The Histamine Estrogen Connection
Histamine is a biogenic amine present in various body tissues, including the brain, heart, lungs, and intestines. It plays a crucial role in physiological processes such as the immune response, inflammation, and neurotransmission. Stored in mast cells and basophils, types of immune cells, histamine is released into surrounding tissues upon cell activation, binding to histamine receptors and inducing various effects. Estrogen, a hormone produced by the ovaries, is a key trigger for histamine release and impacts the female reproductive system.
Research indicates that estrogen can enhance the number and sensitivity of histamine receptors in mast cells and basophils, leading to increased histamine release. This effect is believed to be mediated by estrogen receptors on these cells. Estrogen also influences certain enzymes involved in histamine production and metabolism. For instance, it up-regulates histidine decarboxylase, increasing histamine production, and down-regulates diamine oxidase (DAO), involved in histamine breakdown, potentially leading to histamine intolerance symptoms.
Women often experience higher histamine release during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle when estrogen levels peak. This can result in symptoms like headaches, fatigue, skin issues, food sensitivities, post nasal drip, excess mucus, irregular menstrual cycles, and gastrointestinal distress. To counteract estrogen's effects, some women opt for exogenous progesterone, another hormone produced by the ovaries.
Progesterone, known for its role in pregnancy maintenance and menstrual cycle regulation, inhibits histamine release from mast cells and basophils. This inhibition occurs through progesterone receptors on these cells, similar to estrogen's action but in an inhibitory manner. Progesterone also increases DAO expression, aiding in histamine breakdown, potentially reducing histamine accumulation and associated symptoms.
While exogenous progesterone might be effective for some, its impact on histamine release varies among individuals. Dietary and lifestyle changes may be sufficient for those with lower estrogen peaks during the menstrual cycle. It is crucial to consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach for addressing histamine intolerance symptoms, considering individual needs and responses to hormonal interventions.
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
If you’re experiencing histamine based symptoms and think it might be related to high estrogen or low progesterone levels, the best thing to do is have your sex hormones checked by a functional medicine provider. This will help you figure out if taking exogenous progesterone might help with your histamine related symptoms, or to discover whether you need to find ways to lower your estrogen levels to help find relief.
Whether you have an MCAS diagnosis or not, hormone imbalance could be a contributing factor to the development of high histamine in the body. The development of modern diseases like MCAS and histamine intolerance is rarely based in one single issue. Working closely with a practitioner that is knowledgeable in how every aspect of the body contributes can help you to find your underlying causes and treat them one by one. If you would like to discuss how we might be able to help, email Jade about our 6 and 12 month programs!