Hormonal Hives?

[Sickofit33]

I have Discoid Lupus....and JUST started getting really bad hives from C-section scars up my tummy after giving birth to my 2nd child.  I had lots of tests done saying I"m literally allergic to everything...food, outside, inside etc...to just take zyrtec and deal with it.  I do not believe I'm allergic to all of that, I mean Potatoes?!?  There is no way.  Anyways, I take a zyrtec each day but tonight I had a hive pop through and makes me nervous that I could go into anaphylactic because the unknown terrifies me.  Im usually pretty calm and relaxed but how far can these go?  The only thought I have is, hormonal related because they get worse right before my period.  What on earth can I do to figure this out?  It seems no one cares and thinks I'm looney but I'm not.  It's awful its been 17 months!  i thought could be the stitches but told they r dissolvable...urghhhh!

[Xcandiiigurlx]

Or possibly developed systematic lupus? Stress or trauma to your body (such as a c section) could make your lupus symptoms worse or develop new ones. They should really be testing your bodies antibodies before making you cut out so much of your diet. Doctors are bad about that. If they just tested these things in the first place finding the results would tell you what foods u needed to cut out if any.

[MIat1313]

I am 42 and have been suffering with hives since the age of 19. Suffering for 23 years.  I have been to every type of doctor at different times in the last 23 years.   I have self diagnozed myself as being allergic to "myself".  I narrowed it down that every time for some reason I have NOT been on a certain birth control pill  that I break out in hives...to a point where you can not see my skin because the hives swell like welts.  In my case it is related to hormones.. Lack of hormones.  Although my doctor did not want me to continue to take a birth control with such high hormones...he finally believes me and wrote the prescription with NO SUBSTITUTE!  

[Xcandiiigurlx]

I have chronic idiopathic hives also.They sometimes happen everyday for months and sometimes only on my period. Through my research I have found that chronic hives and autoimmune diseases are closely related. It could mean your autoimmune disease has caused your hives or that you have developed another autoimmune diesease. I have read that if they get worse around your period or they have ever lasted more than 6 weeks it is most likely not an external allergy. Have you ever been tested for thyroid antibodies? Aka HoshimOtis or graves disease? If your doctors wont test this for u I would suggest going to an independent lab and testing it on your own.

[Jenden1301]

I have been battling for a year. Just recently determined my cause is Red Dye 40. Or so it seems!!! Ive cut that out and its gotten ALOT better.
Red Dye 40 is a sneaky one! Its in all kinds of things.
Anything red, pink, orange, blue, purple or brown. Plus in doughnuts, alot od white/yellow cakes and frostings. Its in MANY fast food meats and cheeses, including SUBWAY.
I also get worse during PMS but I think thats because youre more prone to EVERYTHING when youre PMSing. LOL
Try cutting out any foods with red 40. Watch lables.

[cylucy]

Hi there, I also suffer from Urticaria which I know ( self diagnosis through logic) to be related to my hormones. I don't think it's the same as you as I don't get it every month just twice a year on average ever since my pregnancy 17 years ago. I find it reassuring to find other women allergic to their own hormones. A rough deal for us girls! Ironic isn't it. Personally I'm not into alleopathic medicine. I got rid of chronic asthma years ago using  homeopathy and since then have not used steroids or anti- hystamines as I feel it is better to let my body fight through it rather than suppressing the rash. I worry that it is something trying to come out and if I supress it it will get worse. Perhaps if I got it every month I would have a different attitude. But mine is bad when it comes and puts me through hell for a couple of weeks.I can never tell when that will be so it is a regular big inconvenience. I usually become very low physically almost like I have flu- maybe just due to the surface of my body being so distressed. I have found an Indian homeopath online( looks reputable) who specialises in Urticaria. I am about to embark on treatment with him. I can let you know how it goes if you want? The website is, www.urticaria.com if you want to have a look. I haven't had treatment with them yet so can't recommend only say that to me it looks interesting. Lucy

[lacypu]

I am 29 and recently started getting hives during my period. My allergy doctor was the one who first mentioned that it could be hormone related but we werent sure since my primary doctor had interrupted my hives with a steroid shot. We just confirmed it this week. They show up a few days before my period starts and end about 10 days later.I havent gone for my followup yet so I don't know what he will have to say exactly but I know this is a possibility:  Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis (APD)
Have you learned anything new?

[Sickofit33]

I am allergic to some meds but it cannot effect you almost 2 years later so it cant be that either.

[margypops]

My hives and dermographism came on after anesthetic for dental work  and trauma, check out what meds you had ...amoxicillin can do it

[Sickofit33]

I have consulted numerous allergists and each of them say it's Idopathic so they basically just have no clue.  The last one said, your tests show you are allergic to pretty much everything I've tested you for, take zyrtec daily and eat what you want.  I really do not feel it's food.  this all started after the c-section and only after that.  The hives start at the scar from c-section and go up my body.  The hives are way worse during my menstral time of the month. No doctor cares enough to help me figure it out so I give up

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, her symptoms are suggestive of allergic reaction to food probably. Usually with previous exposure it will not cause any reaction. Any subsequent use can trigger the reaction. The reaction which is seen is anaphylactic and late serum sickness type of reaction.

This is due to release of histamine in the body which will cause hypotension, facial swelling (angioedema) and can be life threatening sometimes.

Stinging insects, Aeroallergens (uncommon), Foods and additives like Milk, egg, peanuts, nuts, soy, and wheat are the most common agents to cause generalized urticaria in adults.

This condition is usually managed by anti-histaminic and steroids which take care of the allergic symptoms. You also need to avoid foods you are allergic to. Maintain a diary of food you take and note down the triggers. I suggest you to consult allergy specialist. Take care and regards.  

[Sickofit33]

Yeah, I have an epi pen it's just the annoyance of having to sit there and worry if one of the hives will do that.  I hate the unknown.  i'm just wondering if your own hormones can do this to you???  I've heard that anxiety can even put you into anaphylaxis so it's just insane to me.

[Resilient_Mimi]

Well, here is a theory. Before your period you immunity drops a little bit. So if you have something that is going to bother you, it will usually pop up then.  This is normal.  If your worried about anaphylaxis, then you should get the MD to write a script for an epi pen. This is for pts that could have a server reaction. Good luck, hope this helps!