Aunt Flo’s visit is a challenging time for many women, but imagine experiencing intensified period cramps due to being allergic to menstrual cycles. Georgina Jelley, a 28-year-old London resident, has revealed her medical condition where she is allergic to her monthly period, causing her body to react as if fighting a harmful intruder. This unique issue may make you wonder about the possibility of being allergic to periods. Have you noticed skin problems or allergic reactions flaring up before your period? This could indicate progesterone hypersensitivity, where the body reacts to increased progesterone levels from natural hormone changes or external sources like birth control. While this condition can emerge at any time between puberty and menopause, some women may experience severe symptoms like life-threatening anaphylaxis. Recognizing the triggers and symptoms of progesterone hypersensitivity is crucial in managing this often overlooked condition.

Progesterone, a vital hormone in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and reproductive health, plays a significant role in preparing the uterus for potential embryo implantation before menstruation. Dr. Prachi Sarin Sethi, a Senior Consultant in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Laparoscopic Surgery at Motherhood Hospitals in Gurgaon, explains how progesterone levels rise before ovulation and peak during the luteal phase of a typical 28-day cycle. It helps in promoting changes in the endometrium to support embryo implantation. During pregnancy, progesterone produced by the placenta plays a crucial role in reducing immune responses, preventing uterine contractions, and delaying lactation until after birth. Additionally, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.Progesterone hypersensitivity is a condition characterized by an exaggerated response to progesterone, a hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and immune regulation. There are three main types of progesterone hypersensitivity, each with its own 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, typically occurring 3 to 10 days before menstruation. Symptoms may include skin reactions, respiratory issues, and other allergic-like responses.

2. Exogenous Progesterone Hypersensitivity: This type results from the use of external sources of progestins, commonly found in hormonal contraceptives or fertility treatments. Symptoms usually resolve upon discontinuation of the progestin-containing medication.

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

The causes of progesterone hypersensitivity are not fully understood, but several factors have been identified as potential contributors:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to progesterone hypersensitivity, making them more prone to developing the condition. The specific genetic markers are still being researched.

2. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, especially during the luteal phase, can trigger or exacerbate symptoms in individuals with progesterone hypersensitivity.Increased reactivity during times of elevated progesterone levels. Stress and Its Influence on Hormones: Prolonged stress can disrupt the hormonal equilibrium, potentially leading to heightened sensitivity to progesterone. Elevated stress levels can trigger higher cortisol levels, impacting progesterone levels and worsening sensitivity reactions. Underlying Medical Issues: Certain health conditions, such as thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases, have been associated with an increased susceptibility to progesterone hypersensitivity. These conditions can alter immune responses or hormone regulation, making the body more reactive to both internal and external progesterone sources. Symptoms of Progesterone Sensitivity: Symptoms typically manifest three to ten days before the menstrual cycle starts and usually decrease within a couple of days after menstruation begins. Progesterone sensitivity may present with various symptoms, primarily involving skin reactions. These skin issues, although resembling other conditions, are distinct due to their cyclical nature, worsening with hormone fluctuations. Common skin reactions associated with progesterone sensitivity include eczema, hives, fixed drug eruptions, erythema multiforme, and angioedema. Severe symptoms like anaphylaxis are rare but possible with progesterone hypersensitivity. Anaphylaxis can lead to life-threatening respiratory issues and requires prompt medical attention. Recognizing these symptoms' connection to the menstrual cycle might necessitate a healthcare provider's assessment.Progesterone hypersensitivity is a condition often overlooked in women of reproductive age, despite its potential to cause significant health issues. The exact causes of the syndrome are still not fully understood, but its complexity is evident from the various symptoms it presents. These symptoms can range from skin reactions like dermatitis, hives, erythema multiforme, and fixed drug eruptions, to more severe manifestations such as bronchospasm or anaphylaxis, indicating a serious hypersensitivity response. To diagnose progesterone hypersensitivity, it is crucial to establish a clear link between symptom onset and exposure to natural or synthetic progesterone. Treatment for those affected, especially women concerned with fertility or pregnancy, usually involves medical management with corticosteroids or desensitization therapy to alleviate symptoms.