Allergies in Women: Why Gender Makes a Difference
- AllergyRhino
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Allergies impact millions of people in the UK, but did you know that women and men can experience them differently? From hay fever to food allergies and asthma, research shows that biological differences, particularly hormonal fluctuations, play a key role in how allergies manifest and progress in women.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s explore the gender differences in allergies and why women may suffer differently.
1. Hormones and Allergies: A Key Link
Women’s hormonal cycles significantly influence how their immune system responds to allergens. Oestrogen and progesterone, two key female hormones, can increase inflammatory responses, making allergic reactions more severe at certain times of the month. This is particularly noticeable in asthma, where many women experience worsened symptoms before or during their periods.
Additionally, pregnancy can alter allergy symptoms—some women find their hay fever or asthma worsens, while others notice an improvement. The immune system’s response to allergens can also change after menopause due to shifts in hormone levels.
2. Asthma: A More Severe Experience for Women
Asthma is a common allergic condition, but women tend to experience it more severely than men. Studies show that women are more likely to be hospitalised due to asthma attacks, particularly in adulthood. This may be linked to hormonal changes affecting airway inflammation and lung function.
Asthma exacerbations are also more common during pregnancy, with some women requiring higher doses of medication to control their symptoms safely.
3. Hay Fever and Skin Allergies: Women Report More Symptoms
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects both men and women, but women often report more severe symptoms, such as prolonged nasal congestion and sinus pain. One reason for this could be the impact of oestrogen on blood vessels, leading to increased inflammation in the nasal passages.
Similarly, skin conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis are more prevalent in women, possibly due to differences in skin structure and immune response. Frequent exposure to skincare products, cosmetics, and household cleaning agents also increases the likelihood of allergic skin reactions in women.
4. Food Allergies and Intolerances: A Gendered Difference
Food allergies can affect anyone, but women are more likely to experience food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance and histamine sensitivity. Women are also more prone to developing oral allergy syndrome (OAS), where certain raw fruits and vegetables cause an itchy mouth or throat due to cross-reactions with pollen allergies.
Additionally, women are more likely to experience anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction—especially in response to food allergens like peanuts and shellfish.
What Can Women Do to Manage Their Allergies?
Understanding the impact of hormones and other gender-specific factors can help women take better control of their allergies. Here are some key tips:
Track Symptoms: Keep a diary to identify patterns related to your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Optimise Treatment: Work with your GP or allergy specialist to adjust medications as needed, particularly if symptoms worsen at certain times.
Reduce Triggers: Avoid allergens where possible, especially in skincare and household products.
Stay Informed: Allergy research is evolving, so staying updated on new treatments and management strategies is essential.
Final Thoughts
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women—especially those managing chronic conditions like allergies. Understanding these gender differences can empower women to take proactive steps in managing their health. If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms, AllergyRhino is here to help with expert advice and tailored solutions.