Progesterone question with TLDR

[salaniaseviltwin]

TLDR at the bottom...

A little bit of background real quick. I have been on E and AA since Jan. 2017, my doses have been raised incrementally as recommended by all Endocrine studies. I received my most recent test results a few weeks ago, and my Progesterone levels were normal for a male. My Testosterone levels are high compared to a cis-female (250+ (base stats were above 900)), but my estradiol levels are high even compared to a cis-female (275+). I am already on the maximum recommended dose for my AA and my doctor wants to try to raise it even more and keep a close eye on my T levels and my system due to current levels being way beyond our target range within a year of use (I'd prefer not to do this due to the prohibitive pricing of the testing even with insurance). She has already agreed to allow an Orchiectomy by May (my B-day present to myself), so we will see what happens with the AA dosing in the meantime.

I asked my previous doctor if I would be able to try Progesterone and she was very hesitant to allow it, saying that if i still want to try it next time, we can talk about it more... more or less indirectly saying no. I have since switched doctors but am now reluctant to ask her about it because there is only anecdotal evidence regarding benefit to the MTF community and no obvious rewards due to lack of research. Though I do believe that we should have some control over what medications we take, the doctor will always know the best course of action and make recommendations that would benefit us most.

Does anyone have any anecdotal evidence regarding long term use in benefit vs. risk while using progesterone in a HRT setting?

Obviously I will continue my research into this on the academic level to see if I can obtain some strong pros and cons for the use of progesterone, but any feedback from all of you would be very much appreciated.

TLDR

Has anyone been on progesterone throughout any period of their transition and seen any positive effects on fat distribution, weigh gain, breast growth, etc., that they would be willing to share?

[KayXo]

my estradiol levels are high even compared to a cis-female (275+).

Cisfemale's estradiol levels can go as high as 1,000 during a menstrual cycle, and as high as 75,000 during pregnancy. Estradiol levels fluctuate in time so at time X, could be 275 and at time Y, 100 or 500.

I am already on the maximum recommended dose for my AA and my doctor wants to try to raise it even more and keep a close eye on my T levels and my system due to current levels being way beyond our target range within a year of use

If you are on Spironolactone, studies have shown that even quite high doses do not always suppress testosterone levels and that its antiandrogenic effects are mostly due to the blocking of androgen receptors (and increase in estrogen levels, sometimes significant) which is something (as far as the former) blood tests can't tell you. The anti-androgenic effect is probably sufficient if you notice things like drier (less oily) softer skin/hair, reduced body hair growth/density/pigmentation, reduced body odor, breast/fat changes, loss of muscle mass/strength, reduced libido and morning/spontaneous erections, reduced testicle size and sperm production (quantity, viscosity), increased scalp hair growth, etc.

Also total testosterone might not be the most accurate measure since some of that is bound to SHBG which increases on estradiol (especially oral). The portion of testosterone that can more freely bind to receptors is bio-available testosterone.

Does anyone have any anecdotal evidence regarding long term use in benefit vs. risk while using progesterone in a HRT setting?

I've taken it several years under my doctors' supervision. Higher doses than typical and noticed a temporary enlargement of my breasts (areolas and nipples too), but also I think I look more bloated on it and fatter. It helps me sleep, relax but can also lead to constipation and too much fatigue. It can improve mood. Seems to make skin/hair softer too and helps some girls with brittle nails. Overall though, I stopped it for now for the most part as I want to lose some weight. I just didn't like how it made me look "bigger". Might resume taking it continuously again in the future, who knows? One of my doctors likes to prescribe it to all her patients as she believes it has a positive effect on mood, memory and overall health. Please don't confuse it with some other progestogens (like medroxyprogesterone acetate, Provera) which have been found, at times, to have deleterious effects on mood and overall health.

Obviously I will continue my research into this on the academic level to see if I can obtain some strong pros and cons for the use of progesterone, but any feedback from all of you would be very much appreciated.

It seems from my own research (I'm not a scientist though) that progesterone is quite safe but as always, there is the potential for side-effects although usually minor. Remember, pregnant women produce very high levels of it.

[epvanbeveren]

My Endo added oral Provera (medroxyprogesterone) to my medications after 4 months, on my request. I did noticed my libido went up from pretty much nothing to "controllable". As far as the growth of the girls, I am not sure if it makes a difference, but I am still taking it, although the dosage is cut in 4 after my grs.

Erin