does anyone else suffer from asthma related to hormone fluctuations ?

[Bridget72]

Hi i have had asthma my whole adult life I am now approaching menopause and I'm finding my asthma symptom control difficult now. My asthma has always been affected by hormones so now they are going crazy so is my asthma,

I'm wondering if anybody has any idea what's the best treatment, I cant take HRT or the pill.

[twinkly29]

I can't help about best treatments, although I suspect it might be a case of finding the asthma inhalers etc that suit you best (and changing them even if you've had one which is great for years but now isn't), but I do know of a couple of people who are definitely affected by hormonal changes, either regularly every month or, like you, they were ok until they reached the pre menopause/menopause stages and then their asthma went haywire. With an increase and change to medication their asthma has become controlled again.

Other friends find Evening Primrose Oil really helps them with hormones but (a) they're not asthmatic so I don't know if dealing with hormones would help the asthma and (b) I don't know how EPO might interact with other things (it might not, I just have no idea!)

[elanaoali]

Hi twinkly29 I had mild asthma for over 15 years but 5 years ago when I was going through pre menopause my asthma got worse. I only had a Ventolin inhaler and hardly used it.

Long story short. I had my first asthma attack and had a bumpy 3 months til I fully recovered.

Then I had 2-3 years when my asthma was different to control. I tried different inhalers and saw a respiratory consultant.

However since the beginning of the year my asthma has been rock solid. I am on Fostair Nexthaler 200/6 2 puffs twice a day and monkelaust. Dymista for postnasal drip and ompreloze for acid reflux.

I do take HRT tablets but as you can't I not sure what else to suggest.

[Bridget72 in reply to elanaoali]

I'm on fostair nexthaler 200/6 2 puffs morning and evening it's been better on this but Im still getting a lot of symptoms.

[MMBJI]

Hi Bridget72,

I have no solutions to offer but suspect that I am going through the same thing.

My asthma has been uncontrolled for the last year, using relievers 2 hourly throughout each day, changed inhalers, upped doses etc. Had multiple attacks and hospital trips/stays. Am now under secondary care.

My periods have been haywire since having my last babies almost 9 years ago. I went 9 months without a period before June this year.

It’s not an official link, but has been muted by different health professionals as a possibility.

It feels like something to ride out for me + optimising asthma meds/control.

Sorry I can’t help, just offering “you’re not on your own” support.

If you find something that helps, let me know!

[Bridget72 in reply to MMBJI]

Thanks MMBJI,That is some comfort to know I'm not alone. the hospital said that it's my hormones but just to get on with it.

My gp is not convinced but he is a man so he would not understand.

[17Rose]

Hi. My asthma was always worse just before and during my periods . My asthma was the best it has ever been while I was pregnant, 21 years ago now! Since hitting the menopause my asthma worst it has ever been. Under primary and secondary care, regular admissions every 2 to4 weeks and always on prednisolone. Not eligible for biologicals. However, spoke to an Asthma uk nurse a couple of months ago and she suggested talking to gp about HRT. My primary respiratory consultant thought it was a good idea and even though I'm higher risk for hrt due to weight, high blood pressure and family history, my gp decided to give it a go for 6 months to see if it makes a difference to my asthma. They prescribedHrt patches as less risk/side effects compared to the tablets. At the moment I'm not sure of if it has made much difference or not!

[Bridget72 in reply to 17Rose]

Hi 17Rose,That sounds exactly like me when I was pregnant my asthma was brilliant 19 years ago.

But just before a period it would get worse.

And now it's all over the place I haven't had a period of 4 months now so I'm hoping that's it for that.

I did try HRT tablets but they gave me a constant migraine so the doctor was not happy about putting me on anything else.

[17Rose]

That's odd isnt it re the migraines. Hadnt thought about that but I used to get migraines until about 5 years ago which is when my periods reduced/stopped and my asthma got so much worse . I know there are different types of hrt with varying mixes/levels of hormones and the patches as oppose to the tablets. I think there must be a link/trigger to hormone levels and asthma for some people I do hope you are able to get something sorted soon.

[Poobah]

I couldn't take HRT as it was a trigger for my asthma. My GP even tried giving me HRT patches but my skin reacted badly. At the early stages I used plant isoflavones, got mine from Boots alternative health aisle. They worked for about 18 months before menopause symptoms were too strong. After that it was a roller coaster between menopause symptoms and asthma symptoms. I tried giving up white foods - white bread, sugar and anything processed and took up regular exercise. It definitely helped me. NB diet came before exercise as I had to feel a bit better before I could face the gym. Even then I struggled, but over time things improved. Is it oestrogen or progesterone that you don't tolerate? Oestrogen can be the trigger while progesterone can be beneficial and visa versa! Poor oestrogen levels can dry out our mucus membranes throughout the body. Whereas it's also thought that low progesterone can lead to asthma flares (boys are more likely to grow out of childhood asthma during puberty). Sea Buckthorn Oil can help with lubrication if you think that your mucus membranes are drying out (e.g. dry eyes and a dry mouth).

Other events overtook me and I had a full hysterectomy which definitely helped, but I didn't have the op because of my asthma and doubt I would have as my diet and exercise regime was working.

.

[frustratedasmathic]

Hello sorry to hear this. I am asthmatic and always around my period would suffer badly with my asthma. The inhalers never really helped either at this time. currently on HRT and do find that it has improved slightly. My is mainly allergy induced asthma. Also, came off gluten and lactose and this has helped. All the very best. Hope you get it under control.

[Eupnoos]

There is a lot of published evidence that our hormones do play a major part. In fact I have been doing a lot of research on this topic. There is some information on the Asthma UK site too asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

From my research almost 20% of the 60 women who responded have reported that they do see exacerbations before their period. Please may I request you to take the time to also contribute your thoughts? I think it's this kind of feedback that really helps with providing the knowledge and information needed to help us understand the impact of asthmanon women better. Thank you

LINK to survey rb.gy/p8jjhz

[sarahjane12]

Hi am the same just before not nice at all hope your ok.

[JustR]

Hi, over the last couple of years I’ve tried explaining to my GP, Consultant..anyone that would listen in the end!..and luckily they did..A senior asthma nurse at my hospital finally understood when I told her my asthma flares before and during my period and that it had got worse over time. I tried to explain I’ve always had mild asthma and then just suddenly severe!

She suggested going on the mini pill Desogestrel and I did for a year and there was some level of control back with my asthma but still on daily prednisolone and inhalers. However I came off the pill as I started to feel some side effects.

I’m now thinking the hormonal change has more to do with it than I ever thought. I’m just stuck as to what to do now?

[Bridget72 in reply to JustR]

I know how you feel 🤷‍♀️