Women tend to report more allergies than men, especially each year as spring approaches. Marla Ahlgrimm says that there might be a reason for this, and that reason might be hormones.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it’s currently theorized that the female hormone estrogen might play a role in anaphylaxis-level allergies. Although studies have not been performed on humans, those done on mice found that anaphylactic reactions were more common in female mice. This hormonal interaction might explain why more women than men are hospitalized for allergies each year.
The idea that hormones are to blame is underscored by the fact that women tend to report more allergic reactions during certain times of their menstrual cycle. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women who are pregnant and going through puberty during adolescence also report more contact and airborne allergies.
Another possible reason for the higher rates of women being treated for allergies is that we simply report them more often. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women tend to be less skittish about talking to their doctors about nuisances than men, who may feel as though they look weak or emasculated by admitting something as simple as an allergy is bothering them.
Marla Ahlgrimm also acknowledges that sudden severe food allergies are increasing, and that adults over the age of 40 may be at a greater risk. Approximately 26 million Americans have severe food allergies, and many of these did not develop until mid-adulthood.
If you suffer from any type of allergy, Marla Ahlgrimm says that having a good relationship with your healthcare provider and pharmacy staff is crucial. These professionals can help you steer clear of major consequences of a severe contact or ingestion allergy. While no single treatment is right for everyone, your team can put together a plan to keep you safe, no matter the season.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,