going off progesterone

[gothique11]

So, I was on progesterone for a little over a year (Prometrium, specifically). My doctor says that I don't "need" it, and I can try going off it a while to see what happens; so I thought I would experiment and go off it.

It's been a month and there's been a ton of changes. My much-hated "beer belly" (to be crude) has pretty much vanished. My waist has gone down, and so has my chest a bit.

On the flip side, my breasts went down a bit but now they are back and actually bigger than before, continuing to grow.

I heard that progesterone can help make you gain weight (in fact, I have a friend who's wanting to go on it for that reason).

I also find that my hips have gone out, although that could be the illusion with the waist and stomach going down.

Ironically, I haven't lost a lot of weight, like only 7 pounds, put people are noticing the changes. It seems that my body is going crazy on my old, boy fat, and when I do gain fat it's going to the right places.

It did that before. My "gut" didn't get any bigger, but it was taking a lot of work to get it down. It would go so slowly on the progesterone. But once I was off the progesterone it really started to go away. I can't believe it! I feel like I've gone to some crazy weight loss clinic and lost inches in a month.

The downside, of course, is that's it's vary apparent that almost none of my tops fit anymore. The waist in them is too big, the belly (from wonderfully streached out shirts), and my shoulders, even. I'm like, "Wow, this shirt is big on me!"

So, anyway, I thought that I would share this experience. People say that progesterone can help with things (like I said, I think it can help pack on weight, which is wonderful if you're having problems putting on extra fat in girly areas). However, if you're looking to lose some of the old fat -- for me at least -- going off progesterone has helped.

Progesterone could help with breast development (although some people debate how much). I found it really interesting that after I went off my breasts went down -- I was shocked, actually, and not expecting that. I thought it was because I was loosing all of the other weight, but now, they have bounced back and actually have grown a bit in the two weeks. I'm not sure why this happens, but I think that progesterone does swell the breasts a bit (gland development is supposed to happen a lot with progesterone, which is why people say it can help with breast, especially structure).

Has anyone experienced similar things before? Or am I rare one?

But, anyway, this is my experience. I don't know how the hormone will work on other people -- it varies from person to person. And always consult your doctor regarding HRT.



--natalie

Posted on: November 03, 2007, 02:47:29 PMOh, another thing I noticed right away -- my appetite went away! Before I was always hungry and eating things. I would have crazy cravings for things (believe it or not, I've craved pickles and ice cream). My friends swore that I was pregnant or something (progesterone is much higher when your pregnant).

I don't eat as much anymore at all. I just don't feel hungry, and I don't crave as many foods -- especially junk foods! It's weird, because I'm so used to eating a lot more, since I've been on the progesterone for over a year, that I've really noticed the change.

So, that was another change I noticed very quickly.

Posted on: November 03, 2007, 02:54:05 PMOoops! I though that I was in the HRT forum! I didn't mean to post this here! But I don't have anyway to move it over. Sorry about that.

[Tanya1]

remember although it may help with breasts structure and it has some benefits for the bones n such- everyone is in a different situation- so it may be good for you.

I'm not doctor but I believe that progestrone out does some of the effects estro has. Thus perhaps you weren't fully grown and maybe that's why you are growing breasts OR maybe perhaps this is the trick to having big boobs- once you stop growing- go on prgesten for awhile like 2 months then stop.

by the way, did your doc reccommend you to take progestrn like in a cycle.

[gothique11]

remember although it may help with breasts structure and it has some benefits for the bones n such- everyone is in a different situation- so it may be good for you.

I'm not doctor but I believe that progestrone out does some of the effects estro has. Thus perhaps you weren't fully grown and maybe that's why you are growing breasts OR maybe perhaps this is the trick to having big boobs- once you stop growing- go on prgesten for awhile like 2 months then stop.

by the way, did your doc reccommend you to take progestrn like in a cycle.

