During a woman's monthly menstrual cycle, experiencing period cramps can be worsened by an allergy to periods. Georgina Jelley, a 28-year-old resident of London, has revealed her unusual medical condition where her body reacts to her menstrual cycle as if it were a hostile invader. This condition may be linked to a sensitivity to progesterone, a hormone that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals. Progesterone plays a vital role in women's health by regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. Understanding the signs and triggers of progesterone hypersensitivity is crucial for managing this often overlooked condition.This condition involves progesterone hypersensitivity and immune response regulation. It can be classified into three types, each with unique triggers and symptoms:

1. Endogenous Progesterone Hypersensitivity:

This type is associated with the body's natural increase in progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, usually occurring 3 to 10 days before menstruation. Symptoms may include skin reactions, respiratory problems, and other allergic-like responses corresponding to the progesterone surge.

2. Exogenous Progesterone Hypersensitivity:

This type results from using supplemental progestins found in hormonal contraceptives or fertility treatments. Symptoms typically lessen once the progestin-containing medication is stopped, indicating a direct link between the sensitivity and external progesterone source.

3. Mixed Progesterone Hypersensitivity:

Mixed hypersensitivity happens when symptoms stem from both natural and external progesterone sources. Managing this type is more complex due to reactions to body's hormone fluctuations and external hormone supplementation.

Causes of progesterone hypersensitivity include genetic factors and hormonal imbalances. Genetic predisposition may make some women more susceptible, while hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can trigger or exacerbate symptoms in those with progesterone hypersensitivity.Increased sensitivity is often observed during periods of elevated progesterone levels. Stress can disrupt hormone balance, potentially leading to progesterone hypersensitivity by influencing cortisol production. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases, are associated with an increased risk of progesterone hypersensitivity by impacting the body's immune response and hormone regulation. Symptoms typically appear before menstruation and may include skin reactions like eczema, hives, fixed drug eruption, erythema multiforme, and angioedema. Severe cases can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that may require medical attention to recognize the cyclical pattern of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.Progesterone hypersensitivity is a commonly overlooked condition among women of reproductive age, despite its potential to lead to significant health issues. The underlying causes of this syndrome are not fully understood, but given the various symptoms experienced by affected individuals, it is likely a complex disorder. These symptoms can range widely and may manifest as skin reactions such as dermatitis, hives, erythema multiforme, and fixed drug eruptions. In severe instances, patients may even suffer from bronchospasm or anaphylaxis, indicating a serious hypersensitivity reaction. To diagnose progesterone hypersensitivity, it is crucial to establish a clear link between symptom onset and exposure to either natural or synthetic progesterone. For individuals impacted by this condition, particularly women concerned with fertility or pregnancy, treatment typically involves medical management with corticosteroids or desensitization therapy to alleviate symptoms.