The Hives Menopause Connection

The Hives Menopause Connection

Since women are slightly more likely to experience hives menopause is thought to be partly responsible for cases that occur in a woman's 40's and 50's. Though not well understood, the link between hives and hormones has been demonstrated through individual cases as well as laboratory studies.

Hives are defined as red, raised blotches (called "welts" or "wheals") on the skin that measure 0.2 inches in diameter or larger. Sometimes the hives appear as single bumps, and sometimes they clump together to form large patches. For some women with hives menopause causes angioedema, or swelling in the face, lips, hands -- and possibly even the airway or intestinal lining.

What might explain the hives menopause interaction?
Though many women suffer from hives during menopause, the exact mechanism is not understood. Researchers know that there is some connection, but the pattern is not consistent among various cases.

We do know that menopause is a time of extensive change for a woman, both physically and psychologically. From these changes, doctors have identified two possible areas that may prove that there is definitely a hives menopause connection:

Stress and anxiety.
Hives and hormones.

The hives menopause link: is it stress?
In addition to all of the physical transformations that occur during the "change of life," menopause can also be a time of psychological upheaval. Some women experience emotional symptoms during menopause including insomnia, fatigue and loss of appetite; hives may be another result of anxiety.

A look at hives and hormones:
While stress is one viable explanation for the hives menopause connection, so is the link between hives and hormones. There are two possible ways that hormones might be the culprits of hives:

Fluctuating levels of female hormones: As the ovaries slow down, so does estrogen production. Laboratory studies have shown that hives could be due to sensitivity to progesterone or estrogen.
Increased stress hormones: Emotional stress causes the body to make more adrenalin and cortisol, two hormones that have been linked to hives.

Prevention of hives is often a difficult undertaking, as fewer than 10% of cases have a known cause. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to try to end the hives menopause relationship.

If you believe your hives are stress-induced, try to incorporate some stress management techniques into your everyday life. This may be able to break the link between hives and hormones due to anxiety.
Some cases of hives are caused by a specific trigger in the woman's life, such as a particular food, type of fabric, cosmetic, hair bleach or plant. Attempting to link hives outbreaks with potential triggers may help in prevention.

Few women are able to completely prevent their hives; if you do suffer from an outbreak, consider these treatment strategies:

Anti-depressants: for stress-induced menopausal hives.
Calamine lotion: for soothing itchy, burning patches on the skin.
Antihistamines: medications such as Benadryl or Alavert block the body's release of histamine.
Prescription corticosteroids: extreme cases may benefit from short-term use of steroids.
Self-care: applying a cool compress and wearing lightweight, loose clothing can offer relief from hives.
All-natural treatments: many women prefer homeopathic remedies to traditional medicine for effective relief without side effects.

Hivarex

Many cases of hives can be successfully treated at home, or may clear up on their own. However, you should see your doctor to make sure an underlying illness or disease is not causing them. Be sure to ask about the link between hives and hormones. See your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing or lightheadedness.

More than the hives menopause connection on our cure for hives page
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