MONTHLY RASHES MAY INDICATE A PROGESTERONE ALLERGY

Also called autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, progesterone hypersensitivity (PH) is a condition that causes an allergic skin reaction near the end of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone levels spike. Common symptoms include rashes, hives, eczema, swelling, itching, and flaking skin, while more severe reactions can include open sores and anaphylaxis. PH is an allergic reaction to a woman’s own progesterone. Symptoms appear three to ten days before a woman’s period begins and clear up during the first days of her period. One theory about the cause of PH is that women who have taken hormonal contraceptives or progesterone supplements can develop a sensitivity to progesterone, which causes a monthly reaction. Pregnancy also causes elevated progesterone levels that may trigger the condition.

P.S. Allergic reactions to estrogen can happen, but they are not as common as allergic reactions from progesterone hypersensitivity.

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