Changes in the level of some hormones in the body can trigger asthma. Many girls develop symptoms of asthma during puberty. This is because oestrogen levels increase at this age. Asthma in women is more common throughout their reproductive years. Women are also more likely to develop asthmatic symptoms during menstruation. It is believed that the body’s water and salt balance changes during menstruation. This imbalance affects the respiratory muscles.

Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy during menopause can also trigger asthma. Some studies have indicated that asthma is twice as common in women who have been taking hormones for more than ten years. This does not mean that you need to avoid hormones if they are prescribed for management of some other health problem. Your doctor will recommend the treatment most suited to you only after weighing the risks involved.

Hormonal changes take place during pregnancy. Asthma can either worsen during pregnancy, or may remain the same or actually improve.