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.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Chronic urticaria is defined as urticaria that persists for longer than 6 weeks. The cause of chronic urticaria is often more difficult to identify. Most cases are called chronic idiopathic urticaria, which means they're caused by the body's unexplainable development of antibodies to itself (auto-antibodies).

So exact cause of hives is difficult to determine. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and regards.

[Sickofit33]

Thank you, I did go to an allergist who said they were idopathic chronic uticartia...???  Bascially they don't know the reason, only that it started right after my c-section.  They always start right at the incision and work their way up my body.  I am still taking zyrtec but notice i have break through hives right before/during my menstral cycle so I really feel it has something to do with hormones.  I do have discoid lupus so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it since i'm suppose to stay away from estrogen.  The allergist ran a blood panel that said I was allergic to seriously everything down to a potato!  I eat all these things and always have so it doesnt make sense.  He gave me a bottle of zyrtec and said to eat what I wanted and just know these might last up to 2 years.  I'm October it will be 2 years and I have a feeling I will still have them.
I found out that I was pregnant March 1st and I was doing great, no hives and felt awesome.  I had a miscarriage on the 4th (only 5 weeks along) and then the hives came back so it has to be something with hormones.  But how are we allergic to our own hormones?  What do I do?  Do I have to be on zyrtec,can these cause anaphylaxis?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Ovulation and menstrual cycle are two such phenomenon which is associated with rapid hormone changes every month. To stimulate ovulation, progesterone levels increase while estrogen levels decrease. These hormonal changes cause the body a great deal of stress and stress is one of the important factors thought to be causing hives. Although urticaria usually is idiopathic, but stress is an important causative factor.

Regular medications with antihistaminics and steroids during hives flare up has shown that in approximately 75% of patients, chronic hives are found to gradually or spontaneously diminish within 6-8 months.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.