Allergies Allergic Reactions to Menstrual Hormones By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 03, 2021 Medically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MD Medically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MD LinkedIn Dr. Danielle Weiss is the founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. She enjoys giving lectures and writing articles for both the lay public and medical audiences. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Progesterone hypersensitivity (PH) and catamenial dermatosis are conditions related to the menstrual cycle that can trigger allergic reactions. Both conditions are believed to be rare. People with PH may have skin problems that get worse three to 10 days before their period. PH may progress to anaphylaxis. This is a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction. The symptoms of catamenial dermatosis are similar PH. They happen at the start of your period instead of before. Catamenial anaphylaxis may also occur. This article looks at the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of allergic reactions that happen during the menstrual cycle. Verywell / Andrea Hickey Progesterone Hypersensitivity Progesterone hypersensitivity is a reaction to your own progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that helps regulate your monthly cycle. PH can also be caused by other sources of this hormone. Symptoms Symptoms of PH usually appear between three to 10 days before the onset of your period. They start to go away one to two days after your period starts. PH can have a variety of symptoms. Most, if not all, include skin rashes. Skin rashes that may be seen with PH include: Eczema, a skin condition that causes an itchy, red rash Hives, raised bumps that appear on the surface of the skin Fixed drug eruption, a reaction that recurs on the same part of the body Erythema multiforme, a reaction that usually appears on the hands and arms Angioedema, hive-like swelling that occurs under the skin Anaphylaxis is also possible. At first, it may not be obvious that your symptoms are related to your period. It often takes a doctor to point out the pattern. Causes The cause of PH is unknown. Some researchers think it may be related to hormonal birth control. It could also be related to supplements that contain progesterone. These exposures may cause sensitization to the hormone. This is when your body becomes sensitive to an allergen, a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Pregnancy may also cause progesterone sensitization. Pregnancy can affect the immune system. It can also impact a variety of allergic conditions. Allergic reactions to other hormones like estrogen can also occur. These are far less common, though. Recap The cause of PH is unknown, but it may be related to exposure to drugs or supplements that contain progesterone. Diagnosis and Treatment PH is usually diagnosed based on: SymptomsHealth historyPhysical exam Some allergists may perform a skin test. This type of testing is unproven, though. PH can be treated with antihistamines. These drugs block the action of chemicals that cause allergic reactions. PH may also be treated with oral or injected corticosteroids. These are anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs only treat symptoms. They do not treat the cause of the condition. Other treatments stop the ovaries from releasing an egg. The prescription drug Eligard (leuprolide) prevents the increase of progesterone that follows ovulation. This is an option if antihistamines don't work. Rarely, surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries is needed. This is done in severe cases when medications don't help control the symptoms. When to Go to the Emergency Room It is important to see a doctor for any type of allergy. Some allergic reactions are emergencies. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you have a rash with any of these symptoms: Fever Wheezing Shortness of breath Facial swelling Rapid heartbeat Nausea Vomiting Fainting These are all signs of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires immediate care. Catamenial Dermatoses and Anaphylaxis These conditions are also related to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms The symptoms of catamenial dermatoses are similar to PH. The timing is different, though. Symptoms occur during your period instead of before. A variety of rashes can also occur. People with this condition have symptoms at the onset of menstruation. The symptoms continue until flow stops. Some people may also experience catamenial anaphylaxis. This is a more serious reaction that involves several different parts of the body. Symptoms may include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Low blood pressure Respiratory symptoms Recap Symptoms of catamenial dermatoses are similar to PH. They happen at a different time during the monthly cycle.Catamenial anaphylaxis is a more serious reaction that causes multiple symptoms. Causes Unlike PH, catamenial anaphylaxis is not thought to be a reaction to progesterone. Instead, it may be triggered by prostaglandins. These are hormones that influence processes like pain and inflammation. They are released from the lining of the uterus during your period. Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of these conditions is usually based on: SymptomsHealth historyPhysical exam Because the condition is rare, there is no standard treatment. In one small study, most patients did not respond to antihistamines. Others were successfully treated with hormones. In severe cases, surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus may be necessary. This is done when medications are unable to control the symptoms. Purpose of Hysterectomy Surgery Summary Allergic reactions related to the menstrual cycle are uncommon. Symptoms may include worsening skin conditions that can progress to anaphylaxis. These conditions are usually diagnosed based on symptoms and health history. PH can be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids. Treatments that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg may also help. Catamenial dermatosis and anaphylaxis may be treatable with hormones. Rarely, these conditions may require surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. Frequently Asked Questions Can you develop an allergic reaction to birth control pills? It’s very unlikely. But it’s possible that contraceptive pills can cause a rash that could be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Research also shows that progesterone-only birth control are linked to progesterone hypersensitivity, which can cause dermatitis and hives. Learn More: Overview of Birth Control Pills How do you treat progesterone hypersensitivity? Treatment of progesterone hypersensitivity is based on managing the symptoms such as rash, swelling, itching, and hives. Medication may stop the production of progesterone or keep it from being active in the body. In some instances, the ovaries may be removed. Learn More: Oophorectomy: Surgical Removal of the Ovaries 8 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Brander E, McQuillan S. Cyclic anaphylactic reaction related to menstruation: Differentiating between progesterone hypersensitivity and catamenial anaphylaxis: A case report. 2018;31(2). doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2018.02.077 NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Untersmayr E, Jensen AN, Walch K. Sex hormone allergy: clinical aspects, causes and therapeutic strategies - Update and secondary publication. World Allergy Organ J. 2017;10(1):45. doi:10.1186/s40413-017-0176-x Foer D, Buchheit KM, Gargiulo AR, Lynch DM, Castells M, Wickner PG. Progestogen hypersensitivity in 24 cases: diagnosis, management, and proposed renaming and classification. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;4(4):723-9. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2016.03.003 Bauer CS, Kampitak T, Messieh ML, Kelly KJ, Vadas P. Heterogeneity in presentation and treatment of catamenial anaphylaxis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013;111(2):107-11. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2013.06.001 Foer D, Buchheit KM. Presentation and natural history of progestogen hypersensitivity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019;122(2):156-9. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2018.10.023 Williams WV. Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: a review of the literature. Linacre Q. 2017;84(3):275-295. doi:10.1080%2F00243639.2017.1360065 National Organization for Rare Disorders. NIH GARD Information: Progestogen hypersensitivity. By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit