Maybe you’ve seen a few videos floating around talking about how anabolic steroids can increase histamine and now you’re taking an anti-histamine drug to get your allergies under control.  

Several bodybuilding doctors have been discussing this lately and how Testosterone and DHT can cause Mast cells to release histamine. While this is correct, it has only been shown to happen in females, while using HRT doses (https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/351829).

There was no increase in histamine release in the male rates and no histamine release in either male nor female rats at bodybuilding doses.

So guess what? Your Claritin or Benadryl may not be helping.

So what is causing the worsening of allergies? Several options:

• Impaired Regulation: Suppression of immune function may impair the body’s ability to regulate allergic responses, potentially making allergies harder to control.

• Respiratory Complications: Anabolic steroid abuse has been linked to respiratory issues, which could exacerbate symptoms in individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma.

• Altered Inflammatory Responses: Changes in cytokine profiles and immune cell activity could modify the severity or presentation of allergic reactions.

What can we do to improve our allergies because I doubt anyone is going off all gear right in the middle of the bodybuilding season?

• Avoid known allergens: Reduce exposure to pollen, dust, animal dander, or foods that trigger symptoms.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Good sleep, nutrition, and stress management can help support immune function.

Find relief with peptides:

• Thymosin alpha-1: This peptide is well-documented for its ability to regulate the immune system, enhance T cell function, and inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is used clinically to boost immune responses, especially in immunocompromised patients