Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I couldn't find a poll for this already.  Just how many of us are taking progestins, or progesterone, as part of our HRT therapy?

If you can post why you do or don't take it that could be interesting too.  For example, if you answer no, is that because your GP declined to add it for a reason?

I started Progesterone to try and recreate the monthly cycles... Emotion and minor body changes (like boob tenderness).

Yes I do go through some tenderness and slight emotional changes... Progesterone or other factors? Really don't know....

So cycle starts on first day of month, till around 10th, vary it slightly each month...

L Katy

No, I'm not on it, myself. It wasn't given to me. I don't know what the reasons are. I never even thought about it until now.

Forgive me if I'm inferring this wrongly from the posts in this thread so far, but is it something some people take monthly?

Quote from: Sunderland on February 23, 2015, 08:26:43 AM
No, I'm not on it, myself. It wasn't given to me. I don't know what the reasons are. I never even thought about it until now.

Forgive me if I'm inferring this wrongly from the posts in this thread so far, but is it something some people take monthly?

I took it daily for 5 years as per endo, but off it now.

I take progesterone every evening with all my other hormones.

I have injected depo provera monthly for more than two years.  My Dr. questioned it once, but I insisted that I wanted to continue it because of the possible positive effects it has on breast growth, and that my mood is more balanced with it and my nails don't break so bad.  She may nix it now that I have had BA, but I am not bringing it up.  I am used to it and feel good now.  :)

I'd love to add Prometrium, but haven't yet.

I hated spironolactone and switched over to injecting depo-provera.  Much better.  Yes, I have read the lit. and except for slightly elevated clotting issues in the first year, it is very safe.   i really noticed breast growth from a "fullness" perspective, and my T has virtually disappeared.  My wife is a bit jealous because I only have to shave my legs every 6 weeks or so.

I take medroxyprogesterone acetate daily.  My endo regularly uses it to lower T levels rather than increasing the dose of spironolactone.  Works very well in my case - T plummeted once the MPA was introduced, and I can certainly feel plenty of tenderness in the chest area.  Not sure if that's attributable exclusively to the MPA though, as my estradiol dose was raised at the same time.

Quote from: Cindy Stephens on February 23, 2015, 01:32:03 PM
My wife is a bit jealous because I only have to shave my legs every 6 weeks or so.

Yes, I forgot to add that, too.  lol
My wife, daughter and I were all comparing our leg hair growth.  It just kills them because after 3 weeks of no shaving you have to look real close to see anything on mine.  Theirs is apparent after a few days.

Why not is that I used to be a professional medical librarian and can still access the critical databases; I did the research and decided that the benefits don't outweigh the risks for me. I'm *not* interested in debating it - other people can make their own decisions - but that's the answer to "why."

(5 years HRT, 42DDD and clearly mature/Tanner V breasts, so I don't regret it. The benefits seem likely to have been minimal to nonexistent for me, which affects that risk/benefit ratio too.)

Quote from: Jenna Marie on February 23, 2015, 04:03:01 PM
Why not is that I used to be a professional medical librarian and can still access the critical databases; I did the research and decided that the benefits don't outweigh the risks for me. I'm *not* interested in debating it - other people can make their own decisions - but that's the answer to "why."

(5 years HRT, 42DDD and clearly mature/Tanner V breasts, so I don't regret it. The benefits seem likely to have been minimal to nonexistent for me, which affects that risk/benefit ratio too.)

42DDD? Wow. Thank you for posting this! It certainly alleviated my anxiety that I might be missing out on something. I feel a lot better now. :)

Hello!!!

I voted "Yes, I take it continuously". The explanation of why I do, is below:

The first years of my HRT I didn't take any progesterone.

Then I started taking natural micronized progesterone (Prometrium or its equivalents) to try and make my breasts grow fuller, because of their cone shape and lack of size. It helped a little.

When I took full dose, along with full dose of estrogen (estradiol), my breasts got a bit fuller, but I also gained weight, specially in the waist and stomach area, besides the breasts, and my face sort of masculinized a bit (lost softness and shape, looked rougher, specially in the jaw and chin area). I just took full dose for six months non-stop.

I was about to stop it altogether, but I am on half dose, once daily, in-between my estradiol intakes, because of a VERY IMPORTANT issue I describe below:

Many doctors agree that, for women who are menopausal, or younger ones who had a hysterectomy (equivalent to getting into menopause instantly), and of course for MTF transwomen, who are not hermaphrodites and never had any ovaries to start with, progesterone is NECESSARY because:

Progesterone counteracts the negative effects of estrogen. There has to be some sort of a balance between the two hormones. So, many doctors and scientists, based on real studies, have concluded that, when somebody takes estrogen alone FOR A LONG PERIOD of time, or what they call "unopposed estrogen intake", there's an increased risk of the following negative effects, caused by an estrogen-only therapy:

- Breast cancer
- Blood clotting
- Fluid retention
- Weight gain (obesity) and the myriad of problems that this may cause.

