Explore mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance—two often-overlooked conditions that can become more disruptive during perimenopause and menopause.

Explore mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance—two often-overlooked conditions that can become more disruptive during perimenopause and menopause.

Many women in perimenopause and menopause experience symptoms like bloating, migraines, anxiety, rashes, heart palpitations, fatigue, and food sensitivities—but few realize these issues may be connected through the immune system. In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis explore mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), histamine intolerance, and why these conditions are becoming increasingly relevant in women’s midlife health.

“It isn’t that every person with multiple symptoms or chronic health conditions has mast cell activation syndrome, but it’s something that we want to keep on our list of potential diagnoses when we’re trying to connect the dots for patients who just don’t feel well.” — Kate Willis NP-C

The conversation breaks down the differences between MCAS and histamine intolerance, common triggers like hormonal changes, stress, trauma, infections, and environmental toxins, and why symptoms often overlap with conditions such as POTS, fibromyalgia, IBS, and chronic inflammation. They also discuss why diagnosis can be challenging and how many women are dismissed before getting meaningful answers.

You’ll learn practical strategies for calming an overactive immune system, including nervous system regulation, low-histamine nutrition, targeted supplements, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, sleep support, and lifestyle changes that can help reduce inflammation and improve quality of life. If you’ve ever felt like your symptoms don’t fully “fit” into one diagnosis, this episode offers an empowering and informative starting point.

• “It isn’t that every person with multiple symptoms or chronic health conditions has mast cell activation syndrome, but it’s something that we want to keep on our list of potential diagnoses when we’re trying to connect the dots for patients who just don’t feel well.” — Kate Willis NP-C 
• “Mast cells aren’t bad in and of themselves. They’re serving a really protective purpose. But when they get overactivated, they start releasing mediators that can create symptoms across multiple body systems.” — Kate Willis NP-C  
• “I think mast cell activation syndrome is kind of an extension of cell danger response—where the body starts perceiving normal things as threats and reacting to them like danger.” — Dr. Polly Watson 

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast#Disclaimer

Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.

In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!