'I'm allergic to my own period'
A woman has shared how she has often been left in agony due to a rare condition which made her allergic to her own period.
Georgina Jelley, 28, a commercial researcher, from Beckenham, London, was fitted with the contraceptive coil in April 2024 and just three weeks later, started suffering itchy and burning eyes, headaches and rashes.
Jelley's symptoms were consistent with experiencing an allergic reaction so her doctor prescribed oral steroids and antihistamines, and thankfully she returned to normal within a few days.
But just three weeks later, she suffered another allergic reaction, this time with more severe symptoms.
The mum-of-one was in so much pain she was quickly referred to an eye specialist and even underwent an MRI to determine the cause.
After undergoing extensive tests, which all came back clear, Jelley began to lose hope of getting a diagnosis.
It was only when she realised that her allergic reactions were always when she was on her period, that she began to research progesterone hypersensitivity.
The rare condition can cause allergic reactions during a woman's menstrual cycle, with the egg release triggering a reaction.
Recalling how her period would impact her each month Jelley says: "It was awful, I knew I was allergic to something, but I had no idea what was causing it.
"My eyes were so red - it looked like I was wearing an eye mask and it affected my vision.
"It was so painful and I was so worried that something was seriously wrong."
When she finally found out about progesterone hypersensitivity Jelley says it was "such a surprise".
"I was told it's a rare condition, but maybe it's not and people just know that they have it," she explains.
"It was shocking to think I'm actually allergic to my own periods."
Jelley's doctor initially recommended she have the coil fitted in April 2024 after she experienced premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms from her contraceptive injections.
While her periods were initially irregular on the coil, when her first cycle arrived her symptoms started.
"It was such a strange burning sensation in my eyes," she explains.
"They kept watering and my cheeks were red too.
"I thought maybe it was a reaction to my fabric conditioner or something.
"I saw my GP, who prescribed me steroids and it calmed down."
Three weeks later, Jelley's symptoms returned, but this time they were more severe.
Her vision was affected and she experienced extreme headaches.
Unsure about what was causing the reactions, Jelley was sent for an MRI test at St Mary's Hospital, Orpington, to rule out a more sinister diagnosis, such as a tumour.
Her results were clear and doctors suggested her symptoms could be a result of extreme eczema.
"But I just knew that it wasn't," she adds.
"My final reaction was three weeks later, and when I started to experience the allergic reaction, I moaned to my partner that it was also my time of the month, which added to what I was going through.
"He then had a light bulb moment and realised that I'd been on my period every time I had the reactions."
Jelley started suspecting she had progesterone hypersensitivity, but she is still awaiting an official diagnosis from her GP.
She has since had her coil removed and was given the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection to stop her periods, and she has not had another allergic reaction.
"I feel so much better since having my coil removed," she says.
"It was so painful and horrible, and we had no idea why it was happening.
"I work full time and have a daughter to look after, so it was a lot to go through."
Jelley hopes that by sharing her story she will help to raise awareness of progesterone hypersensitivity.
"I knew it wasn't just eczema," she adds. "You know your body and you should always listen to your gut."
Progesterone hypersensitivity: the facts
According to Verywell Health progesterone hypersensitivity (PH) is a condition that triggers an allergic reaction in the skin ahead of your period beginning and then improves once it's over.
This reaction is caused by a rise in progesterone that naturally occurs during the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms can include rashes, hives, swelling, itching and flaking, while more severe symptoms can also develop such as open sores and anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of PH usually appear between three and 10 days before the onset of a period. They start to go away one to two days after the period starts.
Treatment involves managing the symptoms and medications that can lower progesterone levels or block the production of it completely.
Additional reporting SWNS.
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