Bottom line, in my particular case, being a person with a mother-side history of circulatory problems, and being a diabetic as well, which makes me prone to many complications non-diabetics are not as likely to have as I do, AS A PRECAUTION, I take half of the maximum Prometrium dose, every day, in between my estradiol intake, just to prevent the ill effects of long-term unoppossed estradiol intake (July this year will be my 6th HRT anniversary, so I have been taking estrogen for a long time now).

I've noticed that my breasts decreased in both fullness and size after I stopped taking full progesterone dose, but I have also noticed that the circulatory problems, like varicose veins, numbness and others, have decreased as well, not to mention my weight loss, which has been caused as well by the anti-diabetic medicine that I started taking last year, which regulates the fat absorption in the body and changes the distribution of fat into less risky areas.

So that's my experience and some science based on my decision of taking half dose every day, I hope this was insightful to anyone!

Cheers

Bibi B.

Quote from: mfox on February 23, 2015, 07:10:32 AM
I couldn't find a poll for this already.  Just how many of us are taking progestins, or progesterone, as part of our HRT therapy?

If you can post why you do or don't take it that could be interesting too.  For example, if you answer no, is that because your GP declined to add it for a reason?

Maybe Bibi B has a good valid point, might see my Dr to address the potential of risk? Thanks Bibi  :-*

L Katy

I've been on prometrium since october of 2012 was on medroxy before that. It was giving me terrible side effects like depression so I made the switch.

My doc prescribed me progesterone when I started hrt so I've never really been off of it. I don't cycle it either. I take it everyday. I do notice that when I go a few days without it I start to get mood swings and just feel really irritable. My breast development has been pretty steady and gradual, they've matured quite a bit. They're at the 4th tanner stage and still growing. I don't come from a busty family so they're not huge or anything. I'm a full A cup. I'll probably reach a full B cup at some point, especially if I gain weight.

Jenna Marie, are you intersex by any chance? Or did you start HRT during your puberty? Those are the only cases I know of, where a MTF woman can reach, naturally --no implants-- anything beyond a full B cup, without being overweight or fairly obese. If you are not in any of those classifications and still developed such big breasts only through HRT, then you must bee one of the luckiest trans women on the planet and I am not kidding about it!

Cheers

Bibi B.

Quote from: Jenna Marie on February 23, 2015, 04:03:01 PM
Why not is that I used to be a professional medical librarian and can still access the critical databases; I did the research and decided that the benefits don't outweigh the risks for me. I'm *not* interested in debating it - other people can make their own decisions - but that's the answer to "why."

(5 years HRT, 42DDD and clearly mature/Tanner V breasts, so I don't regret it. The benefits seem likely to have been minimal to nonexistent for me, which affects that risk/benefit ratio too.)

I take an OTC progesterone cream, applying about 1 tbsp twice daily (with the E pills). My endo dr knows of this, and says that as long as my bloodwork is good, there's no worry.

I started originally to mimick the cycles, but after a while I noticed that the breasts would..."deflate"...a little when off for just a few days, and would reinflate (for lack of a better word) soon after resuming P cream.

deflate = less firm, a little smaller
inflate = more firm, a bit bigger

Been on HRT for 3 years now, P cream for about 2.

I was on a transitioning dose of HRT for about 6 months and then my endo introduced prometrium. I've been on the prometrium for about 8 months and the high level dose of HRT for about 14 months now. I cycle it on a 12 day cycle each month as my endo prefers.

The emotional effects include sometimes mild sometimes wild emotional mood swings, mild headaches, mild queasiness, mild irritability, short on patience - sort of a PMS lite deal  :laugh: Each month when it's time to start a cycle i'm always kind of excited and by the end of the 12 days i'm ready to stop taking it. My friend describes Progesterone as "cloying" and I think that's an apt description of the way I feel on day 12.

