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May 12, 2026
Mast Cells, Histamine, and Perimenopause Explained: MCAS, Anxiety, Estrogen
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In this bonus episode of unPAUSED, Dr. Mary Claire Haver is joined by Dr. Zachary Rubin, double board certified allergist and immunologist and New York Times bestselling author of All About Allergies, to dig into the connection between histamine, mast cells, and women's hormonal health.

Dr. Rubin breaks down what mast cells are, how histamine works across multiple organ systems, and why women are disproportionately affected by mast cell related conditions including mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). The two dig into the estrogen and histamine connection, why perimenopause can trigger or worsen symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and histamine intolerance, and what MCAS actually is and how it is diagnosed. Dr. Rubin also addresses the viral H1 and H2 blocker combination that has been circulating online, explaining the real science behind why it may be helping some women with PMDD, endometriosis, and perimenopausal symptoms, while being honest about what we still do not know.

They also cover quercetin, DAO supplements, low histamine diets, and how to think about self experimentation safely. If you have been wondering whether histamine could be a piece of your hormonal health puzzle, this conversation is a great place to start.

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About the guest

Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, MSCP, is a board-certified OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The New Menopause, a book written to empower women with evidence-based menopause care, and the newly released New York Times Bestseller, The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical Center and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she is now an Adjunct Associate Professor. 

In 2021, she founded The ‘Pause Wellness, a clinic committed to providing comprehensive menopause care. In 2023, she launched ThePauseLife.com, a trusted resource for women navigating menopause. She is also the host of the podcast unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, where she continues the conversation on women’s health, empowerment, and evidence-based care. 

A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. Haver is a regular contributor to national media and has been featured in The New York Times , Forbes , The Today Show , CBS Mornings , and Oprah’s Menopause Revolution, and the 2025 TIME100 Creators List . Her social media presence has grown to more than 7 million followers, where she continues to demystify menopause with relatable, science-backed content.