Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: AshleyT on February 05, 2017, 01:40:57 PM Return to Full Version
Title: E levels when adding progesterone
Post by: AshleyT on February 05, 2017, 01:40:57 PM
Post by: AshleyT on February 05, 2017, 01:40:57 PM
Hi all,
Quick question for those who have any insight - my doc and I are looking at adding bio-identical P to my regimen but it's a new area for both of us.
Have a nagging feeling that I've read somewhere that P has an effect on E levels and just wondering whether, in your experience, we should be aiming to raise E levels when starting P. My E levels are typically around 130-150 pg/ml max and I don't take T blockers (but I do take Dut). I have so far had quite good results from these levels on just E alone.
Any input welcome for discussion with my doc next week!
Quick question for those who have any insight - my doc and I are looking at adding bio-identical P to my regimen but it's a new area for both of us.
Have a nagging feeling that I've read somewhere that P has an effect on E levels and just wondering whether, in your experience, we should be aiming to raise E levels when starting P. My E levels are typically around 130-150 pg/ml max and I don't take T blockers (but I do take Dut). I have so far had quite good results from these levels on just E alone.
Any input welcome for discussion with my doc next week!
Title: Re: E levels when adding progesterone
Post by: KayXo on February 05, 2017, 02:40:03 PM
Post by: KayXo on February 05, 2017, 02:40:03 PM
P will increase the rate at which estradiol converts to estrone and also downregulate (reduce) the number of estrogen receptors. I noticed upon switching to a higher dose of P, my E2 levels came back lower, from close to 4,000 pg/ml to around 2,500 pg/ml despite also increasing my estrogen dose. I'm actually trying to think back now and find out if my breasts stopped growing and shrunk after I increased P or if they had already started to do that before the increase in P and soon after switching to injections after being on oral. ???
I think it's best to change one variable at a time to see what is causing what but your doctor will decide that.
I think it's best to change one variable at a time to see what is causing what but your doctor will decide that.
Title: Re: E levels when adding progesterone
Post by: MissGendered on February 05, 2017, 03:03:26 PM
Post by: MissGendered on February 05, 2017, 03:03:26 PM
Hi Ashley,
When my doc added P, it was the synthetic kind, and he upped my E at the same time. My development improved, but the synthetic made me depressed, so a switch to bio-identical P was made.
When I consented to full transition dosages, several months later, my P was also increased, and my development took off, well beyond my expectations.
My endo suggested it was in my best interests to keep my receptors full, with any and every estrogen available, whenever possible, and that even within the framework of normal E and P fluctuations, it was better that these receptors stayed busy, lol.
He also mentioned something called 'estrogen dominance', and advised finding and maintaining an overall balance of P, estrodial, and other estrones that worked best for me emotionally as well as physically. I generally get a fractionated estrone blood workup when I get tested, but haven't tested lately, though I plan on insisting on one next visit in a week and a half.
When my levels were near yours, I felt under-served and estrogen starved. But, hey, that may just be me.
Hope you find your best balance and levels soon!
Missy
When my doc added P, it was the synthetic kind, and he upped my E at the same time. My development improved, but the synthetic made me depressed, so a switch to bio-identical P was made.
When I consented to full transition dosages, several months later, my P was also increased, and my development took off, well beyond my expectations.
My endo suggested it was in my best interests to keep my receptors full, with any and every estrogen available, whenever possible, and that even within the framework of normal E and P fluctuations, it was better that these receptors stayed busy, lol.
He also mentioned something called 'estrogen dominance', and advised finding and maintaining an overall balance of P, estrodial, and other estrones that worked best for me emotionally as well as physically. I generally get a fractionated estrone blood workup when I get tested, but haven't tested lately, though I plan on insisting on one next visit in a week and a half.
When my levels were near yours, I felt under-served and estrogen starved. But, hey, that may just be me.
Hope you find your best balance and levels soon!
Missy
Title: Re: E levels when adding progesterone
Post by: AshleyT on February 05, 2017, 03:41:15 PM
Post by: AshleyT on February 05, 2017, 03:41:15 PM
Hi both,
Thanks for the replies - some good stuff there to bring up at my appointment. Although I've been developing quite well I've been wanting to up my levels anyway as I could tell before my latest bloods that my body needs a little more, so it's certainly something I'll be discussing on two fronts, especially if we do add P at this point!
Ash
Thanks for the replies - some good stuff there to bring up at my appointment. Although I've been developing quite well I've been wanting to up my levels anyway as I could tell before my latest bloods that my body needs a little more, so it's certainly something I'll be discussing on two fronts, especially if we do add P at this point!
Ash
Title: Re: E levels when adding progesterone
Post by: MissGendered on February 05, 2017, 03:49:01 PM
Post by: MissGendered on February 05, 2017, 03:49:01 PM
Quote from: AshleyT on February 05, 2017, 03:41:15 PM
Hi both,
Thanks for the replies - some good stuff there to bring up at my appointment. Although I've been developing quite well I've been wanting to up my levels anyway as I could tell before my latest bloods that my body needs a little more, so it's certainly something I'll be discussing on two fronts, especially if we do add P at this point!
Ash
Ash,
Adding P also helped in other ways, in fat distribution and lip growth and in rounding out my boobs. Of course, there are risks to all HRT stuff, so be sure that your doctor explains them to you. I find all the risks associated with HRT to be very acceptable, so I may be more enthusiastic than some girls, so you know...
I hope things go swimmingly for you!!
Missy