As members of the transgender and nonbinary community, we understand the importance of managing allergies for a better quality of life. Allergies affect 15-30% of individuals in the United States. Hormonal changes, surgeries, or medications can affect our immune system and influence how our body responds to allergens. Allergies can be triggered by various factors and may also coexist with other conditions, making things even more challenging to manage. In this blog post, we’ll review what allergies are, the specific health needs of transgender individuals, the medication options available, and how you can access trans-friendly allergy care.
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How hormones might affect allergies
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays a crucial role in the transition journey for many of us trans and nonbinary folks. GAHT offers significant benefits related to gender dysphoria and mental health. However, it’s important to consider how this therapy might also intersect with other health concerns, such as allergies. While the body of research specifically addressing the impact of GAHT on allergies remains limited, some existing studies provide valuable insights into potential interactions between hormones and the immune system.
Estrogen and testosterone, the 2 most common medications used for GAHT, can have different effects on the body’s immune response. Estrogen, for example, may potentially enhance the immune system. This could lead to an increased sensitivity to allergens and a heightened reaction to allergic triggers. In contrast, testosterone may have a dampening effect on certain immune functions, which could alter the typical presentation or severity of allergy symptoms. These variations underscore the importance of personalized care when managing allergies in transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy. This overlap highlights the importance of having a healthcare team that is trans-informed to ensure both your hormone therapy and allergy treatments are optimized for your health and well-being.
Medication options for transgender individuals with allergies
To manage allergies effectively, it’s crucial to not only treat the symptoms but also identify and avoid exposure to allergens. For example, someone allergic to pollen can close windows during high pollen counts and use air filtration systems to minimize exposure, while food allergies require careful reading of ingredient labels and communication about food allergies when eating out.
Other allergy management tips include adopting healthy eating habits and regular exercise to boost our immune system, and practicing stress management techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce allergy symptoms. Lastly, seeking allergy treatment options can help you effectively manage your allergy symptoms.
At Plume, we can treat occasional allergy symptoms by prescribing the medications listed below. Your Plume provider will conduct a video appointment to review your symptoms and create the best care plan:
Decongestants
- Constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion.
- Common decongestants include oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine, given by mouth or by nose
Antihistamines
- Block histamine to reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Common antihistamines include loratadine, azelastine, and olopatadine, which can be administered orally, nasally, or ophthalmically.
Glucocorticoids (Steroids)
- Reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion.
- Common nasal glucocorticoids include fluticasone propionate.
- Nasal steroid/antihistamine combinations, such as fluticasone propionate/azelastine, provide the benefits of both anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects to alleviate multiple allergy symptoms.
Other
- Nasal ipratropium: Decrease nasal discharge to help relieve a runny nose. Commonly used as ipratropium bromide.
- Oral antihistamine/decongestant combo: Combine antihistamine and decongestant effects to alleviate various allergy symptoms. Common combinations include loratadine/pseudoephedrine.
Tips for managing allergies day-to-day
Managing allergies requires a proactive approach, focusing on both minimizing exposure to allergens and enhancing your living environment to support your health. Here are practical strategies to help keep allergy symptoms at bay:
Identify and Avoid Allergens. Understanding what triggers your allergies is foundational. This may require seeing a local allergist for skin testing. If pollen is a concern, check daily pollen counts and plan your outdoor activities when levels are lower, usually in the early morning or late evening. For those sensitive to indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander, regular cleaning and reducing clutter that can trap dust are essential steps.
Enhance Your Living Space. Utilizing air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly reduce the presence of airborne allergens in your home. In bedrooms, consider using an allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to create a barrier against dust mites. Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons and using air conditioning can also help control indoor air quality.
Personal Care. After spending time outdoors, taking a shower and changing clothes can minimize pollen or outdoor allergens brought into your home. Washing bedding in hot water weekly can reduce the buildup of dust mites and pet dander.
Stay Hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus, easing congestion and symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Warm beverages like herbal teas may also offer comfort from throat irritation and nasal congestion.
Collaborate with Healthcare Providers. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are important, especially for those undergoing GAHT. These discussions can ensure that your allergy management strategies align with your overall health plan, including any adjustments to medication or therapies needed to address allergy symptoms effectively.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can create a more allergy-friendly environment and reduce the impact of allergies on your daily life. Remember, managing allergies is a continuous process, and what works for you may evolve over time. Keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare provider will help you adjust your plan as needed to maintain your health and well-being. For Plume members, you can schedule an allergy appointment at any time – see how here.
