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

The use of subcutaneous and intramuscular progesterone injections for non-therapeutic purposes has become increasingly common in Africa, particularly in Angola, where weak regulation allows unsupervised use. We report the case of a 26-year-old Angolan woman who developed lipomembranous panniculitis after six months of daily subcutaneous progesterone injections for libido enhancement at a non-medical center. She presented with erythematous-brown nodules and plaques, and a skin biopsy confirmed granulomatous inflammation and adipocyte death. Treatment with prednisolone and naproxen resolved the inflammation, but hyperpigmentation persisted. This case highlights the serious risks of off-label progesterone injections, particularly in unregulated aesthetic procedures, and underscores the need for stricter regulations and public health interventions.