Does peri make you more likely to get ill? And can immunity be 'boosted'?

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I'd love to hear some thoughts on this. I've had one bug after another every month since August and I'm getting really fed up. Currently I'm in bed with raging strep throat and wondering why I keep coming down with things. I used to get sick a lot in childhood and teens/early 20s with recurrent tonsillitis but since I had my tonsils out when I was 23 I've been in pretty robust health - until the last few years where I seem to be getting ill more often, this year especially.

So I was wondering, perhaps it's middle-age (I'm 42) or more specifically peri that's to blame for this? Does dropping oestrogen make you more susceptible to picking up infections? Is that a thing?! Would be interested to hear others' experiences. Also, apart from generally looking after yourself and getting enough sleep, can anything be done to boost immunity? A friend suggested taking probiotics - but do they really work?! I'm fairly sceptical about the efficacy of supplements. But if anyone has tried anything they absolutely swear by for warding off infections I'd love to hear about it! 🙏

Never heard of this sort of thing. Certainly not my experience anyway.
I think probiotics are more about gut health (and not sure of the efficacy of supermarket ones too).
I think the usual advice of maintain a healthy weight, eat a variety of whole foods, do moderate exercises and get quality sleep are the basics of keeping yourself in good shape and able to fight off illness.
But as you have noticed a significant change and you can't put it to the environment then perhaps ask your GP for a blood test (or whatever relevant test)?

@mondaytosunday thanks, you're probably right. Sensible advice!

Vicks 1st Defence. Not exactly pleasant but I haven't needed any time off work, or had a cold worse than a sniffle, since I started using it last year.

How are your vitamin d levels? Mine are low and I pick up everything. Now taking a supplement and it's getting better. Still picking everything up but fighting off bugs a bit quicker.

I've never heard of a direct link but peri does cause poor quality sleep for many women which is not good for your body. I think boosting your immune system is a bit of a myth and many supplements do more harm than good but eating a healthy diet including lots of veg and fibre is always a good idea. Turning the shower to cold for 30s is also supposed to reduce colds but I confess I always avoid doing this!

I think DC make you more exposed to illness and more tired in general so if you have them then it can feel worse than in your 20s when you could focus on you when you're ill rather than the ever increasing washing pile and demands for food.

Supplements can help you recover more quickly. A good multivitamin, high vitamin d and iron.

@UnaOfStormhold yes, I was thinking this. My first really concrete peri symptom has been insomnia this year, so I guess there's an indirect impact on immunity from peri because of that. 👍🏻

@Glenthebattleostrich Hmm, yes I don't know what my vit D levels are like. I do keep forgetting to take my multivitamins so will get back on that. Thank you. X

@Biroclicker True, my DC are 9 and 6 and definitely very generous when it comes to sharing their germs. 😂

Thank you so much for your input, ladies. It really helps to share when you're feeling low and your responses have cheered me up. I went to bed at 9.30pm last night and I def feel slightly better today. Middle-age is magical, eh? 😅