Histamines and hormones are intricately related. Most of us associate histamines with allergies and immune responses but histamines also act as signaling molecules in the brain and they are deeply connected to our hormonal balance.
This particular topic is a great example of how one system often affects another, highlighting the importance of balancing and optimizing all of our biological responses. When we talk about preventative health and longevity, it’s essential to understand how histamines play into the big picture.
What Are Histamines?
Histamines are organic nitrogenous compounds produced by our body during immune responses. As we come into contact with allergens, histamine levels rise, leading to well known allergy symptoms – sneezing, itching, and inflammation. Beyond allergies, histamines act as neurotransmitters that stimulate stomach acid production.
When histamine levels elevate— from food, stress, or environmental factors— it leads to unwanted symptoms and may even impact our hormonal health.
How Do Histamines Interact With Hormones?
Estrogen
An increase in estrogen levels can increase histamine production and reduce histamine breakdown. This means females may experience heightened histamine sensitivity during certain times in their menstrual cycle – for example, ovulation and premenstrual phases – or during hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause.
Progesterone
Progesterone has a balancing effect on histamine. Unlike estrogen, which can raise histamine levels, progesterone appears to counteract histamine’s effects. This partly explains why symptoms of histamine intolerance may feel more manageable when progesterone levels are balanced.
For example, in the latter half of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase), progesterone is elevated. Many women experience a decrease in histamine-related symptoms during this time. However, low progesterone levels, which is common in conditions like PMS, can make histamine more reactive. This leads to PMS symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Cortisol
Cortisol is the stress hormone. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which in turn affects histamine production. Interestingly, cortisol helps manage histamine levels by stabilizing mast cells, the cells that release histamine. Chronic stress, however, can deplete cortisol over time, potentially causing elevated histamine levels and an increased sensitivity to allergens or histamine-rich foods.
Linda’s List: Supplements for Preventing and Managing Histamine Reactions
- Blu Hist: Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and when combined with pineapple derived enzyme, Bromelain, the duo works as a natural antihistamine.
- Blu Mag: Aids in hormone regulation and can help reduce PMS symptoms. Magnesium also has an anti-inflammatory effect that can support overall histamine balance.
- Buffered C: Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by stabilizing mast cells, which reduces histamine release.
- Golden Blu: A quercetin and turmeric supplement that inhibits histamine release and reduces inflammation. Quercetin has estrogen-modulating effects, making it beneficial for hormone balance.
- Calcium D-Glucarate: Aids in the detoxification of excess estrogen, supporting hormone balance and liver health, which indirectly influences histamine management.
- Vitamin D: Helps balance the immune system and supports hormone production. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to histamine intolerance and hormonal imbalances.
- NAC: Supports liver detoxification, which is essential for metabolizing excess estrogen and histamine. It also acts as an antioxidant, which may reduce inflammation.
- Probiotics such as Blu Spore, Super Gut, and Saccharomyces Boulardii: Supports gut health, helping to balance histamine levels by promoting a healthy microbiome.
