I thought I was having a reaction to my fabric conditioner but it was a disorder that makes me allergic to my own period
A MUM was left in agony when a rare condition made her allergic to her own period.
Georgina Jelley, 28, was fitted with the contraceptive coil in April 2024 and just three weeks later, started experiencing strange symptoms.
She had itchy and burning eyes, headaches and rashes.
Her doctor prescribed oral steroids and antihistamines, and the flare-up went away within a few days.
Three weeks later, she suffered another allergic reaction – but this time with more severe symptoms.
The mum-of-one was in so much pain she was quickly referred to an eye specialist and underwent an MRI to determine the cause.
After extensive tests – which all came back clear – Georgina 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 (PH).
It is a rare condition that causes allergic reactions during a woman’s menstrual cycle when eggs are released.
Georgina has since had her coil removed and has gone back on the contraceptive jab – meaning she doesn’t have periods each month.
Since then, none of the debilitating symptoms have returned, leaving her ”over the moon”.
Georgina, a commercial researcher from Beckenham, South East London, said: “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.
“It was such a surprise to me when I learnt about the condition.
“I’m told it’s rare, but maybe it’s not and people just know that they have it.
“It’s shocking to think I’m actually allergic to my own periods.”
Georgina’s doctor recommended that she have the coil fitted in April 2024 after experiencing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms from her contraceptive injections.
With the coil, her periods were initially irregular, but once her first cycle came, her symptoms started.
The doctors kept telling me it was just eczema and tried to give me topical steroids to treat it. But I just knew that it wasn’t
Georgina Jelley
Georgina said: “It was such a strange burning sensation in my eyes.
“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, Georgina’s symptoms returned, but were more severe.
Her vision was affected, and she experienced extreme headaches.
Unsure what was causing the reactions, Georgina was sent for an MRI at St Mary’s Hospital in Orpington, Kent, to rule out a more sinister diagnosis – such as a tumour.
Her results were clear, and doctors concluded that her symptoms were a result of extreme eczema.
“I felt really fobbed off,” Georgina said.
“The doctors kept telling me it was just eczema and tried to give me topical steroids to treat it. But I just knew that it wasn’t.
“My final reaction was three weeks later. 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.”
TURNING POINT
The commercial researcher suspected that she had PH and she is still awaiting an official diagnosis from her GP.
She has since had her coil removed and was given the Depo-Provera injection to stop her periods – and she has not had another allergic reaction.
Georgina said: “I feel so much better since having my coil removed.
“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, it was a lot to go through.
“I spent nearly £400 on creams to try and treat the problem – I desperate to make it stop.
“I want to raise awareness of PH.
“I knew it wasn’t just eczema – you know your body and you should always listen to your gut.”
What is progestogen hypersensitivity?
Progestogen hypersensitivity (PH) is a condition where the body has an allergic reaction to progesterone.
This is a hormone produced by the ovaries or a synthetic form of it called progestin, which is often used in contraception or fertility treatments.
PH can begin at any stage in life – from a woman’s first period to during the menopause.
Symptoms vary, but can include:
- Skin reactions – including dermatitis (skin inflammation), urticaria (hives), and other rashes
- Respiratory issues – including wheezing and asthma
- Severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening
Treatment will depend on someone’s symptoms but can involve antihistamines or medication to stop ovulation or reduce progesterone production.
Source: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)