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After reading all of the inconclusive results of progesterone's affects on others, I decided to try it myself. Of course one of the main reasons was due to unsatisfactory results with current breast development and the fact that I am strongly advised against BA due to an underlying medical condition. I also had a problem with body hair growing back fast and not really diminishing.

So for the results:

Mentally - the first week to week and a half I felt depressed and irritated. That went away completely after about the second week. Other that I am stable again emotionally.

WOW!!! In less than a month, breast development has picked up again after what seemed like 5months of nothing. My breasts began to hurt again like they did at the start of development. Like hurt really bad. I don't see much more projection, but the sides, where most of the pain is, have began to round out. Bras that didn't fit me a month ago, are finally getting filled with breast tissue. Even my bf is amazed and loves the new growth ;) I am actually proud of my breasts now! I finally like what I see in the mirror as it relates to breasts. By no means are they big, they just look like small female breasts now.

Body hair has slowed it's growth I used to have to shave every 2 days, now it's every 4. I'll take it :D

Skin is significantly more dry! I used to rarely put lotion on, I know it should be more often, but now I need to put lotion on at least once in the morn and again at night or else I am ashy lol I also just need to drink more water to help with the dryness.

Of course YMMV, but so far it's worked for me so far :D

Quote from: Iliana.Found on December 28, 2016, 10:55:36 AMSkin is significantly more dry! I used to rarely put lotion on, I know it should be more often, but now I need to put lotion on at least once in the morn and again at night or else I am ashy lol I also just need to drink more water to help with the dryness.

That is interesting as some transsexual women in whom skin being too dry on just estrogen (combined with an anti-androgen pre-op, usually) find that the addition of progesterone helps to relieve the dryness (and brittleness of nails). Some studies have noted no effect of progesterone on skin dryness, others an increase in oil production and some, even an improvement in acne which would suggest, perhaps, a reduction in oil production. All over the place!  ???

Perhaps, the diuretic effect of progesterone (it is antimineralocorticoid, similar to spironolactone but weaker) is responsible for these effects in you. In my own case, progesterone seems to make my skin glow more, give it some shine which is nice.

Goes to show you how everyone reacts differently. 

QuoteOf course YMMV, but so far it's worked for me so far :D

Great! :)

Quote from: KayXo on December 28, 2016, 11:14:49 AM
That is interesting as some transsexual women in whom skin being too dry on just estrogen (combined with an anti-androgen pre-op, usually) find that the addition of progesterone helps to relieve the dryness (and brittleness of nails). Some studies have noted no effect of progesterone on skin dryness, others an increase in oil production and some, even an improvement in acne which would suggest a reduction in oil production. All over the place!  ???

Perhaps, the diuretic effect of progesterone (it is antimineralocorticoid, similar to spironolactone but weaker) is responsible for these effects in you. In my own case, progesterone seems to make my skin glow more, give it some shine which is nice.

Goes to show you how everyone reacts differently. 

Great! :)

I can always rely on you for the highly technical explanation :) Which is good. I guess I'm an anomaly or there is another cause that just happens to coincide with the start of progesterone.

As I'm over 40, my GP refuses to prescribe progesterone, in spite of my repeated requests. Apparently, it's just too risky for an old girl like me. I'm thinking of getting a second opinion from an endo.

Quote from: Violets on December 28, 2016, 11:35:24 AM
As I'm over 40, my GP refuses to prescribe progesterone, in spite of my repeated requests. Apparently, it's just too risky for an old girl like me.

What is your GP basing themselves on? Studies with progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate? Do they know the difference between that progestin and bio-identical progesterone? Have you asked them? What are the risks, according to them?

Studies have found progesterone to be MUCH safer, with, so far, no increase in breast cancer risk, no deleterious effects on cardiovascular function, no effect on the the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is also NOT androgenic. Benefits may include better sleep, improved skin, decreased blood pressure especially if high to begin with, increased breast volume and rounder shape, less brittle nails, improved mood/memory, etc.

Not everyone seems to benefit from it though as a few can get sometimes serious side-effects (please consult monography and side-effects noted with progesterone only). Some may get moody on it apparently and even depressed. Others note an increase in weight which is desirable in some, not in others. Or headaches, feel bloated on it, too tired (why it's often recommended at nighttime). Dizziness and drowsiness are also common complaints due to the sedative effects of progesterone owing to its metabolites, notably, allopregnanolone.

But, overall, being identical to what the body produces, it would seem it has much less serious side-effects than some other progestins and could be beneficial to some. Its toxicity is rated very low. I've amassed over the years much literature on the subject matter and if you're interested, I can share this with you privately and you can show it to your doctor. Could perhaps change their minds. :) Unless, in your case, there are specific contraindications to taking it, of course.

Quote from: Violets on December 28, 2016, 11:35:24 AM
As I'm over 40, my GP refuses to prescribe progesterone, in spite of my repeated requests. Apparently, it's just too risky for an old girl like me. I'm thinking of getting a second opinion from an endo.

I'm over 40 and my doc prescribed prometrium (bio identical progesterone). I would get a second opinion.

Quote from: Violets on December 28, 2016, 11:35:24 AM
As I'm over 40, my GP refuses to prescribe progesterone, in spite of my repeated requests. Apparently, it's just too risky for an old girl like me. I'm thinking of getting a second opinion from an endo.

I'm 46 and my doctor also prescribed bio-identical progesterone a little over 6 months ago. Her only restriction she puts on it is if you are very overweight. She prefers to only prescribe it if you ask for it and if you have been on estrogen for more than a year. She also likes me to get annual mammograms because I'm over 40, but not for any other reason.

Currently 68 years old and my OB/GYN had no problem prescribing Prometrium for me. - Anne

I am 60 and my doctor asked me if I wanted to try Progesterone. I hadn't even mentioned it to her. I said yes and have been on it for the past month. She said it may increase my breast growth. I have had some growth but not sure if its the E or the P causing it. No side effects from taking it.

Quote from: Violets on December 28, 2016, 11:35:24 AM
As I'm over 40, my GP refuses to prescribe progesterone, in spite of my repeated requests. Apparently, it's just too risky for an old girl like me. I'm thinking of getting a second opinion from an endo.

I'm 54 and i've been on prometrium for about two years now with no issues.

The breasts rounding out on P was also my experience, and well as my rear end rounding out and my belly rounding out too! My endo had me on a very low dose of P to begin with and I was experiencing some mood swings but when it was increased to twice a day (morning and night) most of the mood swings stopped - perhaps it was because of a more steady dose of P?

Anyway, i'm a happy P customer.

Quote from: RobynD on December 28, 2016, 12:16:41 PM
I'm over 40 and my doc prescribed prometrium (bio identical progesterone). I would get a second opinion.

I think this is key.  Lots of GPS, sadly, do not keep up on trends and new studies.  Much of the fear around progesterone originates from the prempro combination or older synthetic progesterones. I've not see newer studies around proper micronised progesterone, but it should be much easier on the liver.

That said, early on in my transition I was on injectable EV + promethium and had amazing results.