Why Are Women More Sensitive to Histamine?

This post is part of an ongoing series on histamine intolerance, which Dr. Gannage has described as a “game changer in chronic illness”. If you missed the first post, which explains what histamine intolerance is, you can read it here.

Estrogen and Histamine: A Vicious Cycle

Histamine intolerance can be caused by a number of factors, including histamine-rich foods, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, genetic mutations, and leaky gut- and it turns out that being female can contribute, too.

By some estimates, roughly 80% of those who suffer from histamine intolerance are women. Furthermore, many women who suffer from histamine intolerance report worsening symptoms just before their periods, not to mention heavy cramping and symptoms of PMS. What gives?

It all has to do with estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. Estrogen- which is found in higher levels during ovulation and just before your period- has been found to activate mast cells (1), which release histamine. Not only that, but estrogen also down-regulates DAO (2), an enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine.

Simply put, estrogen increases histamine levels, leading to any and all of the histamine intolerance symptoms we’ve talked about, from congestion to indigestion to headaches and heart palpitations.

To make matters worse, once histamine is released, it stimulates the ovaries which leads to the production of more estrogen (3). It is, therefore, something of a vicious cycle. Estrogen causes the release of histamine, and histamine causes the production of estrogen.

Taking steps to avoid excess dietary histamine and supplementing with the DAO enzyme might help to lessen symptoms associated with PMS as well as menstrual cramping and pain (as these are caused by high levels of estrogen, which can be caused by high levels of histamine, which can be caused by high levels of estrogen…).

Another interesting component of the relationship between estrogen and histamine is the potential for hormonal chaos caused by a fluctuating daily intake of histamine, which could in turn be causing fluctuation of estrogen levels (which can have an impact on the mood).

Interestingly, women might actually find the most relief from symptoms of histamine intolerance during pregnancy when in order to protect the fetus from histamine toxicity, placenta produces up to 500x the body’s regular amount of DAO (4).

Coming up, learn about the science behind one of the most frustrating symptoms of histamine intolerance: brain fog.

This post is part of a series on histamine intolerance and related disorders. Make sure to follow Markham Integrative Medicine on Facebook and never miss a post.