Allergies driving me up the wall

[BringBackCoffeeCreams]

I never used to have allergies but as I approach menopause they've started and they're driving me up the wall. I feel like I have a permanent cold. My nose is stuffy and constantly running, my head aches and I'm coughing all the time because of the nasal drip. I can't go anywhere as everyone thinks I've got bloody covid.

I have a prescription for claritin twice a day, as opposed to over the counter once a day. And I have a steroid nasal spray (dymista) which helps but I don't like using it as it gives me a really sore rash under and around my nose.

Is there anything else I can do or ask for as I can't carry on like this. I'm exhausted.

If you find an answer, let me know! I've become allergic to peanuts, shampoo and lots of food additives in the last two years. The birch pollen, dust mites etc. have been going on longer. Is it the menopause I wonder?

My doctor told me that one of the female hormones has an anti-inflammatory effect and as levels start to drop with age, the protection starts to wane. Apparently that's why it's not unusual for allergies to start or worsen around this time.

Tested positive for covid this morning. I've been utterly terrified of it for years, being high risk. But today I was actually relieved. So my symptoms might actually get better now, so long as I don't die.😂