health
Can antihistamines really help with PMDD and menopausal symptoms?
Debilitating symptoms lead some to try over-the-counter medications Allegra and Pepcid due to a social media trend
TL;DR
- Some women are trying a combination of Allegra (H1 antihistamine) and Pepcid (H2 antihistamine) to treat symptoms of PMDD and menopause, driven by a social media trend.
- While estrogen fluctuations during perimenopause can stimulate histamine release, there is limited scientific evidence directly linking histamines to typical perimenopausal or PMDD symptoms.
- Experts suggest the trend may stem from anecdotal reports, the use of antihistamines for mast cell activation syndrome, or potential indirect benefits like improved sleep.
- Risks include drowsiness, potential worsening of brain fog, and long-term effects of Pepcid on nutrient absorption; however, some experts consider it a low-risk experiment if other treatments have failed.
- Evidence-based treatments for perimenopause include hormone therapy, Veozah, Lynkuet, gabapentin, SSRIs, and clinical hypnosis, while PMDD treatments include SSRIs, hormonal contraceptives, CBT, and lifestyle changes.