My doctor never mentioned cycling. My doctors says that progesterone isn't needed -- my endro doesn't prescribe it, but he said since my GP put me on it, he's going to leave it up to me to decide if I want to take it or not. So, I'm trying to see what happens if I just stop taking progesterone -- I've been off for a month now.

I doubt that my breasts have fully grown. I've been on HRT since Aug '06, and I highly doubt they are fully grown now. Although, I don't actually want big huge breasts (I actually can't figure out why so many people do, to be honest, unless they have nothing growing). I'm a 36B, which is nice enough for me. I could go into a C, but honestly, I really don't think about that stuff and I'm not sure if I really would want a C cup anyway.

[Hypatia]

I wish I could get reliable, detailed, accurate information on progesterone for MTF. I haven't found any. My doctor would not say anything about it except that it grows out the nipples and watch out, you could get fatal blood clots, especially if you smoke, don't mess with it.

My own reading on how it works in the menstrual cycle persuaded me that it needed to be dosed on and off cyclically. For safety's sake I only use it in a transdermal cream (not orally), at what I think is a safely low dose, and only during the waxing phases of the moon.

I honestly don't know the dosage appropriate for MTF and how to match it to my estrogen dosage--and I know if I posted on that here, it would get censored--so I've had to go with a seat of the pants estimation.

I like to think I'm getting improved nipple growth on it, though as with all my HRT the results are subtle. I've noticed that after I rub progesterone cream into my breasts, they feel more sensitive for hours. I'm using ProgestaCare which I buy over the counter in a health food store. If you go this route, make sure it's real natural progesterone--and avoid the "wild yam" extract which does nothing, the claims for it come from a misunderstanding of biochemistry.

The information on progesterone's effect on appetite was good to learn, since it might explain why my appetite has drastically increased lately. Also now that you mention it my tummy seems fatter...

[Wing Walker]

I never took progesterone and I have had significant changes in retaining body fat.  I have it everyplace, on the backs of my hands and arms, around my joints, on the backs of my arms, on my tummy (especially below the navel), on my bum, and plenty of cellulite on my thighs. 

My appetite spiked at times.  I find that what I eat and when have changed.  Chocolate followed by supper isn't uncommon.  Neither is cold pizza that I haven't zapped in the microwave oven.  I am amazed at how so many things have changed.

What can I blame it on if I never used progesterone?  Ideas, anyone?

Wing Walker

[Tanya1]

^ drinking enough water? too much soda? not excersicing?

[Berliegh]

I've never took progesterone but strangely every time I have a blood test there is a always a reasonable amount in my system....

[Krisstina]

from the very beginning I was on Progesterone first 2.5 a day then I moved to a littletown and the DOC. here who treats for or five TS SAID HE DOES 10MG PREGEST AND 2.5 ESTRO well after a year of that I was groing hairall over and had a significant drive  for sex...

So I started looking into it and what I found is that your body can turn excess Progesterone into testosterone!  So I went to the DOCTORS pharmacologists and expressed my concerns and she said I was correct the conversion does happen.

Well since I have switched doctors and stopped taking Progest all together. I can honestly tell you all for me  results have never been better. I have changed more in the last 2 Years then I did in the 5 prior Yrs.

So I guess what I'm saying is its your call do your research and just because they are doctors doesn't mean they have it right. When I see a doctor I try toparticipate in decisions concerning my body .


My exp.
Kristina

[gothique11]

from the very beginning I was on Progesterone first 2.5 a day then I moved to a littletown and the DOC. here who treats for or five TS SAID HE DOES 10MG PREGEST AND 2.5 ESTRO well after a year of that I was groing hairall over and had a significant drive  for sex...

So I started looking into it and what I found is that your body can turn excess Progesterone into testosterone!  So I went to the DOCTORS pharmacologists and expressed my concerns and she said I was correct the conversion does happen.

Well since I have switched doctors and stopped taking Progest all together. I can honestly tell you all for me  results have never been better. I have changed more in the last 2 Years then I did in the 5 prior Yrs.

