Beckenham woman is allergic to her own period after coil

Georgina Jelley, 28, was fitted with the contraceptive coil in April 2024 and just three weeks later, started experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction.

She suffered itchy and burning eyes, headaches and rashes.

(Image: Georgina Jelley / SWNS)

Her doctor prescribed 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 mum-of-one from Beckenham 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 realised that her allergic reactions were always when she was on her period, that she began to research progesterone hypersensitivity.

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

Georgina has since had her coil removed and has gone back on the contraceptive jab - meaning she doesn't have periods each month.

Since then none of the debilitating symptoms have returned - leaving her ''over the moon'' to finally have answers.

Georgina, a commercial researcher, said: "It was awful, 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 such a surprise to me when I learnt about the condition.

"I'm told it's a rare condition, but maybe it's not and people just know that they have it.

"It was shocking to think I'm actually allergic to my own periods."

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."

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 tumour.

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 realised 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 £400 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."