I developed a rare condition that made me allergic to my menstrual cycle

A woman has been left in agony because of a rare condition that made her allergic to her period.

Georgina Jelley, 28, had the IUD fitted in April 2024 and just three weeks later, began experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction.

She suffered itching and burning eyes, headaches and rashes.

Her doctor gave her oral steroids and antihistamines and the symptoms went away within a few days.

But just three weeks later, she suffered another allergic reaction – but this time with more severe symptoms.

The mother-of-one was in so much pain that she was quickly referred to an eye specialist and even underwent an MRI to determine the cause.

After undergoing extensive tests – all of which came back clear – Georgina began to lose hope of getting a diagnosis.

It wasn’t until she realized that her allergic reactions were always when she was on her period that she started researching progesterone hypersensitivity.

The rare condition can cause allergic reactions during a woman’s menstrual cycle – and after the eggs are released, an allergic reaction is triggered.

Georgina has since ditched the IUD and is back on the birth control shot – meaning she doesn’t get her period every month.

Since then, none of the debilitating symptoms have returned – leaving her “over the moon” to finally have answers.

Georgina, a commercial researcher from London, said: “It was terrifying, 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 a surprise to me when I learned about the condition.

“I’ve been told it’s a rare condition, but maybe it’s not and people just know they have it.

“It was shocking to think that I’m actually allergic to my periods.”

Dr.

On the IUD, her periods were irregular at first, but as soon as her first period came, her symptoms started.

Georgina explained: “It was such a weird burning sensation in my eyes.

“They kept crying and my cheeks were red too.

“I thought maybe it was a reaction to my conditioner or something.

“I saw my GP, who gave me steroids and I calmed down.”

Three weeks later, Georgina’s symptoms returned, but this time they were more severe.

Her vision was affected and she experienced extreme headaches.

Unsure what was causing the reactions, Georgina was sent for an MRI test at St. Mary’s Hospital, Orpington, to rule out a worse diagnosis – such as a tumour.

Her results were clear and doctors suggested that her symptoms could be the result of extreme eczema.

Georgina said: “I felt so upset, the doctors kept telling me it was just eczema and tried to give me topical steroids to treat it.

“But I just knew it wasn’t.

“My final reaction was three weeks later, and when I started experiencing the allergic reaction, I complained to my partner that it was also my period, which added to what I was going through.

“He then had a light bulb moment and realized that I had been having periods every time I had the reactions.”

The trade analyst suspected she was hypersensitive to progesterone and she is still awaiting a formal diagnosis from her GP.

She has since had the IUD removed and been given the Depo-Provera injection to stop her periods – and she hasn’t had another allergic reaction.

Georgina said: “I feel so much better since I had the IUD 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’ve spent almost $520 on creams to try to treat the problem – I’m desperate to stop it.

“I want to raise awareness about progesterone hypersensitivity.

“I knew it wasn’t just eczema – you know your body and you should always listen to your gut.”