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Hormones Linked To Lung Function And Asthma

Evidence indicates that progesterone and estrogen may improve lung function
and asthma, according to a report published in this month's Annals of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the journal of the American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

"Positive effects of estrogen and progesterone on lung function and asthma
have been observed across the life span in women," said Catherine L.
Haggerty, PhD, MPH, University of Pittsburgh. "Studies suggest that the
hormones play a role in strengthening respiratory muscle and increasing
relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, reducing the contractile response.
Estrogen and progesterone also have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory
properties."

During the premenstrual and menstrual phase when hormonal levels are low,
asthmatic patients have been found to experience increased asthma episodes,
increased hospitalizations for asthma and decreased pulmonary function.
While taking oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, some women
experience improved pulmonary function and a decrease in asthma
exacerbation.

"Estrogen and progesterone are highly elevated during pregnancy, reaching
their greatest concentrations during the final trimester. In some women,
improvements in asthma symptoms from preconception to pregnancy parallel
these changes in hormonal levels, with the lowest rate of symptoms occurring
during the last four weeks," Dr. Haggerty said.

According to the authors, certain subgroups of women may be more susceptible
to hormone cycles. Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone may each
independently affect pulmonary function to varying degrees.

"A further understanding of the role of hormones in asthma may better
predict exacerbations and direct therapeutic strategies. Such an
understanding may help to improve the quality of life in women who suffer
from this often debilitating disease," Dr. Haggerty said.

Women should tell their doctors if they notice a pattern of change in their
asthma related to their periods, or as they approach menopause according to
Joan C. Gluck, chair of ACAAI's Women's Health Committee.

"An increase in allergic symptoms can be the first sign of impending
increase in asthma in pregnancy, as was recently shown. Likewise, an
increase in allergy and asthma symptoms may also be an early sign of
menopause. Doctors should be aware of these patterns and suggest variations
in treatment relevant to hormonal changes, as well as consultation with an
obstetrician-gynecologist," Dr. Gluck said.