• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Uncategorized

Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis – Cyclical Skin Issues Due to Progesterone

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) is a rare autoimmune condition, considered to be an endocrine system abnormality, that is thought to be a reaction caused by woman’s hypersensitivity to her own (endogenous) progesterone.

What Causes APD?

The exact cause of APD is unknown. There is however speculation that APD occurs in some women who have used exogenous progesterone, namely oral hormonal birth control pills, which may sensitize them to their own progesterone, though not all women with APD have used oral contraceptives, and likewise, not all women who use oral contraceptives are subjecting themselves to getting APD.

Symptoms of APD

Presentation of APD can range from “subcutaneous and mucosal lesions” to the extremely rare anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction. It can be hard to diagnose based on presentation alone because it can be nearly any rash-like abnormality of the skin such as:

  • small, red, raised itchy bumps on the skin
  • eczema-like rash
  • swelling or sores within the mouth
  • ring-shaped red skin eruptions
  • angioedema which is swelling under the skin (versus externally like hives)
  • multiple symmetrical skin lesions that have a central sore surrounded by rings, that may itch, be painful, and come and go quickly
  • urticaria or hives

These skin issues can appear around mouth, on lips, upper body, legs, arms (elbows), palms, hands, or feet. Pimples and acne are not considered signs or symptoms of APD.

APD is exacerbated by the natural increase of progesterone after ovulation late in the luteal phase, anywhere from three days to a week prior to menstruation, and often disappears when menstruation begins, or shortly after menstruation begins. APD is cyclic, meaning it follows this pattern from cycle to cycle. This is key in diagnosing APD. Any of the aforementioned skin issues come and go within a week prior to and at the onset of menstruation.

Medical Treatment

APD is often diagnosed by allergy skin testing. APD primarily subsides on its own upon the onset of menstruation, but for many women with APD, it returns each cycle. Medical treatment for the symptoms may include topical anti-itch medications, corticosteroids and hormone therapy to inhibit ovulation and the production of progesterone. For women with severe APD, surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) may be suggested. Most resources share that medications containing any progesterone (such as oral contraceptives) should be avoided as treatment. Conventional antihistamines have not been found to be effective.

Natural Therapies

When considering natural options for APD, a woman would want to help her body by addressing hormone imbalance, immune system function, and fertility issues first. Case studies have shown that women with preexisting fertility issues, especially those often treated with oral contraceptives, are more likely to experience APD. Because this is such a rare condition, we feel it is best for women who suspect this issue to first get a diagnosis from a medical doctor and then, if interested in natural treatment options, seek the care of a naturopathic doctor.

Click here to learn ways to support hormone balance overall…

Will APD Affect A Woman’s Ability to Conceive?

There is little information available about trying to conceive with APD. Some sources suggest finding a healthcare provider who has had success “desensitizing” women to endogenous progesterone without suppressing ovulation if you have had trouble conceiving with APD. Some women have conceived naturally and either experienced relief from APD or had to deal with it into pregnancy, while others have struggled to conceive.

Summary

APD affects a woman’s quality of life. Many doctors don’t yet fully understand autoimmune health issues including APD. While rare, if you suspect a rash or skin issue you are experiencing may be APD, consider contacting your healthcare provider who may refer you to a specialist in dermatology, allergens, immunology, or reproductive endocrinology for further testing and to help create a treatment plan.

Note From the Author About APD and Natural Progesterone Cream:
You may be wondering about topical natural progesterone cream use and APD. Through the entirety of my research for this article, there were no references to this.

If you are using natural progesterone cream, which is bioidentical, meaning the hormones in the cream are chemically identical to those your body produces, and you experience a cyclical skin rash or skin issue, one could speculate it may be a cause. Some women have allergic reactions to ingredients in natural progesterone creams, as well, so it can be difficult to determine what may be the true cause of the rash. As always, if you develop any type of skin issue while using natural progesterone cream, discontinue application of the cream and speak with your healthcare provider.

References

  • Dedecker F, Graesslin O, Quereux C and Gabriel R. (2009) Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. DermNet NZ. Retrieved from: http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/progesterone-dermatitis.html
  • Ikbal Kaygusuz, Ilknur Inegol Gumus and Evren Sarifakioglu, et al. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Volume 53, Issue 3, Pages 420–422, September 2014. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tjog.2013.12.007. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1028455914001417
  • Tami Maguire.(2009) Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis. Dermatology Nursing. 2009; 21(4):190-192. Retrieved from: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/712365
  • US Dept. of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Retrieved from: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/9139/autoimmune-progesterone-dermatitis/case/33524/case-questions

« Previous Post
5 Ways Men Can Boost Their Fertility in Preparation for Conception
Next Post »
Increase Your Odds of Conception by Charting Cervical Fluid

About the Author

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 19

Open
If you’ve undergone many consecutive fertility treatments without a successful pregnancy, it could be time for a break. Taking a break gives your body a chance to cleanse, reset and recover. Relief from the side effects and stress could be exactly what you need for a fresh start for your fertility journey.

Use the time to work on yourself- mind and body. A break might even give you the opportunity to find a new sense of peace or a new version of your fertility program.
​
Learn more about natural therapies you can use to help your body reset after medical fertility treatments...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 13

Open
After 6 unsuccessful IUIs and one IVF of the same result, Angela takes a break and discovers the Natural Fertility Company. Using our resources to help her implement some changes, she has a much different result on her next IVF at 43. Click through the slides to read her story...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 11

Open
Q: My partner smokes, will this affect his fertility?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 6

Open
I have KMF imprinted on many of my personal belongings as a constant reminder to Keep Moving Forward. This started to be my mantra about 20 years ago when I was in a tough patch and knew the only way was through, and step by step. Keep moving forward. What is the next step, shuffle or even pause that may need to happen? Whatever it is, move towards it, into it, and forward.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 4

Open
With so many chemicals and outside factors contributing to estrogen dominance in the body, it is good to help support hormonal balance and one way to do that is through foods.
​
​Here are some tips, including foods that help to promote the body's natural ability to get rid of excess estrogens. ..
​
​Are you getting any of these foods in your weekly diet?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 1

Open
Trish conceives her second child with natural therapies at 37. Swipe through to read her story... 
​
​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 30

Open
Q: I have heavy periods, should I be concerned about using tampons?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 28

Open
I knew what my life's calling was at a very young age. At around 16, I had a dream where a dreadlocked rasta man came to me (Burning Spears to be exact) and in that dream was told that I was to be a healer. It was the type of dream that was more real than reality. The next day I woke up feeling different than I had ever felt before. Later on that day, we had new neighbors move into the house above us and a woman came and introduced herself. When I opened the door, she said her name and told me she was opening up a school of healing and that I was to be one of her students. It was one of the most intense series of events in my life. I went on to go to her school and my path started with an amazing community and so much support. What are one of the most life changing experiences you have had? I would love to hear...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Stress can be one of the primary factors behind infertility. Believe it or not, our bodies are equipped to prevent conception from occurring during times of extreme stress. The presence of adrenaline, the hormone that is released by our bodies during stressful times, signals to our body that conditions are not ideal for conception. Adrenaline inhibits us from utilizing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for fertility. It also causes the pituitary gland to release higher levels of prolactin, which also causes infertility to occur.
​
​Swipe left for ways to reduce the effect of stress on your fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
At 39, Milissa focuses on natural ways to prevent another miscarriage & goes on to conceive. Swipe through the slides to read more about her journey... 
​
​
​**​​While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
​We come into contact with xenohormones on a daily basis. Once you know where and what they are, you can avoid them or not use products that contain them. There has been extensive research on the connection between xenohormones and hormone disruption, which leads us to fertility issues and imbalances. Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...
​
​If you would like support in getting started with your Ditch and Switch, download my free guide on how to get started. The link is in our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 14

Open
You are strong enough. Life can get hard sometimes, but we are stronger through it all. You can figure this out. You know your body. Trust yourself. You are worthy of health, you are worthy of motherhood. You are worthy of having your own opinion. Listen to your gut. You've got this.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us