So in a little under two months, I'll be having my second anniversary of taking MTF HRT (I'm still not out). I have been on Lupin-Estradial and Cyproterone Acetate. Over the last 22 months I have found that my face has feminized, and especially now with chin-length hair, when I do a half-up do, that really enhances my faces femininity (plus I have been getting tinsel in it, and people have liked seeing that and find that it suits me).
Also, my breasts have grown to where some tight shirts, at least in the mirror, do show some shape and protrusions (I do wear a bra occassionally, however, I am also a larger person, so I think to some it still looks like I have "male boobs" without assuming that they are female). For the past three weeks, after not feeling much for about four or five months, I've been getting some pains from my breasts, so I think I have entered another phase of their growth. I am also thinking of asking at my next appointment to start progesterone to help further develop my breasts (I realize that Cyproterone is a progestin, however, for those who have been on Cyproterone and started Progesterone, did you notice any changes with using the two?)
Now then I've been looking on this site and online, and there is not a lot on what happens in the third year of HRT. What changes did any of you notice during your third year or 24-36 months on HRT?
My prescriptions are different than yours. I assume it is due to US protocols vs Canadian protocols.
I'm just past four years HRT now. About a year ago, my endocrinologist retired from the VA, so I got sent to a different endo. I begged the previous doctor for progesterone citing numerous studies that it helps with breast development, sleep at night, and a whole host of other benefits. She said no. My new doctor agreed with me and started it right away.
It took about a month, but I noticed the soreness, tingling, etc. Although my breasts did not get larger, they became more rounded and shapely. Now with both estradiol and progesterone working, they are S L O W L Y getting bigger.
This may not relate to your specific situation but was my experience.
Hugs!
I had some more breast development after two years.
Sometimes one breast has been slightly larger than the other.
They are about the same now, round and perky, and it is hard to tell any difference in size, so there may not be any now.
Chrissy
Quote from: LoriDee on April 05, 2024, 01:53:54 PMMy prescriptions are different than yours. I assume it is due to US protocols vs Canadian protocols.
I'm just past four years HRT now. About a year ago, my endocrinologist retired from the VA, so I got sent to a different endo. I begged the previous doctor for progesterone citing numerous studies that it helps with breast development, sleep at night, and a whole host of other benefits. She said no. My new doctor agreed with me and started it right away.
It took about a month, but I noticed the soreness, tingling, etc. Although my breasts did not get larger, they became more rounded and shapely. Now with both estradiol and progesterone working, they are S L O W L Y getting bigger.
This may not relate to your specific situation but was my experience.
Hugs!
Yeah, I know that in the US because of regulations Cyproterone is unavailable, whereas in most of the world it is probably the most prescribed anti-androgen. (Any other country besides the US where Cyrpo is unavailable due to government regulations? Also, that's kind of been a question that I have wondered about: if I were to cross into the US for a few days on vacation, would US customs say anything about it, even if I had the prescription label on my bottle?)
I honestly don't know the answer, but I suspect that since it is prescribed and you are traveling as a guest or tourist, it should be fine. I don't believe they would/could/should deprive you of any prescribed medication.
I have been one month on HRT. Nothing has changed, except libido :)
Hello Sweet Luck My name is
Sarah B and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!
You mentioned in your first post;
Quote from: Sweet luck on April 06, 2024, 02:38:27 AMI have been one month on HRT. Nothing has changed, except libido :)
- You can expect your boobs to be smaller than your closest female relatives by up to a cup size.
- You may notice signs of breast enlargement around the third month if you're using both hormone blockers and hormones.
- Breasts take 3 to 5 years from tanner stage 1 to tanner stage 5.
When I first started HRT I knew it would take time for my breasts to develop and I heard at the time it would take about 5 years. I was patient, so in the end I did not worry about them growing.
We strive to make this a safe place to find information and to share your thoughts and comments regarding your journey. Just about everyone here has been confused about their gender at some point in their lives. Some discover they are transgender and others realize they are non-binary, while others may feel they fit best somewhere else along the gender spectrum. No matter where that may be, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.
Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the
Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,8.0.html). I'm always learning something new.
