Effect of Hormones as Cofactors in Food Allergy

Purpose of review Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can contribute to differences in allergy prevalence and severity between men and women by affecting the immune system. This review aims to analyze what is currently known about the role of hormones as cofactors in food allergy. Recent findings Studies on rodents indicate immunological differences between males and females, with females generally exhibiting a more robust immune response. Estrogens are associated with enhanced humoral immunity and antibody synthesis, while androgens and progesterone suppress immunity and inflammation. Studies suggest that estrogens can exacerbate a pre-existing bias towards Th2 immune responses associated with atopy. Summary The complex relationship between the immune response and hormones significantly influences allergic disease outcomes, contributing to gender differences.