London Woman Diagnosed with Allergy to Her Own Menstrual Cycle: Everything You Need to Know

Georgina Jerry, a 28-year-old London woman, recently made headlines after she suffered a rare and painful allergic reaction to her own menstrual cycle. The unexpected diagnosis uncovered a little-known medical problem called progesterone hypersensitivity, sparking a debate about its symptoms, causes and treatment.

Unexpected reactions after IUD insertion

Georgina’s journey began in April, when she opted for an intrauterine device (IUD) as her method of birth control. Soon after the procedure, she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including a rash, burning eyes, and persistent headaches. Initially, Georgina attributed these reactions to everyday factors, such as fabric softener, but saw a doctor after over-the-counter treatments didn’t work.

“My eyes would burn strangely and my cheeks would be constantly watery and red,” Georgina said. “My doctor prescribed steroids which gave some temporary relief, but the symptoms would come back even more intense after a few weeks.”

Connect the dots and find patterns

Georgina’s symptoms returned, which led to further medical consultations and even an MRI scan. Doctors initially suggested a condition such as eczema, but Georgina wasn’t convinced. It was only when her partner noticed a correlation between her symptoms and her menstrual cycle that it all made sense.

“My symptoms would get worse every time my period came,” Georgina explains. “Recognizing this pattern was the key to understanding what was actually happening to my body.” Georgina took the problem into her own hands, conducting extensive research and discovering information about progesterone hypersensitivity. Armed with this knowledge, she sought an official diagnosis, which confirmed that she was indeed suffering from this rare allergic reaction.

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Understanding Progesterone Sensitivity

Progesterone hypersensitivity (PH) is a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to both natural (endogenous) and synthetic (exogenous) progesterone. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), PH is caused by a natural increase in progesterone levels that precedes a woman’s menstrual cycle and usually subsides once the menstrual cycle ends.

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of PH primarily affect the skin and can vary in severity. Common signs include:

• Rashes and hives : Red, itchy, sometimes raised patches appear on the skin. 
• Swelling and redness : Areas of skin may become inflamed and swollen. 
• Burning and itching : Affected people often experience severe discomfort and irritation. 
• Severe reactions : In rare cases, PH can cause open wounds and more severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. 

For Georgina, the symptoms were debilitating: “My eyes became so inflamed that it affected my vision and the pain was unbearable,” she recalled. “It was shocking to find out I was essentially allergic to my hormonal cycle.”

Possible Cause

Although the exact cause of PH is still unknown, there are several factors that are thought to contribute to the development of the disease.

• Hormonal contraceptives : Exposure to synthetic progesterone through birth control pills such as the pill or IUD can sensitize the body and cause an allergic reaction. 
• Supplements containing progesterone : Using certain supplements can cause similar sensitivity. 
• Pregnancy : Hormonal and immune system changes during pregnancy may also play a role in causing PH. 

It is important to note that although PH is rare, some cases go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness or confusion of symptoms with other medical conditions.

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Diagnostic and Treatment Options

Diagnosing PH involves a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptom patterns, and possibly specialized allergy testing. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is important to recognize the cyclical nature of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.

Symptom management

Treatment focuses primarily on relieving symptoms and preventing serious reactions. Common methods include:

• Antihistamines : These medicines help reduce allergic reactions such as itching and swelling. 
• Corticosteroids : Oral or injected steroids can effectively reduce inflammation and skin reactions. 
• Hormone therapy : Medications that lower progesterone levels or block the production of progesterone may be prescribed to prevent symptoms from developing. 

In more severe cases or if there is no response, doctors may consider interventions to prevent ovulation altogether. In rare cases, surgical options such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries) may be considered if all other treatments have failed.

Raising awareness and seeking support

Georgina’s experience highlights the importance of raising awareness and educating people about rare conditions such as progesterone hypersensitivity. “I hope that by sharing my story, others will be able to recognise the symptoms and get the appropriate treatment,” she stressed. “No one should have to suffer in silence due to a lack of information.”

Anyone experiencing unexplained allergic reactions, especially those synchronized with their menstrual cycle, is encouraged to consult a medical professional to investigate the possibility of PH. Early diagnosis and a proper treatment plan can significantly improve quality of life and prevent serious complications.

Conclusion

Progesterone hypersensitivity is a rare but serious condition that can have serious consequences on an individual’s health. Georgina Jerry’s story has brought much-needed attention to this medical abnormality and highlighted the importance of recognizing symptom patterns and advocating for your own health. Increased awareness and research may lead to the development of better diagnostics and treatments to support those suffering from this challenging condition.