Why Do Women Get Hives More Than Men?

Bysarahlepsy

If you’ve ever joined a chronic hives support group, you may have noticed something interesting: the majority of members are women. While it’s true that women are often more likely to seek out health communities, this trend reflects something deeper. Women are actually twice as likely as men to suffer from chronic urticaria, and the reasons may surprise you.

Chronic hives are often tied to autoimmune disease—a category of conditions that overwhelmingly affects women. In fact, of the estimated 50 million Americans with autoimmune disease, about 80% are women. And women with one autoimmune condition are more likely to develop another—a phenomenon known as Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS).

So why does this happen? Let’s take a closer look.

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. Common examples include:

  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Lupus
  • Type 1 diabetes

There are over 100 identified autoimmune diseases, and many go undiagnosed for years—especially in women.

Is Chronic Urticaria an Autoimmune Disease?

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is often autoimmune. Studies suggest that up to 50% of cases involve autoantibodies that activate mast cells and histamine release. It’s also common to see CSU alongside other autoimmune conditions, particularly in women.

For example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disorder, is commonly found in women with chronic hives. Roughly 12% of autoimmune hives patients have Hashimoto’s, compared to only 2% in the general population.

You can read more about the leading theories of what causes chronic urticaria here.

Many times a patient with Chronic Urticaria is diagnosed with the thyroid condition years after the start of the hives, making it a co-disease rather than the cause of hives.

In other cases, chronic hives can be caused by the thyroid condition. Even if thyroid symptoms aren’t present, it’s wise to request a full thyroid panel with antibodies if you have chronic hives. It could reveal an underlying autoimmune component. You can read more about this correlation HERE.

Why Are Women More at Risk for Autoimmune Hives?

There isn’t just one reason. Several biological and environmental factors put women at increased risk:

1. Stronger Immune Response

Women naturally have more robust immune systems than men. While this offers better protection against infections, it also makes women more prone to immune system overactivation, leading to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations

Female sex hormones—particularly estrogen—play a major role in immune regulation. Autoimmune flares are commonly linked to:

  • Menstrual cycles
  • Pregnancy and postpartum
  • Perimenopause and menopause
  • Hormonal birth control or hormone therapy

Conditions like postpartum thyroiditis clearly demonstrate the immune system’s sensitivity to hormonal shifts.

3. X Chromosome Influence

Women have two X chromosomes, which carry many immune-related genes. While this gives women some immune advantages, it also means they’re more susceptible to genetic misfires that can predispose us to autoimmunity.

4. Increased Stress Sensitivity

Chronic stress is a well-known trigger for autoimmune flares—and hives. Studies show women are more likely to suffer from stress-related disorders and may experience more immune dysregulation under stress, especially during hormonal changes.

Other Risk Factors for Autoimmune Conditions

Alongside gender, these factors can increase your risk:

  • Family history of autoimmune disease
  • Excess weight, which increases systemic inflammation
  • Cigarette smoke exposure, which disrupts immune balance
  • Infections that overactivate the immune system

If you already have one autoimmune condition, you have a 25% chance of developing another. This is why it’s critical to monitor symptoms like chronic hives—they may be your body’s early warning sign.

What Can You Do?

While we can’t change our chromosomes, we can take proactive steps to support our immune health:

  • Manage stress with nervous system regulation techniques
  • Get enough sleep to reduce inflammation
  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Request regular thyroid and autoimmune screenings
  • Stay active but avoid overexertion if you’re in a flare
  • Support your detox pathways (especially if mold or chemical sensitivity is an issue
  • Get adequate nutrients to support immune health (Here is an article about Vitamin D and hives)

Autoimmune diseases—and hives—don’t have to control your life. With awareness and targeted lifestyle shifts, you can take back your power.

You’re Not Alone

Many women silently struggle with chronic hives and autoimmune symptoms for years before getting a diagnosis or finding the right support. If that’s you, it’s not in your head, and you’re not alone.

If you’re looking for a safe place to connect with others who get it, join our women’s-only Chronic Hives Support Group on Facebook.

You may be interested in this article about how Estrogen dominance can also play a role and is becoming more prevalent.

Sarah Lepsy, Histamine & Hives Support Coach

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