on a rollercoaster ride, and this can mess with more than just your mood and sleep. It turns out these hormones also play a role in how your body reacts to allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander.

So, why does it seem like your hay fever is worse now? Menopause can cause inflammation in your body to ramp up. This means your immune system might be on high alert, leading to more severe hay fever symptoms. Plus, the lower levels of oestrogen can make your nasal passages drier and more irritated, making you more sensitive to allergens.

How Menopause Messes with Your Allergies

Here’s a bit of science: menopause impacts histamine production in your body. Oestrogen can increase histamine production, while progesterone helps break it down. So, when your oestrogen levels fluctuate, you might end up with more histamine than your body can handle, leading to stronger allergic reactions.

When to See a Doctor

If you're hitting menopause and suddenly dealing with symptoms like breathlessness, excessive sneezing, coughing, and a worsening of asthma symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. 

Managing Hay Fever During Menopause

Looking for more support for hay fever symptoms? Here are some tips to help:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your nasal passages moist. Aim for about two litres a day.
2. Keep It Clean: Regularly clean your home to reduce allergens. An air purifier can also help a lot.
3. Check Your Diet: Some foods can help reduce inflammation, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
4. Try Quercetin: This plant pigment is a natural antihistamine. It's found in fruits, vegetables, and grains and can help reduce hay fever symptoms. Just remember to balance it with B vitamins if you're supplementing.
5. Over-the-Counter Meds: Antihistamines can help control hay fever symptoms. Just check with your doctor to make sure they won't interfere with any other meds you’re taking.
6. Nasal Sprays: Saline sprays can keep your nasal passages moist and flush out allergens.
7. Ross J. Barr Breathe Patches: These patches are designed to help ease breathing difficulties. Infused with herbs and oils like Japanese Honeysuckle, Patchouli, Magnolia, Skullcap, and Gardenia, they provide a calming effect for the chest and mind. Convenient and easy to apply, these patches help clear heat, dispel mucus, relieve coughing, and support the immune system.
8. Consider HRT: If your symptoms are really out of control, talk to your doctor about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Menopause is a big change, and it's totally normal to feel like your body's throwing you a few curveballs. Hayfever might be one of them, but with a little extra care and some smart strategies, you can keep it from taking over your life. Remember, you’re not alone