About progesterone

[KayXo]

Came across this summary I thought would interest some about progesterone's effects on different organs in the body...

From this source Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Suppl. 1984;127:1-37 and Bardin CW, Milgrdm E, Mauvais-Jarvis P, comps. Progesterone and Progestins.

Reproductive system

Decrease of estrogen receptors
Increase of 17B-dehydrogenase activity, increased conversion of estradiol to estrone as a result
Antiestrogenic influence/effects
Reduced contractility (myometrium)
Secretory transformation (endometrium)
Antimitotic effect (endometrium)
Cellular desquamation (vagina)
Increase of viscosity (cervical mucus)
Stimulation of alveolar growth (breasts)

Central nervous system

Thermogenic effect
Anesthetic effect
Antiepileptic effect
Effects on sexual behavior

Respiration

Increase of pulmonary gas exchange

Carbohydrate metabolism

Impaired glucose tolerance

Water and salt metabolism

Anti-aldosterone activity (like Spiro)
Increase of tubular sodium excretion

Immunological system

Anti-inflammatory effect
Immunosuppression during pregnancy (?)

[Paige]

Hi Kay,

Does the fact it's from 1984 make a difference?  Was this a summary of taking both progestins and progesterone?  As you've noted in the past, progestins tend have negative impacts.

Thanks,
Paige

[AshleyP]

Interesting material. I googled to try and find the full article but couldn't find it. Kay, is it behind a pay wall or something?

All the best,
--AshleyP

[Amy Chislett]

The doctor who I saw said he would not prescribe progesterone at all.  Something about interaction with estrogen?  I know someone here mentioned breast growth being attained by stopping estrogen and starting progesterone, but there does seem to be a real risk in doing so.

What are the central nervous system sexual effects, specifically?

[KayXo]

Those effects listed are with progesterone ONLY. Regardless of publication date, these still hold.

Sexual effects, I think, mean increased libido as many women, including myself find that this occurs while on progesterone.

Pregnant and cycling women produce BOTH estrogen and progesterone, in very high amounts during pregnancy (fetus also exposed partly, through placenta). The risks associated with progesterone appear to be relatively small, according to studies and differ in many orders from what is observed with some other progestogens such as Provera or those found in birth control pills.

I've taken progesterone for years without problem but each person reacts differently. In general though, it seems quite safe but a few have reported problems, in this forum, for instance so take it under supervision.

[DanaDane]

Im curious to see if Progesterone leads to increased growth in body hair.

Came across this summary I thought would interest some about progesterone's effects on different organs in the body...

From this source Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Suppl. 1984;127:1-37 and Bardin CW, Milgrdm E, Mauvais-Jarvis P, comps. Progesterone and Progestins.

Reproductive system

Decrease of estrogen receptors
Increase of 17B-dehydrogenase activity, increased conversion of estradiol to estrone as a result
Antiestrogenic influence/effects
Reduced contractility (myometrium)
Secretory transformation (endometrium)
Antimitotic effect (endometrium)
Cellular desquamation (vagina)
Increase of viscosity (cervical mucus)
Stimulation of alveolar growth (breasts)

Central nervous system

Thermogenic effect
Anesthetic effect
Antiepileptic effect
Effects on sexual behavior

Respiration

Increase of pulmonary gas exchange

Carbohydrate metabolism

Impaired glucose tolerance

Water and salt metabolism

Anti-aldosterone activity (like Spiro)
Increase of tubular sodium excretion

Immunological system

Anti-inflammatory effect
Immunosuppression during pregnancy (?)

[josie76]

I've read that progesterone is important to prevent effects of what's called estrogen dominance. Eh who even knows what's what. 

I just got mine refilled. This time micronized progesterone instead of MPA.

[kelly_aus]

I've read that progesterone is important to prevent effects of what's called estrogen dominance. Eh who even knows what's what. 

I just got mine refilled. This time micronized progesterone instead of MPA.

And yet the existence of estrogen dominance is questionable.

There's a group on Facebook that seems to believe it's a 100% proven theory, they also make a few claims that are more than a little dubious. And don't dare question the groupthink.

[KarynMcD]

Im curious to see if Progesterone leads to increased growth in body hair.

Yes, it can. It doesn't mean it will happen to you though.

[DanaDane]

Well, I have been experiencing an increase in body hair growth and I am taking Progesterone (and EV Injections).  I just had labs this morning, so we'll see. 

Yes, it can. It doesn't mean it will happen to you though.

[KayXo]

Im curious to see if Progesterone leads to increased growth in body hair.