In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most of us have experienced these as well. You can read about my story (still in progress) in a link listed below my signature.
Please review the links at the end of this message, 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.comOnce again, Welcome to Susan's Place!Sarah BOffical Greeter@Sweet luck@LoriDee @Northern Star Girl
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) |
|
News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images (https://www.susans.org//index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Site Policies and stuff to remember (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,492.0.html) |
|
Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
Quote from: Sweet luck on April 06, 2024, 02:38:27 AMI have been one month on HRT. Nothing has changed, except libido :)
Hello Sweet Luck! Welcome to Susan's Place.
You are just getting started on HRT, so you are in for some exciting times. As Sarah pointed out, this will be a long slow journey. My breast development started at about three months on HRT and became more noticeable to me by six months.
Ah yes, libido. You can expect ups and downs in that area too. It is perfectly natural. Your body is just making adjustments and reacting to new hormone levels. Things sort of smooth out later on.
Please be mindful of your moods. Any signs of depression, sadness, or harmful thoughts, or if things just don't feel right, please contact your doctor right away so they can adjust your dosage as necessary. If all is good, then relax and enjoy the ride.
Hugs!
Speaking of libido, it can be both strong or indifferent. One would hope not the latter when, let's say, one is in a situation where you should not be indifferent!
There are days I want to be the most good looking and let's say, a most talented and desirable in the right ways, woman. There are other days when perhaps reading a good book is of more interest.
Chrissy
I have now been back for a while on my usual dosage of Estradiol.
I went way back to see what impacts that would have on me, and recents labs are just fine.
All in all, I am better off with a full tablet each day.
I felt some tingling again in one of my breasts recently, so I think my body is noticing what it missed. I do not see a loss of libido.
Also, this may have absolutely nothing to do with the E, but I seem again to be much more wanting to wear dresses and skirts, although other feminine clothes are certainly still appreciated and worn.
I have noticed a few pounds being added on so I decided to try to skip a meal when I am not hungry and that is keeping things pretty much the same.
Chrissy
Hi Chrissy You mentioned several things in regards to HRT and they are;
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMI have now been back for a while on my usual dosage of Estradiol.
I went way back to see what impacts that would have on me, and recents labs are just fine.
All in all, I am better off with a full tablet each day.
I'm more diligent in taking my HRT these days and long story short, I'm more happy
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMI felt some tingling again in one of my breasts recently, so I think my body is noticing what it missed. I do not see a loss of libido.
I was never 'active', before or during the period I changed my life around. I was always on HRT during this period and I never noticed any functionality problems downstairs.
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMAlso, this may have absolutely nothing to do with the E, but I seem again to be much more wanting to wear dresses and skirts, although other feminine clothes are certainly still appreciated and worn.
While I looked after my mum, I was not religiously taking my HRT and since she passed away I have been taken it regularly like I used to do when I started to change my life around. So I have noticed a difference about myself, I'm more happy, patient, and I have been weepy in recent times, although this never occurred before,
I'm taking more time in deciding on what new clothes will look good on me. Instead of just taking some clothes of the racks or shelves and saying that will do. In addition, getting some new earrings has been fun in and of itself. Why? I swim a lot and when I do, I always have studs in my ears. So not many opportunities to wear them, when going out on special occasions.
This could just be, I have more time on my hands!
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMI have noticed a few pounds being added on so I decided to try to skip a meal when I am not hungry and that is keeping things pretty much the same.
Chrissy
Breasts growing means a few more pounds!! Take care, have fun and enjoy the feelings of being feminine.
Love and HugsSarah BOfficial Greeter@ChrissyRyan
The third year was when I couldn't pass as male anymore. Everyone's results vary, but my experience was 24 months onward was when I had to start planning for living full time as a woman because people no longer saw me as a man even when wearing men's clothing.
Quote from: BlueJaye on April 12, 2024, 07:00:58 PMThe third year was when I couldn't pass as male anymore. Everyone's results vary, but my experience was 24 months onward was when I had to start planning for living full time as a woman because people no longer saw me as a man even when wearing men's clothing.
That is a nice transition outcome.
Quote from: Sarah B on April 12, 2024, 04:18:55 PMHi Chrissy
You mentioned several things in regards to HRT and they are;
I'm more diligent in taking my HRT these days and long story short, I'm more happy
I was never 'active', before or during the period I changed my life around. I was always on HRT during this period and I never noticed any functionality problems downstairs.
While I looked after my mum, I was not religiously taking my HRT and since she passed away I have been taken it regularly like I used to do when I started to change my life around. So I have noticed a difference about myself, I'm more happy, patient, and I have been weepy in recent times, although this never occurred before,
I'm taking more time in deciding on what new clothes will look good on me. Instead of just taking some clothes of the racks or shelves and saying that will do. In addition, getting some new earrings has been fun in and of itself. Why? I swim a lot and when I do, I always have studs in my ears. So not many opportunities to wear them, when going out on special occasions.
This could just be, I have more time on my hands!
Breasts growing means a few more pounds!! Take care, have fun and enjoy the feelings of being feminine.
Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter
@ChrissyRyan
I do not want heavy breasts, maybe just a tad bigger, but that is all!
A little more "padding" on the rear to round me out may be nice. A bit more proportional would be nice but I am pleased as is.
Chrissy
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 05, 2024, 01:55:35 PMI had some more breast development after two years.
Sometimes one breast has been slightly larger than the other.
They are about the same now, round and perky, and it is hard to tell any difference in size, so there may not be any now.
Chrissy
"Perky" is a beautiful word! :eusa_dance:
Quote from: Colorado Girl on April 13, 2024, 11:26:32 AM"Perky" is a beautiful word! :eusa_dance:
:) I think so too.
So besides your breasts getting bigger, were there any other changes in the third year that any of you noticed? I know that during the first two years a lot of fat moves around, and
@BlueJaye I know said that she could no longer pass in her third year. So what else might I expect?
I lost a lot of muscle definition. I mostly noticed it in my legs. The fat distribution sort of filled in stuff. Yay, cellulite!
I noticed in my face, that my features smoothed a bit so I look more like my mother than my father. I think breasts are the most noticeable change. But then again, my estradiol levels have been low for four years. I am hoping to fix that and see some bigger changes.
Not just at the three year milestone, but earlier, my face filled out.
My rear has not, thus there is not a 10-12 inch difference between my waist and hips.
Smooth skin? Or perhaps better said as smoother feeling skin? Yes, some of that too. Not to be mistaken with softened hot water and soap when taking a shower, that feels smooth too.
Chrissy
Yes! I didn't notice it, but my dental hygienist said that she noticed my skin being smoother and softer. I think I notice it mostly after shaving my legs. I love how soft and smooth they get.
Quote from: LoriDee on April 16, 2024, 10:18:40 AMYes! I didn't notice it, but my dental hygienist said that she noticed my skin being smoother and softer. I think I notice it mostly after shaving my legs. I love how soft and smooth they get.
It is a lovely and welcomed change, for sure.
Chrissy
Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 15, 2024, 09:09:42 PMNot just at the three year milestone, but earlier, my face filled out.
My rear has not, thus there is not a 10-12 inch difference between my waist and hips.
Smooth skin? Or perhaps better said as smoother feeling skin? Yes, some of that too. Not to be mistaken with softened hot water and soap when taking a shower, that feels smooth too.
Chrissy
I'm noticing that my face is getting more feminine—-of course because of my intersex condition it never really developed the brow ridges and other masculine features (from what my doctors can tell for most of my life before HRT my testosterone was sitting right on the border of the "crossover" zone where the say if males are in there they have low testosterone but if women are in it then they have high testosterone. So they figure my natural estrogen during my puberty was doing more than most males—-however I also carried a lot in the stomach so they think a lot of my testosterone was converted to estrogen from the aromatase in my belly fat), so I never had those strong masculine facial features and it also helps explain why I have managed to maintain my early-twenties look when I am in my early-forties.
Last night I was out for dinner with a group I volunteer with, and I'm not out to them, however I just saw a photo on Facebook and I was in the back in the photo, and at first I was like "Who's that woman? I don't recall seeing her there." Then I realized that it was me! The way I had my hair, I really had that feminine look even though I was presenting male.
I was told that T is a much more powerful hormone than E. Which is why we get T-blockers in addition to E. They suspected that like you said, my T was being converted from E. So they took me off Spiro and put me on two other blockers. One prevents T from being produced. The other blocks the T receptors, so if any E is being converted it will have no effect. They still haven't figured out why my E is so low despite continually increasing my dosage over four years. But the small improvements I have experienced are very affirming, like seeing a photo or a glance in the mirror and realizing that is you!
Quote from: LoriDee on April 18, 2024, 02:28:08 PMI was told that T is a much more powerful hormone than E. Which is why we get T-blockers in addition to E. They suspected that like you said, my T was being converted from E. So they took me off Spiro and put me on two other blockers. One prevents T from being produced. The other blocks the T receptors, so if any E is being converted it will have no effect. They still haven't figured out why my E is so low despite continually increasing my dosage over four years. But the small improvements I have experienced are very affirming, like seeing a photo or a glance in the mirror and realizing that is you!
No, for me my E levels are good. However, before I started HRT, I had been tested a few times for my testosterone levels over my life, and they always showed me testosterone back then being on the border of being low.
Quote from: LoriDee on April 18, 2024, 02:28:08 PMI was told that T is a much more powerful hormone than E. Which is why we get T-blockers in addition to E. They suspected that like you said, my T was being converted from E. So they took me off Spiro and put me on two other blockers. One prevents T from being produced. The other blocks the T receptors, so if any E is being converted it will have no effect. They still haven't figured out why my E is so low despite continually increasing my dosage over four years. But the small improvements I have experienced are very affirming, like seeing a photo or a glance in the mirror and realizing that is you!
Sorry, I got interrupted earlier, however, before I started HRT, what the doctor's think was happening was that a vast majority of my testosterone was being converted to estrogen by the belly fat (dietitians have concluded that I'm genetically disposed to being overweight) that I had, and since I had had the situation since I was a baby, possible even in the womb (or I might also have PAIS), my body developed as intersex, because my estrogen was probably at the same level as my testosterone or slightly higher, to where my body developed both male and female characteristics and neither to a fully developed form. (https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/extra-abdominal-weight-in-men-health-risks) (It's interesting how U.S. News mentions 'Belly fat converts naturally-made testosterone into estrogen, which promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics.')
So as I was saying, before I started MTF HRT, I had never really fully developed my male facial features or other male things. Of course I didn't fully develop my female features either. However, since starting MTF HRT it is helping my female features to come out more to the world.
Quote from: Sarah B on April 06, 2024, 08:09:06 AMHello Sweet Luck
My name is Sarah B and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!
You mentioned in your first post;
- You can expect your boobs to be smaller than your closest female relatives by up to a cup size.
- You may notice signs of breast enlargement around the third month if you're using both hormone blockers and hormones.
- Breasts take 3 to 5 years from tanner stage 1 to tanner stage 5.
When I first started HRT I knew it would take time for my breasts to develop and I heard at the time it would take about 5 years. I was patient, so in the end I did not worry about them growing.
We strive to make this a safe place to find information and to share your thoughts and comments regarding your journey. Just about everyone here has been confused about their gender at some point in their lives. Some discover they are transgender and others realize they are non-binary, while others may feel they fit best somewhere else along the gender spectrum. No matter where that may be, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.
Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,8.0.html). I'm always learning something new.
In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most of us have experienced these as well. You can read about my story (still in progress) in a link listed below my signature.
Please review the links at the end of this message, 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
Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Offical Greeter
@Sweet luck
@LoriDee
@Northern Star Girl
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) |
|
News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images (https://www.susans.org//index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Site Policies and stuff to remember (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,492.0.html) |
|
Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
Hello, dear Sarah! Sorry for posting so late, since April I suffered from a strong gender disforia. So even I wanted to give up my HRT, I was disappointed with no effects. But now everything is all right! I feel my body is getting more and more feminine, I feel my new brests growing and I'm so happy 😊. By the way I've posted my newcomer's introduction.
By the way, I'm not passing as a female, besides I have my long hair and rather feminine face and voice, being on HRT and wearing unisex. But noone unfortunately identifies me as a female. So I'm planning to have a ffs surgery after several month of HRT. Now I'm looking for a good clinic in Thailand or South Korea to fix my face.
I just got my yearly bloodwork done this morning, and when I see my NP I'm going to ask to be put on progesterone. Cyproterone is a progestin, so it has helped, however from what I have read bioidentical progesterone helps to promote even further feminization, and is better, such as growing the breasts to Tanner 5.
Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on Today at 12:29:30 PMI just got my yearly bloodwork done this morning, and when I see my NP I'm going to ask to be put on progesterone. Cyproterone is a progestin, so it has helped, however from what I have read bioidentical progesterone helps to promote even further feminization, and is better, such as growing the breasts to Tanner 5.
I have been on progesterone for just over a year now. Both medicines work the same way, but bioidentical progesterone has less health risks. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the risk of cancers, etc. Bioidentical progesterone has no such risk. When women become pregnant both their estrogen and progesterone levels rise to high levels. Extremely few pregnant women develop cancer, therefore bioidentical is the way to go.
I still argue with my doctors who want to keep levels low "to a safe level". They ignore the biological fact that high estrogen and high progesterone are what prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. We could get to Tanner Stage 5 in 9 months! But they prefer to take things S L O W L Y and after four years, my levels still have not hit the "normal" levels I should be at. They think because of my age I should be at a post-menopausal range when I am still trying to get through puberty.
My new Gynecologist and I will have a long discussion next month. I might have to tell her I want to meet with a lactation consultant to see how she would modify my hormone protocol to induce lactation in 9 months. She can't argue that it can't be done. It already has. A transgender woman breastfed her partner's infant successfully for six months before switching to formula. It was all over the news back in 2017.
Quote from: LoriDee on Today at 01:26:44 PMI have been on progesterone for just over a year now. Both medicines work the same way, but bioidentical progesterone has less health risks. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the risk of cancers, etc. Bioidentical progesterone has no such risk. When women become pregnant both their estrogen and progesterone levels rise to high levels. Extremely few pregnant women develop cancer, therefore bioidentical is the way to go.
I still argue with my doctors who want to keep levels low "to a safe level". They ignore the biological fact that high estrogen and high progesterone are what prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. We could get to Tanner Stage 5 in 9 months! But they prefer to take things S L O W L Y and after four years, my levels still have not hit the "normal" levels I should be at. They think because of my age I should be at a post-menopausal range when I am still trying to get through puberty.
My new Gynecologist and I will have a long discussion next month. I might have to tell her I want to meet with a lactation consultant to see how she would modify my hormone protocol to induce lactation in 9 months. She can't argue that it can't be done. It already has. A transgender woman breastfed her partner's infant successfully for six months before switching to formula. It was all over the news back in 2017.
I don't go through my family doctor or other healthcare providers that do not specialize in trans health issues. My family doctor and other doctor's that I deal with do know about the clinic that I go through for my HRT. So I do deal with doctor's and nurse practitioners who work with trans people and specialize in trans health.
With the Cyproterone Acetate, ever since I started in June 2022 I am on what, from what I have seen online, an ultra low daily dose that doesn't even come close to what the guidelines say for daily. (I'm trying to dance around not posting how much I take.) By August 2022, the Cypro at that level had essentially killed my testosterone, however, since it does go through my liver, I also have to wonder just how much of the progestin part has been working on me. I would say probably a tiny bit, but with the first-pass-the-liver part probably not as much as I will get on bioidentical progesterone.
I'm also going to ask my NP if I can up my Estradial intake to the maximum each day.
Very often, providers like to quote the Women's Health Initiative study as their guidelines. Even the FDA has warnings for Prometrium (bioidentical progesterone). I point out that the WHI study was a good thing and we learned much about Premarin (Conjugated HORSE estrogen) and synthetic progestins. The study was canceled due to too many instances of cancer in the study subjects.
