Trialing Progesterone (Prometrium) Under Endocrinologist Supervision

[Alear]

I've started taking Prometrium (100MG) under my Endocrinologist's supervision, starting after being 9 years on HRT. I'll be trialing it out and seeing how it works for me and if I can yield any benefits. Has anyone else tried Prometrium and seen any form of results? I'd like to hear what you have to share. So far in my five days of experience, here's what I've noticed:

Pros:
Clearer facial skin (less acne, less oily)
Softer skin and body (all areas of body, feels more plushy and squishy)
Less anxiety (I feel more naturally upbeat and less worried about things I normally fret about)
I feel overall more feminine.

Neutrals:
Increased libido
Sleepy after taking it at night time before bed (orally)

Cons:
I've never had as strong of a libido, but after starting it I feel like it definitely has greatly turned that up and sometimes won't go away.
More emotional (prone to crying if emotional triggers) feeling helpless.
More irrational sometimes, harder to be level headed.
Breasts tenderness


I'll continue to monitor myself and see what I can yield in the mid to long term future.

Until then, please share your experiences with progesterone (micronized) bioidentical if you have any.
I'd love to hear.

[Sarah B]

Hello Alear

My name is Sarah B and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I have noticed this is your first post, I'm sure you have a lot of experience that you can share here on Susan's and of course the subject of progesterone is a subject of interest, where your input will be welcomed.

I have been taking hormones for over 35 years and I have never taken progesterone.  Well I had never heard of it when I changed my live around.  These days a lot of our members mention the benefits of progesterone and they will let you know in due course.

I did ask my current Genereal Practicioner (GP) doctor about it and it was decided it was not needed in my case.  Thats not to say that I will not revisit this subject again with her in the future.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forum, of course.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these as well.

Please review the links at the end of this message, especially the red links, they include information which will help you navigate the site and use the available features.  When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile, until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact, the Forum Admin Danielle Northern Star Girl alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Offical Greeter
@LoriDee
@Northern Star Girl
@Alear

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[Allie Jayne]

Hi Alear,
           My doctor and I agreed to trial Prometrium for just over a year to assess different methods. As you may have heard, Progesterone has not been studied to be beneficial to trans people, and all the evidence supporting its use is anecdotal.

Most practitioners agree it should not be started before attaining Tanner Stage 3 as it matures breast cells, and can mean an end to further development. We also waited until my levels were stable on HRT for six months so we could attribute any changes to the progesterone.

We started at a lower dose orally for some months, then switched to rectal for the same period. While my blood levels didn't change much, I did notice that I didn't get as sleepy on rectal. We then doubled the dose and tried both methods again, with slightly higher blood levels, but no significant differences between methods.

My physical changes were limited to an increase in nipple size, and this happened in the first 3 months. This is one of those 'everyone is different' situations, and others cannot expect similar results to me. I wasn't seeing any further development, so I discontinued taking it. I was trialling this under the supervision of my gynaecologist and an endocrinologist researcher. All uses for Prometrium are 'off label' for trans women as they have not been formally studied or passed by the federal drug agencies.

Hugs,

Allie

[Lori Dee]

Hello Alear,

Welcome to Susan's Place.

I have been taking Prometrium for several years now. My Endocrinologist was against it at first, but I showed her articles written in the Journal of Endocrinology that recommended it. I have compiled a few other studies and articles that discuss its benefits.

I have not had the same results as you. And for them to happen within five days at that low dose is interesting. I was taking twice that for three years and not noticing those effects. I got those effects from estradiol. The progesterone helps me sleep at night.

Recently, I was discussing progesterone in general with my doctor. It seems that many are unaware of recent studies, or are bound to follow prescribing protocols established by the Endocrine Society. A couple of weeks ago, I showed my doctor that the protocols were outdated and explained why they should be changed, she agreed and changed my prescription.

So. like you, I will be monitoring myself for any changes.

[Mariah]

My doctor switched me to it a few years back now. Emotionally and libido picked up a bit initially. Definitely has made the breasts more tender. Really didn't have any negative effects that are unwanted. Hugs

Mariah

[Alear]

Hello Alear,

Welcome to Susan's Place.

I have been taking Prometrium for several years now. My Endocrinologist was against it at first, but I showed her articles written in the Journal of Endocrinology that recommended it. I have compiled a few other studies and articles that discuss its benefits.

I have not had the same results as you. And for them to happen within five days at that low dose is interesting. I was taking twice that for three years and not noticing those effects. I got those effects from estradiol. The progesterone helps me sleep at night.

Recently, I was discussing progesterone in general with my doctor. It seems that many are unaware of recent studies, or are bound to follow prescribing protocols established by the Endocrine Society. A couple of weeks ago, I showed my doctor that the protocols were outdated and explained why they should be changed, she agreed and changed my prescription.

So. like you, I will be monitoring myself for any changes.

Hopefully you yield some positive results!

[Alear]

Hi Alear,
           My doctor and I agreed to trial Prometrium for just over a year to assess different methods. As you may have heard, Progesterone has not been studied to be beneficial to trans people, and all the evidence supporting its use is anecdotal.

Most practitioners agree it should not be started before attaining Tanner Stage 3 as it matures breast cells, and can mean an end to further development. We also waited until my levels were stable on HRT for six months so we could attribute any changes to the progesterone.

We started at a lower dose orally for some months, then switched to rectal for the same period. While my blood levels didn't change much, I did notice that I didn't get as sleepy on rectal. We then doubled the dose and tried both methods again, with slightly higher blood levels, but no significant differences between methods.

My physical changes were limited to an increase in nipple size, and this happened in the first 3 months. This is one of those 'everyone is different' situations, and others cannot expect similar results to me. I wasn't seeing any further development, so I discontinued taking it. I was trialling this under the supervision of my gynaecologist and an endocrinologist researcher. All uses for Prometrium are 'off label' for trans women as they have not been formally studied or passed by the federal drug agencies.

Hugs,

Allie

I'm glad you shared your insight as it provides more information that is beneficial to me to be aware of.

[Alear]

My doctor switched me to it a few years back now. Emotionally and libido picked up a bit initially. Definitely has made the breasts more tender. Really didn't have any negative effects that are unwanted. Hugs

Mariah

Yeah that's great! I'm noticing that as well. In particular my overall skin being way more squishier and softer.

[NancyDrew1930]

I've started taking Prometrium (100MG) under my Endocrinologist's supervision, starting after being 9 years on HRT. I'll be trialing it out and seeing how it works for me and if I can yield any benefits. Has anyone else tried Prometrium and seen any form of results? I'd like to hear what you have to share. So far in my five days of experience, here's what I've noticed:

Pros:
Clearer facial skin (less acne, less oily)
Softer skin and body (all areas of body, feels more plushy and squishy)
Less anxiety (I feel more naturally upbeat and less worried about things I normally fret about)
I feel overall more feminine.

Neutrals:
Increased libido
Sleepy after taking it at night time before bed (orally)

Cons:
I've never had as strong of a libido, but after starting it I feel like it definitely has greatly turned that up and sometimes won't go away.
More emotional (prone to crying if emotional triggers) feeling helpless.
More irrational sometimes, harder to be level headed.
Breasts tenderness


I'll continue to monitor myself and see what I can yield in the mid to long term future.

Until then, please share your experiences with progesterone (micronized) bioidentical if you have any.
I'd love to hear.

Alear how are you finding progesterone?  You and I both started around the same time.