Introduction

If your PMS shows up as irritability, anxiety, headaches, skin flares or a sudden drop in stress tolerance before your period, histamine may be part of the picture.

Histamine is not just involved in allergies. It acts as a neurotransmitter, influences inflammation, interacts with oestrogen and affects the nervous system.

For some women, histamine activity increases in the late luteal phase, intensifying PMS symptoms.

This page explains:

• What histamine is

• How it interacts with oestrogen and progesterone

• Why symptoms can worsen before menstruation

• Evidence-based ways to stabilise it
  
  

  
  

What Is Histamine?

Histamine is a biogenic amine involved in:

• Immune response

• Gastric acid production

• Neurotransmission

• Vascular tone

• Inflammatory signalling
  

It is produced by:

• Mast cells

• Basophils

• Certain gut bacteria
  

Histamine is broken down primarily by:

• Diamine oxidase (DAO)

• Histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT)

When production exceeds breakdown, symptoms can occur.

How Histamine Interacts With the Menstrual Cycle

Histamine and oestrogen have a bidirectional relationship.

Oestrogen:

• Stimulates mast cells to release histamine

• Can reduce DAO activity

Histamine:

• Can stimulate further oestrogen release

This creates a feedback loop.

In the late luteal phase:

• Progesterone rises

• Oestrogen fluctuates

• For some women, mast cell reactivity increases

If histamine clearance is reduced, symptoms can intensify before menstruation.

Why PMS Symptoms Can Worsen Before Your Period

Common histamine-related PMS symptoms include:

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Headaches or migraines

• Flushing

• Skin itching or hives

• Nasal congestion

• Sleep disturbance

• Palpitations

• Bloating

In susceptible women, late-luteal histamine activity may amplify nervous system reactivity.

Small stressors feel disproportionate.

Histamine, GABA and Mood

Histamine influences the central nervous system.

High histamine states are associated with:

• Increased wakefulness

• Reduced GABA tone

• Heightened sympathetic activation

If progesterone is already shifting GABA signalling after ovulation, histamine excess can further reduce calm-state stability.

This can present as:

• Sudden anxiety

• Racing thoughts

• Low frustration tolerance

• Emotional volatility

Understanding this interaction is important in PMDD and late-luteal anxiety.

Risk Factors for Histamine-Driven PMS

Some contributors include:

• Impaired DAO activity

• Gut dysbiosis

• High-histamine diet

• Chronic stress

• Poor sleep

• Oestrogen dominance

• Nutrient deficiencies (B6, copper imbalance, vitamin C)

Histamine sensitivity is often multi-factorial.

Evidence-Based Support Strategies

Support should be individualised, but may include:

1. Stabilising Blood Sugar

Fluctuating glucose can amplify mast cell reactivity.

2. Supporting DAO Function

Addressing gut health and nutrient status.

3. Reducing Histamine Load

Temporary dietary modification in the late luteal phase.

4. Nervous System Regulation

Lowering sympathetic dominance can reduce reactivity.

5. Phase-Specific Support

Adjusting strategies after ovulation when symptoms predictably intensify.

When to Consider Professional Support

If PMS symptoms include:

• Severe irritability

• Cyclic anxiety

• Migraines

• Hives

• Palpitations

• Intense premenstrual mood shifts
  

It may be helpful to assess histamine patterns alongside hormone fluctuations.

Inside Calm Cycle Hub and the 12-Week Hormone & Nervous System Intensive, we map:

• Late-luteal symptom patterns

• Histamine triggers

• Blood sugar stability

• Nervous system reactivity

Understanding the physiology reduces guesswork.