Imagine being allergic to your own menstrual cycle. That’s the shocking reality for Georgina Jelley, a 28-year-old from London. After getting an IUD in April, Jelley started experiencing bizarre and painful symptoms: rashes, burning eyes, and severe headaches. Doctors initially thought it was an allergic reaction to the IUD, prescribing steroids and antihistamines, which offered brief relief, reported the People.
But the symptoms came back with a vengeance, leading to more severe issues and a visit to St. Mary’s Hospital for an MRI. Despite a clear scan, Jelley was misdiagnosed with eczema, leaving her frustrated and desperate for answers. “It was so strange—my eyes burned and my cheeks were red. It felt like something was seriously wrong,” she said.
The breakthrough came when Jelley noticed a pattern: her reactions always coincided with her menstrual cycle. With a hunch about progesterone hypersensitivity, she pushed for further investigation and was eventually diagnosed with this rare condition. Progesterone hypersensitivity causes an allergic reaction to the hormone progesterone, leading to rashes, swelling, and even severe reactions in some cases.
Jelley’s doctor switched her to Depo-Provera contraceptive injections, stopping her periods and, importantly, halting the allergic reactions. “Since removing the IUD, I feel so much better. It was a painful and stressful ordeal, and I spent over $500 on treatments,” she shared, as quoted by the People.
Now, Jelley is on a mission to raise awareness about progesterone hypersensitivity, urging others to trust their instincts about their health. “You know your body best,” she said. “Don’t ignore what you’re feeling.”
But the symptoms came back with a vengeance, leading to more severe issues and a visit to St. Mary’s Hospital for an MRI. Despite a clear scan, Jelley was misdiagnosed with eczema, leaving her frustrated and desperate for answers. “It was so strange—my eyes burned and my cheeks were red. It felt like something was seriously wrong,” she said.
The breakthrough came when Jelley noticed a pattern: her reactions always coincided with her menstrual cycle. With a hunch about progesterone hypersensitivity, she pushed for further investigation and was eventually diagnosed with this rare condition. Progesterone hypersensitivity causes an allergic reaction to the hormone progesterone, leading to rashes, swelling, and even severe reactions in some cases.
Jelley’s doctor switched her to Depo-Provera contraceptive injections, stopping her periods and, importantly, halting the allergic reactions. “Since removing the IUD, I feel so much better. It was a painful and stressful ordeal, and I spent over $500 on treatments,” she shared, as quoted by the People.
Now, Jelley is on a mission to raise awareness about progesterone hypersensitivity, urging others to trust their instincts about their health. “You know your body best,” she said. “Don’t ignore what you’re feeling.”