# Cyclical Exacerbation of Asthma Symptoms in Relation to the Menstrual Cycle: A Case Report on Catamenial Asthma

## TL;DR

A 34-year-old woman's asthma worsened before her period, and a tailored treatment plan improved her symptoms.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the effectiveness of integrating hormonal therapies with standard asthma treatments for catamenial asthma.

## Key findings

- Asthma flare-ups occurred 3-5 days before menstruation, with FEV1 dropping from 2.5 to 1.75 liters.
- Combining hormonal therapies with standard treatments improved FEV1 and reduced symptoms.
- Personalized treatment plans considering hormonal influences can benefit catamenial asthma patients.

## Abstract

Catamenial asthma, marked by cyclical exacerbations of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, poses distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report discusses a 34-year-old woman who experienced significant asthma flare-ups 3-5 days before menstruation, as confirmed by spirometry (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) dropped from 2.5 to 1.75 liters). Despite adhering to standard asthma treatments, her symptoms remained poorly controlled during these periods. A comprehensive management plan encompassing inhaled corticosteroids, short-acting beta-agonists, montelukast, and oral contraceptives, along with lifestyle modifications and patient education, led to a significant improvement in FEV1 and reduced symptom severity. This case underscores the need for personalized treatment strategies that take hormonal influences into account, suggesting that integrating hormonal therapies with conventional asthma management can yield significant benefits.