Aunt Flo's visits can be a challenging time for many women. Now, picture dealing with the usual period pains magnified by an unusual allergy to menstrual cycles. Yes, you read that right. Georgina Jelley, a 28-year-old resident of London, recently shared her uncommon medical condition where she is allergic to her monthly period. This allergy intensifies her period woes as her body fights against this perceived threat.

Curious about what could cause an allergy to periods? Ever noticed your skin issues or allergic reactions acting up right before your period? This could indicate a sensitivity to progesterone, a condition where your body reacts to increased levels of this hormone, whether from natural hormonal changes or external sources like birth control. While this condition can occur at any point from puberty to menopause, for some women, the symptoms can be severe, even leading to life-threatening reactions. Recognizing the triggers and symptoms of progesterone hypersensitivity is crucial in managing this often overlooked condition.

Explaining Progesterone Hypersensitivity, Dr. Prachi Sarin Sethi, a Senior Consultant specializing in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Laparoscopic Surgery at Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon, explains, “Progesterone, a vital steroid hormone derived from cholesterol, plays a significant role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and reproductive health. Progesterone levels increase before ovulation, peaking during the luteal phase of a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, approximately a week before menstruation starts, preparing the uterus for potential embryo implantation by promoting changes in the endometrium. If implantation doesn’t happen, the drop in progesterone initiates menstruation. Initially produced by the corpus luteum, progesterone is later maintained by the placenta during pregnancy, where it helps support gestation by reducing immune responses, preventing premature contractions, and delaying lactation until after delivery. Additionally, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.""Progesterone hypersensitivity (PH) is a condition that affects the body's response to progesterone, a hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and immune system regulation. There are three main types of PH, each with distinct triggers and symptoms:

1. Endogenous Progesterone Hypersensitivity: This type is associated with the body's natural progesterone increase during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically occurring 3 to 10 days before menstruation. Symptoms can include skin reactions, respiratory issues, and other allergic-like responses related to the rise in progesterone levels.

2. Exogenous Progesterone Hypersensitivity: This type results from the use of synthetic progestins in hormonal contraceptives or fertility treatments. Symptoms typically improve upon discontinuation of progestin-containing medications, indicating a direct link to external sources of progesterone.

3. Mixed Progesterone Hypersensitivity: This type involves symptoms from both internal progesterone surges and external hormone sources, making management more complex due to the combination of natural and supplemental progesterone influences.

The causes of progesterone hypersensitivity are not fully understood but may involve genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances. Some women may be genetically predisposed to PH, and fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can trigger or exacerbate symptoms in individuals with this condition."Increased sensitivity during periods of elevated progesterone levels.

Impact of Stress on Hormones:

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance in the body, potentially worsening sensitivity to progesterone. High stress levels may result in elevated cortisol production, influencing progesterone levels and exacerbating hypersensitivity reactions.

Medical Conditions Linked to Hypersensitivity:

Certain health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, have been associated with an increased risk of progesterone hypersensitivity. These conditions can alter immune responses or hormone regulation, making the body more reactive to both natural and external sources of progesterone.

Symptoms of Progesterone Hypersensitivity:

Symptoms typically manifest 3 to 10 days before menstruation and decrease within 1 to 2 days of its onset. Progesterone hypersensitivity can cause various skin reactions, which worsen cyclically as hormone levels fluctuate. Common skin reactions include eczema, hives, fixed drug eruptions, erythema multiforme, and angioedema. Severe cases may lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.Progesterone hypersensitivity is a condition commonly overlooked in women of childbearing age, despite its potential to result in significant health complications. The precise mechanisms underlying this syndrome are not well understood, suggesting that it is a complex disorder due to the diverse range of symptoms exhibited by individuals with this sensitivity. Symptoms can vary widely, including skin reactions like dermatitis, hives, erythema multiforme, and fixed drug eruptions. In severe cases, patients may experience bronchospasm or even anaphylaxis, indicating a serious hypersensitive reaction. Progesterone hypersensitivity is identified by establishing a clear link between symptom onset and exposure to natural or synthetic progesterone. Treatment typically involves medical management with corticosteroids or desensitization therapy, especially for women concerned about fertility or pregnancy.