After switching to injectable estradiol and later further increasing my dose of oral progesterone, considered to be quite high by transgender standards, I actually noticed decreased body hair growth, density and thickness. My T levels had also significantly dropped to under female range (I'm post-op). Progesterone does not trigger androgen receptors.

The only instance where it could possibly produce some increased body hair growth is where progesterone opposes estrogen's actions (including those anti-androgenic), and as a result, indirectly leads to this.

Pregnant women have very high levels of progesterone, up to about 300 ng/ml (up to 100 fold the levels in non-pregnant women) and don't become hairy beasts, nor do the fetuses who are somewhat exposed to this.

I've read that progesterone is important to prevent effects of what's called estrogen dominance.

In the context of excess endometrial (uterine) proliferation, yes, studies have noted its importance but as far as anything else, NO. Always check the scientific literature.

[DanaDane]

Then my T levels have increased (were 5ng/dl 7 months ago).

If my labs come back with T increased, that would explain it and I'll more than likely increase my E dosage to counteract it. 

[KayXo]

Dana,

Studies have shown that even higher oral progesterone intake does not lead to increased levels of testosterone. The increase in your T levels may be incidental and have nothing to do with progesterone. T levels will FLUCTUATE over time, that is perfectly normal, they don't stay put. Like I said, I took a very high dose and my T levels actually decreased during that time.

[josie76]

Kay,

The one thing I remember specifically was estrogens negative effect on thyroid function which bio progesterone stops from happening. I don't remember the studies or even the links. I was looking up information for my wife who has hypothyroidism. Also I thought there was mention about again bio progesterone counteracting the increased clotting agent activity from estrogen?

[KayXo]

Kay,

The one thing I remember specifically was estrogens negative effect on thyroid function which bio progesterone stops from happening. I don't remember the studies or even the links. I was looking up information for my wife who has hypothyroidism. Also I thought there was mention about again bio progesterone counteracting the increased clotting agent activity from estrogen?

These are assertions but unsubstantiated ones, I suspect. Try and find the studies, I'll be curious to find out if there are any that support their assertions.

Like I said, all I've read from studies is that progesterone has no effect on coagulation and that bio-identical estradiol has some, if taken orally, especially at higher doses and much less to none if taken non-orally.

As regards to thyroid function, I can tell you that I've been on very high (pregnancy) levels of estradiol for three years with comparatively speaking, low progesterone, and my thyroid function is still fine, with levels anywhere between 1-3 mU/L. So, not sure that estrogen would cause problems and more thinking that someone is trying to push progesterone and has a benefit in doing so.

[Pisces228]

I've read that progesterone is important to prevent effects of what's called estrogen dominance. Eh who even knows what's what. 

I just got mine refilled. This time micronized progesterone instead of MPA.

Good for the switch to micronized progesterone instead of mpa.

Progesterone seemed to balance out some of estradiols side effects for me.  Maybe that is estrogen dominance?  It made my skin less dry where estradiol alone made it really soft but really dry.  Now its really soft and smooth and not dry.  It helped with bloating, I retain water really bad.  Makes my mood more evened out.  It made my boobs a lot rounder too.

[JennJenn]

Good for the switch to micronized progesterone instead of mpa.

Progesterone seemed to balance out some of estradiols side effects for me.  Maybe that is estrogen dominance?  It made my skin less dry where estradiol alone made it really soft but really dry.  Now its really soft and smooth and not dry.  It helped with bloating, I retain water really bad.  Makes my mood more evened out.  It made my boobs a lot rounder too.

I've just started Progesterone (USP Progesterone Cream) , it's been a few days.. and I am experiencing the same as you already -- including roundness of breasts (which I probably attribute most to water due to sensitized estrogen receptors).
I've been on Estradiol (oral) and Spiro for 10 years.

[AshleyP]

I've just started Progesterone (USP Progesterone Cream) , it's been a few days.. and I am experiencing the same as you already -- including roundness of breasts (which I probably attribute most to water due to sensitized estrogen receptors).

Is this a OTC or prescription product?

Thanks,
--AshleyP

[JennJenn]

Is this a OTC or prescription product?

Thanks,
--AshleyP

Emerita Pro-Gest.  I've gotten approval to use it by my doctor.  It's OTC but 100% USP Progesterone -- natural bio-identical.

You're just starting out right?  Make sure to listen to Doctor's advice.

I think I've read somewhere that women start out just producing estradiol at around 11 or 12.. and the progesterone comes later at around 15?  Maybe someone can clarify.

[KayXo]

I think I've read somewhere that women start out just producing estradiol at around 11 or 12.. and the progesterone comes later at around 15?  Maybe someone can clarify.

Yes, that is correct, around the time of menses/periods is when progesterone production kickstarts. The age at which this occurs can be earlier in some girls or even later.