Alcohol Allergy and Hormones

**earwig123** · 12-21-2010 01:38 PM

I'm not sure if this in the right place, but here goes. I've self-diagnosed myself with an alcohol allergy. It happens to an extent with all alcohol, but some are definitely worse than others (e.g. a particular bottle of white wine which caused a reaction after only 2 sips).

I'm in the process of getting a referral to a specialist from my GP, but in the meantime I've noticed that over the same sort of period as the really bad reactions started I've been suffering from much lighter and irregular periods, after always being regular and heavy since my periods started. I've just had a blood test for this to check my hormone levels, but I was wondering if anyone knew if the two could be related? I've read about the menopause causing alcohol allergies but as I'm only 21 I'm really hoping it's not that!! Could a hormone imbalance accentuate an allergy?

**ItsASecret** · 12-21-2010 01:48 PM

Alcohol allergies are not all that common, it can actually be due to the substances within the alcohol like yeast concentrations or the tannins (component of grape skins) in wine. Having a deficiency in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol is also a possibility (Asian decent are most common for this), this would basically give you a gotta throw up feeling/I just don't feel well with almost any amount of any alcohol. But seeing a specialist is a good idea. Allergies can mess up hormones but it may be more due to stress from knowing that you have an allergy to something and it is causing grief type thing. Messed up periods are more linked towards starting birth control, diet, and stress.

**hoops** · 12-21-2010 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by ItsASecret

Having a deficiency in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol is also a possibility (Asian decent are most common for this)

Sorry for a slight tangent. I have been told that taking a beta blocker can circumvent the allergic reaction although haven't tried it.

**ItsASecret** · 12-22-2010 08:06 AM

Sorry for a slight tangent. I have been told that taking a beta blocker can circumvent the allergic reaction although haven't tried it.

No. Both alcohol and beta-blockers work to lower blood pressure, combining the two can result in dangerously low bp and therefore should be avoided.

**WildChild** · 12-22-2010 08:23 AM

Asians and Native Americans also get the alcohol "flush", a reddening of the face. I didn't used to get it but do sometimes now. I don't drink much and this makes me think that it is some sort of imbalance or deficiency. My mother used to work with Native alcoholics and always said that it was like an allergy. She thought there was a connection to sugar, as diabetes is also a huge problem amongst Native Americans.

**ItsASecret** · 12-22-2010 08:44 AM

Asians and Native Americans also get the alcohol "flush", a reddening of the face. I didn't used to get it but do sometimes now. I don't drink much and this makes me think that it is some sort of imbalance or deficiency. My mother used to work with Native alcoholics and always said that it was like an allergy.

Yeah that is the enzyme deficiency (alcohol dehydrogenase to be specific). When alcohol is metabolized it gets converted into acetaldehyde, this product is toxic and the one that makes you feel lousy when you drink, blushing, nausea etc. Normal people will metabolize the acetaldehyde just fine not causing any ill feelings, if you drink too fast though the acetaldehyde builds up too quickly before it gets converted so even people with the normal enzyme get a sick feeling but it is quickly removed once you slow down the alcohol consumption. Lots of people think that it means you are a "light weight" feeling ill or getting flushed etc after maybe 1 drink but it is really not your fault lol your body really cannot handle the alcohol.

**WildChild** · 12-22-2010 08:47 AM

Hmmm. being MCS, this makes sense. My body just won't take toxins.

**ItsASecret** · 12-22-2010 08:59 AM

Hmmm. being MCS, this makes sense. My body just won't take toxins.

MCS and enzyme deficiencies are quite possible, though it is not a common cause (most of the time it is simply a sensitivity to the synthetic chemicals themselves) it still explains some things. You may not have the same deficiency as Asian descendants (they are roughly 50% deficient) but even a bit of difference in the acetaldehyde enzyme can cause the ill feelings. I mean eventually it all gets metabolized it just does not happen as quickly as others leading to the earlier and prolonged ill effects.

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