Lipomembranous Panniculitis Induced by Repeated Progesterone Injections for Libido Enhancement: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-therapeutic progesterone injections are increasingly common in Africa, especially Angola.
• Weak regulatory oversight permits unsupervised use of these injections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of lipomembranous panniculitis resulting from subcutaneous progesterone injections.
• To highlight the risks associated with off-label use of progesterone in aesthetic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 26-year-old woman receiving daily subcutaneous progesterone injections.
• Clinical presentation and skin biopsy for histopathological confirmation.
• Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications.

Main Results:

• Development of lipomembranous panniculitis with granulomatous inflammation and adipocyte death.
• Resolution of inflammation with prednisolone and naproxen, but persistent hyperpigmentation.
• Causation linked to six months of daily progesterone injections for libido enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Off-label progesterone injections for aesthetic purposes carry significant dermatological risks.
• Stricter regulations and public health interventions are crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.
• Unsupervised use in non-medical settings poses a serious health hazard.