However, much of the evidence for this link is anecdotal, and many medical professionals believe that further research is needed to confirm women’s experiences.

“This is really interesting aspect of menstrual health that we are yet to fully understand,” says Dr Barton. “Presently there is very little peer-reviewed published data on the relationship between histamine and oestrogen and the menstrual cycle. The majority of studies are observational and from the 1960s and 70s, but we do know that many – but not all – women may experience flares in histamine-driven symptoms at different stages of the menstrual cycle and we don’t know why – there is insufficient evidence at this stage.”

That said, there is more certainty in the link between histamine reactions and perimenopause symptoms, as well as its potential role in endometriosis symptoms.

“We do know that flares of allergy histamine-driven symptoms are common in perimenopause, when we know oestrogen levels progressively decline,” says Dr Barton. “There is also some interesting research exploring the role of oestrogen-mediated histamine release as a contributory factor in inflammation and pain in endometriosis. A similar mechanism may be responsible for other menstrual symptoms, such as those seen around ovulation or in PMS or PMDD.”

Histamines and PMS: could this immune chemical be making your pre-menstrual symptoms worse?