Asthma & women
As a woman your body will go through changes that can affect your asthma. Here we answer questions about puberty, menstruation, the pill, menopause, osteoporosis and HRT.Puberty
Hormonal changes can affect asthma in adolescent girls. Some girls find their asthma is worse around the time their periods start for the first time. However, other factors such as the pressures of starting a new school and emotional stress need to be taken into account as well. Their symptoms usually settle down once their menstrual cycle becomes established. However, some women continue to find that their asthma gets worse before their period.
Menstrual cycle
Could my periods affect my asthma?
If you have noticed that your asthma is harder to control at certain times of the month, you are not alone. Studies have shown that around one third of women think their symptoms are worse just before or during menstruation. This link seems to be stronger in women with severe asthma.What can I do?
- Keep a peak flow diary to help you see if your periods are affecting your asthma.
- If, over a few months, you notice your asthma consistently gets worse before your period, go to see your doctor or asthma nurse. They may advise you take extra preventer medicine during the week before your period.
- Some women who experience very severe asthma attacks before their period may benefit from progesterone hormone therapy given either as a tablet or by injection. Your doctor or asthma nurse will be able to advise if this is appropriate for you.
- Aspirin and other medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets, eg Nurofen, ibuprofen and Ponstan) used for period pain may induce an asthma attack in a small number of people. Paracetemol is usually safe. If you take regular medicines for period pain check with your doctor or asthma nurse.
