Hi Sinead - I developed allergies to certain things while in peri. I'd always had a tendency to have a sensitive skin. I experienced the same type of hives etc you describe. My allergies were to various fruits, processed meats and white wine (sulphites I think). Dried apricots were dreadful.
It was some time after I started HRT, almost ten years ago, that I realised I hadn't had a reaction for some time and, even when I was off HRT, a couple of years ago the allergies didn't return.
Taz x