Asthma: Why do symptoms get worse during my period?

Why do asthma symptoms seem to get worse during my menstrual period?

Just before and through the menstrual period, progesterone and estrogen levels drop. In some women, these hormonal changes make asthma worse. the connection between hormones and asthma is complex, varies from person to person, and isn't fully understood. Other changes in a very woman's life, additionally to the cycle, can cause changes in hormone levels which will worsen or improve asthma symptoms. These contains the following:

• Irregular menses. In women with irregular menstrual periods, asthma symptoms could also be worse than in women whose menstrual cycles are regular.

• Pregnancy. Pregnancy can increase the chance of getting a severe bronchial asthma. In some women, however, hormonal changes during pregnancy can, in fact, improve asthma symptoms.

• Menopause. The come by hormone levels related to menopause can worsen asthma symptoms or trigger asthma in some women.

• Hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement with estrogen or progesterone can improve asthma symptoms in some women who have saw menopause. However, the results of the studies are conflicting, and hormone replacement appears to worsen the chance of asthma symptoms in some women. 

If you have got bothersome asthma symptoms during your menstrual period, ask your doctor if any of the medications you're taking for menstrual pain may be causing an asthma exacerbation. Your doctor may recommend increasing your dose of asthma medication or taking another medication before the beginning of your period.