That Time of the Month..and My Hives

Let’s talk real. Let’s talk about hormones. Let’s talk about that time of the month. Does it impact your hives? Are you itchier than normal? Notice more of a flare up? Or does it not impact your hives at all?

Hives and menstrual cycles

I want to say I always noticed, but honestly I didn't until recently. Odd for someone that’s always battling being itchy, right? I know, I know. Sounds weird, but it’s true! I just recently started to notice how it was different. Full disclaimer, I'm on progesterone to manage my cycle due to endometriosis, and adenomyosis, and being anemic. My team decided for safety, we will use progesterone to stop my cycle as much as we can.

So now that I've stated my disclaimer, let's delve into it! I have actually noticed I'm itchier during that time of the month. Which is incredibly frustrating. I don’t want to be itchy at all, yet it definitely seems my hormones do affect my hives. I also have to be really careful of hot showers and baths, since it's a trigger for my flare ups. Sometimes I'm not that careful and take a hot bath during my cycle and I have to take some Benadryl to help with the itchiness. Which again, is frustrating.

Managing itchiness during your period

So how do I manage this? I use the following things to help:

• Hypoallergenic lotion
  • This keeps my skin hydrated, safely.
• Add a Benadryl at night if I need to.
  • This is per my medical team.
• No bubble baths
• Add apple cider vinegar to bath
  • This helps with a multitude of things
• Oatmeal body wash
  • I use this anyway, but imperative during my cycle

When hormones impact your hives

The above things help so much. Sometimes though, even clothes can bother me during this time. I try to wear softer fabrics, ones that I don't find as scratchy. It’s honestly about trial and error. Finding what works for you. Though sometimes it can change month to month. I’ve experienced that as well. Something worked one month, but not the next. I know we all don’t like when that happens, but unfortunately it’s just another part of living with hives!!

What if it’s a particular itchy month and nothing is working during my cycle? Well, then I unfortunately have to make it through that week as best I can. A let down, right? It can seem like that.

I think it’s important to learn your body, learn what works for you, what doesn’t and keep track, especially if hormones impact your hives. We’re all so different, but know we’re not alone. There’s a community right here for you!