Hormones have a varied and unpredictable influence on the immune system. Naturally occurring fluctuations in hormones occur during the menstrual cycle, menopause and pregnancy. Each hormonal stage can lead to flaring of allergies and asthma.
Menstrual Cycle Can Worsen Asthma
Premenstrual or menstrual flare of asthma occurs in about 1/3 of female asthmatics. Regulation of the cycle with oral contraceptives is helpful in some patients but any decision to start hormone therapy should only be made after careful consideration of all risks and benefits.
Pregnancy’s Impact on Asthma
It’s a must to treat the asthma: The risks of uncontrolled asthma are far greater than the risks to the mother or fetus from the medications used to control asthma. It is important to have the asthma under good control: breathing difficulties in the mother affect the fetus by compromising the oxygen supply. When asthma is controlled, women with asthma have no more complications during pregnancy and labor than other women. However, uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may produce serious maternal and fetal complications. Uncontrolled asthma is associated with complications such as:
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- maternal blood pressure changes (which may be very serious)
Almost all allergy and asthma medications are considered relatively safe in pregnancy. Inhaled steroids are generally considered safe and effective. They are considered safe for pregnant women and their babies, according to a 1999 study.