Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

Menstrual Cycle

If you feel like your asthma gets worse before your menstrual cycle, you are not alone. Studies show that approximately one-third of women with asthma will have a premenstrual worsening of asthma symptoms and/or peak expiratory flow rate. Symptoms include the same cough, wheeze, breathlessness, and chest tightness that accompany unstable asthma. Peak expiratory flow rates may vary more than 20 percent from a woman's normal values.

To help your doctor help you in this situation, keep daily peak flow records and a diary to note your exact symptoms and the time of month that they are present. Early studies indicate some of the new leukotriene modifiers or an adjustment in your long-term control medications may be helpful before your period.

Working with your doctor, you may be able to anticipate your symptoms and treat them before they occur.