So I guess what I'm saying is its your call do your research and just because they are doctors doesn't mean they have it right. When I see a doctor I try toparticipate in decisions concerning my body .


My exp.
Kristina

I'd have to agree that there is something. In the last while since I stopped P I've been changing a lot. I keep looking at recent pictures people tag me to in facebook, and I'm going, "Wow!"  I looked at a couple from yesterday at my friend's daughter's 1st birthday, and I was wearing no make up, my hair was a mess, and I looked cute. I'm really started to look in the mirror and go wow -- I'm really starting to see the woman I am come out.

It's not just starting in the face, however, because my body has seemed to kick into over drive and has been changing like crazy. I'm getting more shape to me, I'm losing my "boy fat" like crazy.

--natalie

[Hypatia]

So what are you saying--progesterone is masculinizing? I wish I could get the straight dope on this stuff for MTF. What exactly to expect, what dosage, when to use it... or not to... I have been taking it for nipple growth, and lately I have noticed a little extra nipple growth... but is it bad for my feminization overall?

[Enigma]

So what are you saying--progesterone is masculinizing? I wish I could get the straight dope on this stuff for MTF. What exactly to expect, what dosage, when to use it... or not to... I have been taking it for nipple growth, and lately I have noticed a little extra nipple growth... but is it bad for my feminization overall?

It can be.  There is research out there about various forms or progesterone, some of which have a lower risk of masculinizing.  From what I've seen, its mostly used for breast and nipple growth.

[MeghanAndrews]

Gothique, I am going on my 3rd week of Progesterone, I'm taking Yasmin. I've noticed that my appetite is totally insatiable. I'm hungry and have cravings all time. I've gained about 5 lbs but I'm watching what I eat pretty carefully. I'm going to keep an eye on it and see what happens. I have also noticed that it does seem to make the nipples a little more puffy. I haven't noticed my tummy growing yet but I will FREAK if that happens, thus watching what I what very carefully. I have read that once you lose a lot of weight that gaining a little after going on hormones should help fat redistribute in the right places, but I don't want to experience that quite yet. You'll have to keep us posted on the effects you notice Meghan

[Enigma]

Progesterone could help with breast development (although some people debate how much). I found it really interesting that after I went off my breasts went down -- I was shocked, actually, and not expecting that. I thought it was because I was loosing all of the other weight, but now, they have bounced back and actually have grown a bit in the two weeks. I'm not sure why this happens, but I think that progesterone does swell the breasts a bit (gland development is supposed to happen a lot with progesterone, which is why people say it can help with breast, especially structure).

Ever the scientist (or just geeky medical type) I found this online:

Progesterone also influences the development of the breasts during pregnancy in preparation for producing milk after the birth.

http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com/pregnancy-and-natural-progesterone.php

I do remember that from Anatomy&Physiology, so its not just internet urban legend.

The cells of the human body are genderless, that is, they respond to hormones equally, regardless of whether they're in an XY or XX bod.  It makes no difference at the cellular level that its biologically impossible for you to be pregnant.  All your cells know is that there are increased levels of progesterone in the blood stream, and they respond with their cellular instructions to ready themselves for carrying a baby to term and nursing it afterward.

[Krisstina]

So what are you saying--progesterone is masculinizing? I wish I could get the straight dope on this stuff for MTF. What exactly to expect, what dosage, when to use it... or not to... I have been taking it for nipple growth, and lately I have noticed a little extra nipple growth... but is it bad for my feminization overall?

Everyone has there own take on this and I can just speak for my self. in low doses it slowed things down  and in high doses my body was turning it into testosterone and so the pharmacology dept for my doctor agreed it was remasculating me because of the conversion.

So for me there is no good reason to take it and I don,t.

P.S. its primary purpose is to aid in the adherence of the egg to vaginal wall.


Kristina