Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Autoimmune disease, Cortisol & the Follicular Phase

Thoughts of Spring this month brought me to Autoimmune, Cortisol & the Follicular Phase… Many people notice the follicular phase brings energy, mental clarity, and motivation. Research shows at this point, there is higher cortisol levels, alongside rising estrogen…. How does this affect Autoimmune or MCAS symptoms?

MCAS & Hormonal Health: Is Estrogen Dominance Fueling the Fire?

“Cortisol is often thought as a stress hormone. In reality, it is a key regulator of energy and inflammation. It mobilises glucose, sharpens focus, stabilises blood pressure, and supports outward movement and initiative. In a healthy system, cortisol creates the feeling of “I can cope again.”

Follicular cortisol: energy with demand

During the follicular phase:

• Cortisol is more available

• Estrogen increases immune and nervous-system responsiveness

• The body shifts into a more active, outward state

For many, this feels energising and productive…. However… in sensitive systems, the same activation can feel overstimulating rather than supportive… where do you fall?? Better or Worse??But how does this link to MCAS?..

All cells carry receptors — docking sites where chemical messengers, like hormones and histamine, bind and act. Estrogen and histamine both attach to the same receptor (H1). Because of this, high estrogen can stimulate mast cells to release histamine into the bloodstream.

The cycle looks like this:

• Estrogen stimulates mast cells to release histamine.

• Estrogen also downregulates DAO, the enzyme responsible for clearing histamine.

• Histamine then stimulates the ovaries to make more estrogen.

This creates a vicious cycle:
estrogen → histamine → estrogen → histamine


estrogen dominance can increase mast cell sensitivity and histamine release. When cortisol rises at the same time, the body becomes mobilised and alert — but not always well buffered.

The result is often:

• More energy, but also more reactivity

• A sense of being “on edge”

• Symptoms flaring not from weakness, but from over-responsiveness

(Research here (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17084457/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), here (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3088928?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and here (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8147232?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

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For more information on how homeopathy can support you returning to a state of balance and repair. Do get in touch via my website or email kirstin.bruges@hotmail.com

references - https://mastcell360.com/what-is-mcas/