13/01/2026
Allergies in Menopause: How TCM can help
Allergic conditions like asthma may peak around the onset of menopause. This finding has led researchers to believe that, although rare, allergies might be associated with menopause. While women with a history of allergies may notice worsening of their symptoms, some may experience allergies for the first time during menopause.
Individuals experiencing allergies, whether or not they’re going through menopause, should consult a physician. Early allergy management improves overall quality of life and reduces the risk of allergy-related complications.
What are allergies?
Allergies are the body’s exaggerated reaction to a typically harmless substance, like pollen or peanuts. When a person with an allergy is exposed to an allergen, the body sets off a chain of reactions in the blood, which manifest as allergy symptoms, such as hives and itching.
The Connection Between Menopause and Allergies
While the exact link between allergies and menopause is not clear, a combination of factors are believed to contribute, including the following:
Impact on Immune System
Estrogen receptors are present on various immune-regulating cells throughout the body. Fluctuating estrogen levels during menopause may impair the functioning of these cells and increase the risk of allergic reactions.
In addition, a balance between estrogen and progesterone is crucial for healthy immune system function. As menopause causes an imbalance in these hormones, women are more likely to experience allergies during the menopausal transition.
Histamine Sensitivity
A consequence of estrogen binding to its receptors on immune-regulating cells is the release of histamine — a substance responsible for allergic reactions.
High or low estrogen levels can alter the histamine production of these cells when exposed to an allergen. This altered reaction of immune cells, when exposed to certain substances, can cause allergies.
Inflammation
A 2022 study indicates that estrogen may have protective properties against inflammation. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, the body may experience an inflammatory state, which can worsen allergies.
If an individual has a history of allergic asthma, this increase in inflammation during menopause can affect the airways and worsen symptoms.
Most Common Allergies Related to Menopause
Some of the most common allergies during menopause include the following:
-Asthma
-Eczema
-Urticaria (hives)
-Food intolerance
Symptoms of Allergies During Menopause
Different allergic reactions during menopause can trigger a range of symptoms. For instance, eczema can result in itchy and dry skin.
Some other common symptoms of allergies during menopause may include:
-Sneezing
-Itchy or watery eyes
-Wheezing or difficulty breathing
-Runny or stuffy nose
If any allergy symptoms worsen or don’t subside, it’s recommended to consult a physician who can advise on the appropriate treatment approach.
Treating Allergies with Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), allergies are caused by imbalances in the body and energy deficiency in the organs. TCM uses various ways to treat allergies;
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of TCM that involves the inserting of very thin needles in the skin to treat various conditions. A specialist inserts these needles at various acupoints to balance your body’s energy.
According to TCM, health is associated with balanced yin, and yang, and illnesses are caused by the imbalance of these energies. These are also known as qi energy, which travels throughout the body through various channels.
When you get allergies, it means that the flow of qi energy is blocked or that it flows in the wrong meridians. This results in excess qi in various organs and insufficient in others. Allergies cause an imbalance in the body.
Allergy treatment like acupuncture is non-invasive and seeks to restore balance in the body by eliminating the obstruction in the pathways. Acupuncture needles are inserted in acupoints to eliminate the obstruction causing allergies, remove deficiencies, and eliminate excess, as well as correct imbalances. Acupuncture opens the pathways and allows the flow of qi; this eliminates the symptoms and reactions to allergies.
Herbs
According to TCM, allergies are associated with various elements. Since allergies are caused by blocked qi, practitioners try to balance this energy to get rid of the symptoms.
Some people suffer seasonal allergies, while others get allergies throughout the year because of food, environmental conditions, or other factors. Although you can take prescription and over-the-counter drugs, these only mask the reactions and symptoms. TCM, on the other hand, treats the underlying problem.
Allergy treatment focuses on strengthening the body to heal itself, bring balance, and prevent the occurrence of infections. Practitioners use various Chinese herbal remedies to treat allergies.
To treat allergies, practitioners must identify the causes of the reactions and symptoms. Practitioners help to identify and treat the underlying causes of allergies. This helps to control your body’s reactions and to prevent the relapse of more allergies.
TCM is effective regardless of the years you have suffered. The practitioner reviews your symptoms and medical history to understand your condition. After proper assessment, you are given Chinese herbs, depending on the causes of your allergy. The herbs vary from patient to patient because each individual is different, and each receives customized treatment.
Nutritional Therapy
According to TCM, what you eat affects your general health. When it comes to allergies and food, you might decide to stay away from certain foods to avoid painful reactions.
A healthy, balanced diet can improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and help maintain a healthy weight, all of which can contribute to managing allergies during menopause.
Dietary modifications that can help relieve allergy symptoms and improve overall health include the following:
-Avoiding potential allergens like sulfites, which are preservatives found in foods like pickles and wine
-Limiting salt intake
-Avoiding processed foods like cookies, breads, and biscuits
-Eating fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, milk, and eggs
TCM practitioners recommend various foods for allergy treatment. Ginger is most used in TCM to treat various conditions. Many reactions and symptoms of allergies are caused by inflammation, like irritation of various organs such as nasal passages, throat, and eyes as well as swelling of the same. Ginger has been used for many years throughout the generations to deal with allergies. Ginger minimizes the production of pro-inflammatory proteins, which reduces the symptoms of allergy. The practitioner can either use dry or fresh ginger.
If you are familiar with TCM, you know that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. This is why practitioners use it to treat allergies and other inflammatory conditions. Turmeric’s active ingredient, cumin, minimizes the symptoms of many inflammatory diseases and can be effective in reducing irritation and swelling caused by allergic rhinitis. You can take turmeric in form of teas, pills, tinctures, or eaten as food.
According to TCM, allergies are caused by disharmony in the body. You suffer from allergies when the flow of qi allergy is blocked in your body. TCM aims to open the meridians, promote the flow of qi energy, and restore your body to health.
Additional Tips for Managing Allergies During Menopause
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
The following lifestyle changes may improve or prevent allergy symptoms during menopause:
-Managing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises
-Getting 8 hours of undisturbed sleep
-Exercising regularly, including at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity activities like running or swimming
Experiencing more or new allergies during menopause? Discover if TCM is right for you.
If you’ve entered the menopause transition and are struggling with allergies, you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Kindly whatsapp us @ 91900257 for a consultation with our experienced TCM physician today. You will be advised accordingly the treatment plan during the visit and can proceed with treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion or cupping and take a course of Chinese herbal medicine (powder and/or pills) on the same day.
