---
title: Why does asthma get worse before a period and how is it treated?
description: Up to 40% of women with asthma experience flare-ups before their period, likely due to female hormones and changes in airway reactivity. Most respond to regul
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-asthma-epidemiology-pathogenesis-and-treatment-2001/
---

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- Why does asthma get worse before a period and how is it treated?

Randomised trial, 2001

# Why does asthma get worse before a period and how is it treated?

Up to 40% of women with asthma experience flare-ups before their period, likely due to female hormones and changes in airway reactivity. Most respond to regular asthma treatment, though some may benefit from hormonal birth control.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with asthma (general review)

## What they did

This is a review article summarizing research on premenstrual asthma, how it develops, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

## What they found

Premenstrual asthma may affect up to 40% of women with asthma, although exact prevalence is unclear because studies involve small numbers in hospital clinics. Female sex hormones play an important role. Recent evidence suggests increased airway reactivity during the luteal phase and altered function of beta2-adrenoceptors. Diagnosis requires detailed history and a premenstrual dip in peak expiratory flow. Most women improve with usual asthma treatment. Case reports suggest combined oral contraceptive pills or GnRH analogues may help severe cases.

## What it means for you

Up to 40% of women with asthma may have worse symptoms before their period, but we need large community-based studies to know the true number. The exact mechanism is not fully understood. Standard asthma treatment works for most women, but hormonal options need controlled research to confirm effectiveness.

up to 40%

women affected

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual asthma: epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment Authors Tan KS Journal Drugs Year 2001 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Various asthma treatments and possibly hormonal options (oral contraceptive, GnRH analogues) Read the paper [doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200161140-00005](https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200161140-00005)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)

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