When Your Immune System Goes Rogue: Mast Cells, Pelvic Pain & Hot Flashes

Today we're exploring how your immune system behaves during menopause, from new research on inflammatory markers that drive hot flashes to mast cell activation syndrome causing mysterious symptoms. Plus, we're talking about pelvic pain and bladder issues that many women experience but rarely connect to hormonal changes. Key Takeaways: • Specific inflammatory markers IL-26 and IL-38 may drive the intensity of hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms • Mast cell activation syndrome can cause anxiety, food sensitivities, and histamine reactions during perimenopause • Interstitial cystitis and pelvic pain often emerge or worsen during menopause due to hormonal changes • Both estrogen and testosterone play crucial roles in bladder and pelvic floor function • Women are disproportionately affected by mast cell-related conditions, especially during hormonal transitions Sources & References: • IL-26 and IL-38 inflammatory markers linked to hot flashes in new research (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42261732/) - PubMed • Mast cells, histamine, and perimenopause anxiety explained (https://maryclaire.com/unpausedpodcast) - unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver • Pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis in menopause (https://notyourmothersmenopause.libsyn.com/ep-220-beyond-the-bladder-pelvic-pain-pleasure-anatomy-and-hormonal-truths-with-dr-christine-vaccaro-and-heather-florio) - Not Your Mother's Menopause Listen with full show notes: https://hotflasher.com/episodes/2026-06-09-symptom-spotlight Have a menopause story to share? We'd love to hear it: https://hotflasher.com/share --- Hot Flasher provides informational content only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.