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New York Post
I developed a rare condition that made me allergic to my own menstrual cycle
By SWNS,
2 days ago
A woman has been left in agony due to a rare condition which made her allergic to her own period.
Georgina Jelley, 28, was fitted with the contraceptive coil i n April 2024 and just three weeks later, started experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
She suffered itchy and burning eyes, headaches and rashes.
Her doctor prescribed oral steroids and antihistamines, and the symptoms went away within a few days.
UK woman Georgina Jelley has progesterone hypersensitivity — a rare condition that causes her to be allergic to her own menstrual cycle. Georgina Jelley / SWNS
But just three weeks later, she suffered another allergic reaction — but this time with more severe symptoms.
The mom-of-one was in so much pain she was quickly referred to an eye specialist and even underwent an MRI to determine the cause.
After undergoing extensive tests — which all came back clear — Georgina began to lose hope of getting a diagnosis.
It was only when she realized that her allergic reactions were always when she was on her period, that she began to research progesterone hypersensitivity.
Jelley’s symptom’s included itchy and burning eyes, headaches and rashes. Georgina Jelley / SWNS
Georgina’s doctor recommended that she have the coil fitted in April 2024 after she experienced premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms from her contraceptive injections.
On the coil, her periods were initially irregular, but once her first cycle came in her symptoms started.
Georgina explained: “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.”
She stopped having reactions after receiving a Depo-Provera injection and having the IUD removed. Georgina Jelley / SWNS
Three weeks later, Georgina’s symptoms returned, but this time they were more severe.
Her vision was affected and she experienced extreme headaches.
Unsure as to what was causing the reactions, Georgina was sent for an MRI test at St. Mary’s Hospital, Orpington, to rule out a more sinister diagnosis — such as a tumor.
Her results were clear and doctors suggested her symptoms could be a result of extreme eczema.
Georgina said: “I felt really fobbed off, 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, and when I started to experience the allergic reaction, 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 realized that I’d been on my period every time I had the reactions.”
The commercial analyst suspected she had progesterone hypersensitivity 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 $520 on creams to try and treat the problem — I desperate to make it stop.
“I want to raise awareness of progesterone hypersensitivity.
“I knew it wasn’t just eczema — you know your body and you should always listen to your gut.”
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