Histamine Intolerance & Hormones: What Every Perimenopausal Woman Needs to Know

In early 2024, I experienced a serious health wake-up call that reminded me yet again how much our bodies speak to us when something’s out of balance. What started as a seemingly harmless deodorant swap turned into a full-blown histamine flare-up that knocked me off my feet.

If you’re a woman in your 40s navigating perimenopause while running a business, juggling family and trying to prioritise your health, you need to hear this.

The Flare-Up That Stopped Me in My Tracks

It began after an acupuncture session, my first in nearly six years. My acupuncturist said my energy was great, but we needed to focus on helping it flow downward more freely. I left the session feeling hopeful. But not long after, I made the mistake of switching to a new “clean” deodorant without doing a patch test.

Big mistake. There were some hidden nasties that my body did not like. 

Within hours, my underarms became swollen, itchy and extremely painful. I was secreting fluid, my lymph nodes were blocked and I felt like my body had gone into shock. This wasn't the first time I’d experienced something like this but it was definitely the worst and it all peaked on Day 1 of my period.

Perimenopause, Hormones, and Histamine: What You Might Not Know

During the luteal phase of the cycle (right before your period), progesterone should be at its highest. If your progesterone is low as it often is in perimenopause you can become more reactive to stress, toxins and histamines.

Histamine intolerance is something I now recognise I’ve likely been dealing with for years. Symptoms can include:

• Rashes or hives
• Digestive issues
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Food or product sensitivities

And guess what? Oestrogen dominance and hormonal shifts can make histamine intolerance worse.

When I told the A&E doctor I believed my symptoms were hormone-related, she brushed it off. But I knew better. I’d already been working with a women's health coach, Pamela Windle and she validated exactly what I was feeling.

What Helped Me Heal

I took a holistic approach to calming the flare-up and supporting my recovery:

• Rest & Nervous System Care: I did breathwork and daily meditation (even in the middle of anxiety or fear). Restorative yoga replaced high-intensity workouts. I stayed in and gave myself permission to hibernate.
• Food & Supplements: I avoided high-histamine foods (like apples, leftovers and fermented products). I focused on soups, turmeric and ginger tea, garlic and simple, nourishing meals.
• Detox Support: I used castor oil packs and only used organic coconut oil on my skin. I’m now much more conscious of ingredients in skincare, cleaning products and even jewellery that isn’t real. 
• Environment Upgrades: I changed my shower head, increased my hydration and reduced plastics wherever I could. I continue filtering household products and foods through the “Dirty Dozen” list to minimise exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Gratitude & Boundaries: I journalled. I practiced positive self-talk. I apologised when I lashed out. And I’m became even more boundaried during this season, protecting my energy fiercely was key. 

Why I’m Sharing This With You

I share this not to overwhelm you, but to empower you.

I never expected a deodorant to trigger a reaction that would take months to fully recover from, impacting my ability to work, parent and show up the way I wanted to. But I now see it was a necessary pause. It was a huge call to listen more deeply, protect myself more fiercely and move through this transition with even more care and knowledge.

Let’s Walk Through This Together

If you’re experiencing mysterious symptoms and feeling unseen by mainstream medical advice, trust yourself. Advocate for your body. And don’t be afraid to take the holistic path alongside getting medical support.

💜 I’m currently offering:

• Summer Implementation School – a 6-week programme designed to help you implement your business and wellbeing goals in a way that works with your hormones, not against them. You'll learn to tune into your cycle, prioritise what matters and stay consistent without burning out.
• 10-Class Online Movement Pass – restorative Pilates classes that support perimenopausal bodies through gentle, intelligent movement. These sessions are ideal for regulating your nervous system, easing stiffness, and reclaiming energy.
• 1:1 Coaching – for tailored support around your business strategy, wellbeing and sustainable implementation. Together, we blend structure with intuition, so you can grow without sacrificing your health or sanity.

Final Word

Your body is wise. Your intuition is powerful and your healing is possible.

If this story resonates, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode here  and don’t hesitate to reach out if you're ready to reclaim your health and pace your growth.