I have MCS, and in the months following births of both of my children I experienced severe symptoms, even when not exposed to chemicals. They were so extreme that first I didn't even relate them to the condition, but now I understand that it's all related. You could say that pregnancy induced similar reactions to that of a great chemical exposure, only worse and for a longer period after.This is certainly not just a postpartum depression, its even more extreme. Both anxiety and strong physical symptoms. It was like the disease "spread" to new organ systems. I would like to know if anyone else here has had similar experiences in connection to pregnancy/birth, I mean above what must be considered normal? I ask here because I want to find out if this is a typical symptom of MCS-sufferers.

So sorry you had to go thru that Marie. It's bad enough having to cope with a newborn , let alone getting knocked sideways by severe MCS as well.
I don't think anyone here has mentioned this problem before but wouldn't be surprised if the postnatal hormone storm has some effect in whatever biology is going on with MCS (my own feeling is this is a collection of disorders but we haven't got the tools to untangle the different processes yet).

You might want to ask at planetthrive.com or groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/GreenCanary/conversations/messages (Green Canary -Yahoo group)

Wow. Yes there is definitely something to this. I think hormones play a big role. They have to because my reactions are unpredictable and severe during PMS.
I had my daughter just over three years ago. I am 40 now and attributed my "sensitivities" to going through pregnancy at my age.
I know now that I've lived with MCS for a very long time. I think since I was around 12-13 yrs old. Now that I'm writing this I realize that's another marker for hormones. I have only learned about MCS this year. I kept seeing it in my google searches... I was determined to find out why I was so sensitive to natural gas and molds. I was smelling them (and getting sick) everywhere!
I thought after I had the baby I would level out and everything would be ok. Unfortunately I am not and now it's everything. Gases, Carpets/rugs, clothes, printed books, anything scented, even our new appliances. I have moved five times since she was born and spent more time outside than I care to say here. She is also very chemically sensitive. She was diagnosed with asthma at 9 months old.
Sometimes, she reacts before me when exposed. I'm trying to be consistent with keeping a log of our reactions. It is not easy.

I believe I've begun to suffer as I've hit menopause. I'm convinced there's a hormonal link for me. I hope I improve in years to come.

Hi All,

Obviously I can't comment through experience regarding pregnancy and menopause but I am certain there is a hormonal connection to multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).

I wanted to comment to give you all hope as I am now 11 years recovered from MCS after addressing my own hormonal issues, specifically adrenal fatigue. I believe tackling this part of my illness with DHEA and cortisol hormone replacement and herbs aimed at balancing these steroid hormones was key to my recovery.

Given that the sex hormones are also potent steroid hormones and actually related biochemically to the above (particularly DHEA), I don't feel it's a jump to suggest that addressing imbalances in estrogen, progesterone etc could be key for you all.

I hope this helps and gives you something to consider. Best wishes to each of you in tackling this horrible illness.

Thank you for your comment Maff.
You say you have recovered from MCS. I didnt think that was possible. Did you go from being reactive to chemicals, to completely symptom-free. Can you now do all the "normal" things that healthy people can, including painting etc? (I dont know what you previously reacted to).

After more than 10 years with MCS I have found out that my chemical sensitivity is related to a virus; it is the virus that is being activated by the chemicals and the hormones, and this in turn interferes with the organs' functions. I have some theories as to how this happens. I suppose MCS a cluster of conditions with different underlying mechanisms. But to me personally this is a very important finding, and there must be more people out there with the same virus as me, and thus the same mechanisms of the condition. I wish to find out more about it.