Rashes, itchy eyes, headaches: UK woman develops rare allergy to periods

Rashes, itchy eyes, headaches: UK woman develops rare allergy to periods

New Delhi: A 28-year-old woman from the UK has been diagnosed with a rare and shocking condition, allergy to the menstrual cycle. Although periods are far from pleasant for most women, a five-day duration characterised by pain, cramps, and mood swings, this case was much worse as Georgina Jelley was struggling with burning eyes, rashes, itchy eyes, and headaches as well during her time of the month. Her doctors believed that it could be a consequence of using oral steroids and other meds that were prescribed to her.

Doctors noted that initially, her symptoms vanished within a few days. However, after three weeks, there was an allergic reaction with more severe symptoms. The 28-year-old has to be sent to an eye specialist and then an MRI to know the root cause of the symptoms. Doctors found symptoms similar to that of eczema. However, the topical steroids for it did not work well. The final reaction came three weeks later when she started to experience an allergic reaction.

Soon, a pattern was observed in the reactions – they mostly flared up when she was on her period. Jelley then discovered that she was dealing with a condition known as progesterone hypersensitivity. This is a rare allergic reaction triggered by a lack of progesterone in the body, a hormone produced by the ovaries, and is triggered when the periods begin and end when the cycles are over. The symptoms include:

Swelling
Rashes
Hives
Itching
Redness of skin

Progesterone hypersensitivity can be treated by better management of the symptoms. Its treatment largely includes the intake of corticosteroids and antihistamines or other medication that can limit the production of this hormone or block it entirely. Jelley noticed that her eyes were so red that it looked like wearing a mask and it also took a toll on her vision. As a result, she had to get her contraceptive coil removed until none of the symptoms returned.

 Doctors noted that initially, her symptoms vanished within a few days. However, after three weeks, there was an allergic reaction with more severe symptoms. The 28-year-old has to be sent to an eye specialist and then an MRI to know the root cause of the symptoms.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare