Susan's Place Transgender Resources

My medical provider mentioned to me the idea of adding progesterone to my regime. I have reservations, but that's because I don't know much about it.

I don't see myself sticking to it long term, so I'm worried about the potential risks of stopping progesterone when I've had my fill.

I've talked to someone recently and she said that the only thing impacted by being on progesterone was her emotion, negatively. I've also heard of some amazing things that came out of using progesterone. Definitely a your mileage may vary type thing. I don't have a problem with putting on weight, but I eat clean so I don't have to.

I've heard of cycling progesterone, which is definitely up my alley, but I'd like to hear from your experiences to see if I can make up my mind.

Quote from: Orchid on March 05, 2016, 04:26:09 PM
I don't see myself sticking to it long term

Why not?

QuoteI've talked to someone recently and she said that the only thing impacted by being on progesterone was her emotion, negatively.

Are you sure she was taking bio-identical progesterone? People often confuse progesterone with other progestogens. Progesterone may actually impact mood beneficially as its metabolite allopregnanolone is anxiolytic and anti-depressive. 

QuoteI don't have a problem with putting on weight, but I eat clean so I don't have to.

Some people gain, some people lose weight, in some, no difference. It DEPENDS.

QuoteI've heard of cycling progesterone, which is definitely up my alley, but I'd like to hear from your experiences to see if I can make up my mind.

I personally see two problems with cycling.

1) Moods, ups and downs leading to PMS symptoms like in ciswomen during their menstrual cycle. With other physical symptoms like sudden bloating due to progesterone withdrawal because it is a diuretic (anti-mineralocorticoid), drier skin, brittle nails, etc.

2) Cycles have been associated with an increase in breast cancer risk (more proliferative phases with increased risk of mutated cell) and this is why it is postulated that nuns have historically been afflicted more by it because of the increased number of cycles relative to ciswomen who become pregnant and breastfeed. Cycling is rare in transwomen and this may be why breast cancer is so rare in this population. It's a chance I wouldn't take.

I've been on a regular course of P for about 2 and a half years now, speaking for myself only it works great for me and I have none of the issues you raise. Your milage may vary of course.

Thank you both for responding!

Quote
Why not?

I... Don't know really. I asked my provider if I could and she said matter of factory, sure. I suppose don't really know why I would want to quit if all is going fine.

QuoteAre you sure she was taking bio-identical progesterone? People often confuse progesterone with other progestogens. Progesterone may actually impact mood beneficially as its metabolite allopregnanolone is anxiolytic and anti-depressive.

I don't know that- I just assumed it was bio identical but I have no idea.

QuoteSome people gain, some people lose weight, in some, no difference. It DEPENDS.

Okay, that makes total sense.

QuoteI personally see two problems with cycling.

1) Moods, ups and downs leading to PMS symptoms like in ciswomen during their menstrual cycle. With other physical symptoms like sudden bloating due to progesterone withdrawal because it is a diuretic (anti-mineralocorticoid), drier skin, brittle nails, etc.

2) Cycles have been associated with an increase in breast cancer risk (more proliferative phases with increased risk of mutated cell) and this is why it is postulated that nuns have historically been afflicted more by it because of the increased number of cycles relative to ciswomen who become pregnant and breastfeed. Cycling is rare in transwomen and this may be why breast cancer is so rare in this population. It's a chance I wouldn't take.

Okay, none of the above sounds like something that I would want to put myself through, by any means. I guess I just have to see how my body takes to it. Crossing my fingers. You're extremely helpful, thank you so much for the information!