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Sex hormones and urticaria.
A Kasperska-Zajac1, Z Brzoza, B Rogala
1Clinical Department of Internal Diseases, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. kasperska@plusnet.pl
Journal of Dermatological Science
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Chronic urticaria, more common in women, may involve sex hormones. Fluctuations in hormones and estrogen mimetics could influence urticaria development and severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Chronic urticaria involves mast cell activation and can have autoimmune components.
- The neuro-endocrine-immune system and stress are implicated in its pathogenesis.
- Sex hormones influence immune cells, potentially explaining gender and cycle-related differences in inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential role of sex hormones in the expression of chronic urticaria.
- To explore the link between hormonal changes and urticaria susceptibility and severity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review examining the influence of sex hormones on immune and inflammatory responses.
- Analysis of associations between urticaria and conditions with hormonal fluctuations.
- Consideration of endogenous and exogenous sex hormone effects.
Main Results:
- Chronic urticaria is twice as common in women, suggesting a hormonal influence.
- Urticaria is linked to endocrinopathy, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and hormone therapies.
- Lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were observed in chronic urticaria patients.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal milieu fluctuations and altered sex hormone expression may trigger, maintain, or worsen urticaria.
- Estrogen mimetics in the environment and diet warrant consideration for their role in mast cell activation.
- The influence of sex hormones on chronic urticaria pathogenesis requires further investigation.
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