I have read the study myself and there are problems with it. The purpose of the study was to determine if adding progestin to Premarin would improve the cardiovascular health of post-menopausal women. The problems with that study are:
1. Not a single participant was transgender.
2. Our prescribing protocol now includes bioidentical progesterone, not synthetic progestin. We are not prescribed CEE (Conjugated Equine Estrogen), i.e. Premarin.
3. You cannot look at the results of one drug and automatically assume that applies to all drugs in that category.
As part of that study, they looked at just Premarin and found it causes an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They looked at just the progestins and found that it increases the risk of certain cancers. But they ignore the fact that neither of these products is found in the human body.
Yes, they are still prescribed. But as you pointed out, they do it at a low dose to avoid those risks. And some patients have a good outcome.
As yet, not one provider has been able to explain to me why we don't follow basic biology and do what the human body normally does. Estrogen levels rise at the beginning of the monthly cycle for the first half, then drop in the second half. Progesterone rises in the second half and drops at the end.
Estrogen provides fat distribution (bust, hips. and butt) and develops the ductwork inside the breast connecting to the nipple. This causes an increase in bust projection. Progesterone builds the glands (alveoli) that will produce milk later. This causes an increase in breast volume.
When pregnancy occurs, both estrogen and progesterone climb several times higher than baseline. This kicks breast development into high gear so that they will be fully matured and ready for lactation in nine months. Progesterone blocks prolactin so that lactation does not occur. Post-partum, (after birth), both hormones drop to baseline levels, allowing prolactin to cause milk ejection.
Because all of these hormones are bioidentical, because they come from the human body, the high levels do their job and do not cause all of the dangerous side-effects. If the risk is there, there would be very high numbers of pregnant women with cancer, blood clots, and stroke. But there isn't.
Sorry for the long post, but this is the long discussion I will have with my gynecologist. We will see what her response is.
Quote from: LoriDee on Today at 03:35:23 PMVery often, providers like to quote the Women's Health Initiative study as their guidelines. Even the FDA has warnings for Prometrium (bioidentical progesterone). I point out that the WHI study was a good thing and we learned much about Premarin (Conjugated HORSE estrogen) and synthetic progestins. The study was canceled due to too many instances of cancer in the study subjects.
I have read the study myself and there are problems with it. The purpose of the study was to determine if adding progestin to Premarin would improve the cardiovascular health of post-menopausal women. The problems with that study are:
1. Not a single participant was transgender.
2. Our prescribing protocol now includes bioidentical progesterone, not synthetic progestin. We are not prescribed CEE (Conjugated Equine Estrogen), i.e. Premarin.
3. You cannot look at the results of one drug and automatically assume that applies to all drugs in that category.
As part of that study, they looked at just Premarin and found it causes an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They looked at just the progestins and found that it increases the risk of certain cancers. But they ignore the fact that neither of these products is found in the human body.
Yes, they are still prescribed. But as you pointed out, they do it at a low dose to avoid those risks. And some patients have a good outcome.
As yet, not one provider has been able to explain to me why we don't follow basic biology and do what the human body normally does. Estrogen levels rise at the beginning of the monthly cycle for the first half, then drop in the second half. Progesterone rises in the second half and drops at the end.
Estrogen provides fat distribution (bust, hips. and butt) and develops the ductwork inside the breast connecting to the nipple. This causes an increase in bust projection. Progesterone builds the glands (alveoli) that will produce milk later. This causes an increase in breast volume.
When pregnancy occurs, both estrogen and progesterone climb several times higher than baseline. This kicks breast development into high gear so that they will be fully matured and ready for lactation in nine months. Progesterone blocks prolactin so that lactation does not occur. Post-partum, (after birth), both hormones drop to baseline levels, allowing prolactin to cause milk ejection.
Because all of these hormones are bioidentical, because they come from the human body, the high levels do their job and do not cause all of the dangerous side-effects. If the risk is there, there would be very high numbers of pregnant women with cancer, blood clots, and stroke. But there isn't.
Sorry for the long post, but this is the long discussion I will have with my gynecologist. We will see what her response is.
I know that you're are in the US, so you can't get cypro, however, Cyproterone is more anti-androgenic than progestenic, so it is a weak progestin. So in my case, with taking an ultra low dose, the progestin is not that effective.