Did you know that menstruation is connected with common diseases such as allergic rhinitis, acne, asthma, migraine and other health conditions?
Such conditions are triggered or may worsen along the premenstrual period. Not to mention the severe cramps and dizziness most women feel whenever they are menstruating.
Here are some biological reactions to menstrual hormones:
Some women do not have the slightest idea that allergies and other conditions are somehow connected with their menstruation.
Symptoms may worsen and the last thing that we suspect would be their menstrual hormones.
Blame your progesterone for having autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. There is APD because of your body’s allergic reaction towards your progesterone.
Like most allergies, having skin rashes is one of the most common symptoms of APD. A woman with APD usually feels the symptoms four to ten days before her period.
It is important to note that APD develops when there’s progesterone. Women get progesterone from taking birth control pills or hormonal pills that contain progesterone resulting in sensitization to the hormone.
Even pregnant women suddenly experience allergic reactions due to sensitization to progesterone. While some experience APD because of cross-reactivity with corticosteroids.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Women with APD can be diagnosed through doing an allergy skin testing done by allergists and injecting progesterone to check and monitor the occurrence of symptoms.
However, it is important to emphasize that there might be a dangerous allergic reaction due to such kind of testing that’s why only a skilled and professional physician shall be allowed to perform the test.
There is no actual cure for APD unless if the patient is willing to undergo therapies that are designed to suppress ovulation to avoid progesterone.
Some women opt to treat the symptoms instead of treating the cause of the problem by using antihistamines because of the fact that there isn’t any proper treatment available.
However, if the patient is experiencing severe APD and antihistamines and other forms of medications cannot fight or control the symptoms.
It may be required to remove the ovaries and uterus in an attempt to completely stop the ovulation process and get rid of progesterone.
While autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is an allergic reaction due to progesterone, catamenial anaphylaxis is another condition that is still related to menstruation caused by prostaglandins made by the uterus.
It is a very rare type of medical condition that has symptoms similar to the allergic reaction such as itching, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and fainting.
However, most doctors do not refer to it as an allergic reaction since it is rare and hasn’t been really studied much.
However, most doctors do not refer to it as an allergic reaction since it is rare and hasn’t been really studied much.
There are many types of catamenial catastrophes such as a catamenial migraine, catamenial epilepsy pneumothorax, etc. Catamenial anaphylaxis exhibit symptoms of such catastrophes.
When to see a doctor?
Majority of the women around the world have menstrual symptoms that are considered normal during their menstrual cycle.
But it is important to realize what is normal and when it becomes dangerous to your health.
If you’re having terrible seizures, severe migraine, vomiting, and diarrhea during your menstrual cycle, then better set an appointment with an OBGYN or someone who specializes in women’s hormones so they can determine if it’s connected to your period or something else.
Treatment
Although some doctors admit that catamenial anaphylaxis is a rare condition and still needs to be studied more, there are some doctors who recommend the use of Indocin and other non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications (NSAIDS).
Unfortunately, like APD, removal of ovaries and uterus is necessary if the condition is severe and if the symptoms are uncontrollable and the condition is not responding to the medications provided to the patient.
Women find it catastrophic when they are menstruation, it’s a universal feeling. While it feels normal to experience such symptoms monthly and feel different biologically.
Every woman should be responsible enough in taking care of her body and health by not refusing to ignore the signs and be more interested in menstrual education.
