Allergies are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance such as pollen, animal dander, or certain foods.

Allergies can cause allergic reactions, which can range from mild symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes to severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.

While allergies affect both men and women, it is observed that women are more prone to allergies than men. According to research studies, women are more likely to have allergic reactions, and their reactions tend to be more severe.

Several factors contribute to this gender difference in allergies. Let’s explore some of them in detail below.

1. Hormonal Factors

Hormonal fluctuations play a crucial role in allergies in women. Estrogen, a female sex hormone, can affect the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies that trigger allergy symptoms.

Estrogen levels are highest during ovulation, which may explain why some women experience more severe allergy symptoms during that time of the month.

Pregnancy is another factor that can affect a woman’s allergy symptoms. During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system becomes more active to protect both the mother and baby.

This increased immune response can cause allergy symptoms to worsen or appear for the first time during pregnancy.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress can also affect allergies in women. Studies have found that a high-fat diet can worsen allergy symptoms, while a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce allergy symptoms.

Exercise can also affect allergies in women. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, also known as exercise-induced asthma, occurs when physical activity triggers asthma symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.

Women are more likely than men to develop exercise-induced asthma.

Stress can also play a role in allergies. Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to allergens.

Women are more likely to experience stress due to their multiple roles as caregivers, homemakers, and workers, which can increase their susceptibility to allergies.

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as pollution, climate change, and exposure to allergens also affect allergies in women. Air pollution can aggravate allergy symptoms and increase the risk of developing asthma.

Climate change can cause an increase in pollen counts, which can worsen allergy symptoms in women.

Women are also more likely to be exposed to allergens due to their occupational and domestic roles. Women who work in jobs such as cleaning or healthcare are more likely to be exposed to allergens such as dust, pollen, and animal dander.

Additionally, women who are responsible for household cleaning are more likely to be exposed to allergens in the home.

4. Genetic Factors

Genetic factors also play a role in the development of allergies. Women are more likely to inherit allergic conditions from their parents than men.

Additionally, some genetic mutations have been found to increase the risk of developing allergies in women.

Studies have also found that maternal genes play a significant role in the development of allergies in children. A mother who has allergies is more likely to pass them on to her children than a father who has allergies.

This observation further highlights the role of genetics in the development of allergies in women.

Social factors such as cultural beliefs and attitudes towards allergies can also affect women’s allergies. In some cultures, allergies are not taken seriously, and people may view them as a sign of weakness.

Women in such cultures may be less likely to seek medical attention for their allergies, leading to worsened symptoms.

Additionally, gender differences in the healthcare system can also affect how allergies are treated in women. Studies have found that women are less likely to receive allergy testing and immunotherapy than men.

This observation may be due to gender biases in the healthcare system, where women’s symptoms are sometimes dismissed as hysteria or emotional distress.

The Bottom Line

Allergies are a common condition that affects both men and women. However, women tend to experience more severe symptoms compared to men.

Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, genetic factors, and social factors all contribute to this gender difference in allergies. Understanding these factors can lead to better treatment and management of allergies in women.