I knew something was up physically when I began having trouble pulling my jeans up past my butt; my butt has just about grown out of my size 10s at this point  :laugh:. My boobs lost the traffic cone shape; they rounded out and look like adult women's breasts now. And I am gaining weight around my middle because I can't get enough to eat during those 12 days  :P

Linda...you, and everyone bring up good points.
(Funny you mention boob siizes...I've read in these blogs about size D cups after six months, smh)
I was on progesterone for five years, but following blood work after my GRS, my endo reduced my estrogen by 50% as my levels were almost triple, and I was sort of irritable (so my partner says), almost like I was PMSing.
Everything has been fine, now about 3 months in just the reduced estrace.
I'm 50, mom died of breast cancer at 49.
I'm not really sure why my endo took me off progesterone, but I want to call her today and ask if the risks outweighs the benefits at my age and now on HRT over six years.
I know I don't want to lose what boobage I have, modest B cup at best (my mom was a B, plus I have a low BMI, so not a lot of excess tissue I can even squeeze into that area to enhance)
Any thoughts?

Bibi : Not intersex, started HRT at 32, but I'm definitely not skinny. (My GP says about 3/4 of this is glandular breast tissue, though, and breasts can be half fat or more... I'm kinda hoping they don't get much bigger from fat!) Dunno about the luckiest in the world, since I'd kill to have gotten off more lightly in terms of T poisoning with the face and belly. :)

With that said, I think there've even been polls on this very site where plenty of women report being bigger than a B cup. And of course cup size isn't static - a 40B is the same volume as a 38C and 36D, so a trans woman with a bigger rib cage may have a B cup that's considerably larger than a cis woman's 36B, etc. I figure it's mostly genetics and luck of the draw, just like for cis girls.

Hi mfox;
I used to take it on a 12 day cycle when I first transitioned in my 30s. Now  many years later, my GP will not prescribe it because of what he says are the risks and because anyway he says he is not licensed to prescribe it.
Judith

Quote from: judithlynn on February 28, 2015, 01:07:17 AM
Hi mfox;
I used to take it on a 12 day cycle when I first transitioned in my 30s. Now  many years later, my GP will not prescribe it because of what he says are the risks and because anyway he says he is not licensed to prescribe it.
Judith

Not licensed?  Sounds odd, I'm partially in the same boat though as my doctor will not prescribe either, says Prometrium and Estrogen is unhealthy for me  :o, JEEZ, oh well I didnt really want it just yet anyway so that gives me time to change her mind.   Dani

I have not used either & wonder why my physician did not suggest it. I have an appointment soon & will ask him about adding this. My breasts have grown to maybe a B cup however they are not very full. My hips or butt has not increased one inch & I'm very dissapointed. I recently changed over to Climara patches & they seem nice. However I may need to add this to my HRT plan to improve myself.     Thanks so much for this thread & all posts GF's.

I requested it from my PA-C. It is Prometrium and I take it before bed sublingually. I requested it because I am an A cup and wanted a bit more, even though it is not permanent from progesterone ( as stated from my PA-C).

I'm really confused whether progestins are important or not??? Can someone please post the benefits, reasons & risks when adding to spiro & E. I've always just taken E with patches & spiro pills. I'll be seeing my GP Physician later this week & I would like be to be more knowledgeable.  He will help me any way he can however I'm sure he is not that experienced with HRT & mtF patients.   Please post. Thanks so much.   

Quote from: FrancisAnn on March 01, 2015, 05:05:23 AM
I'm really confused whether progestins are important or not??? Can someone please post the benefits, reasons & risks when adding to spiro & E. I've always just taken E with patches & spiro pills. I'll be seeing my GP Physician later this week & I would like be to be more knowledgeable.  He will help me any way he can however I'm sure he is not that experienced with HRT & mtF patients.   Please post. Thanks so much.

I wish there was one simple answer. I was on Prometrium 5 years along with spiro and estrogen. Following GRS last September I had bloodwork done. My endo recommended stopping Prometrium, eliminating spiro and cutting my estrace my half because my estrogen level was dangerously high.
After reading the posts here, called her a week ago to say I'm reading a lot about progesterone and whether it was right to stop it altogether. She said, and this is for me, the risks outweigh the benefits,mim not sure if that's because of my age, or progesterone cannot really do much at this stage....I don't know. But I'll take her advice and when I see her in July 2015, I'll ask her again if she feels the same.

I really dislike progestins. After I discontinued spironolactone due to side effects (dry and aging skin, bathroom issues, masculinization of face and body), I was put on progesterone (generic Prometrium) as a replacement. Within the first two days, my breasts became tender and grew a little, but that was quickly covered up by general weight gain, much of which went to the abdomen in a male pattern. My face became pointier, too, and my hair thinner. I also became depressed and badly fatigued. I tried the progesterone both with and without estradiol. Clearly, progesterone was not for me. All the side effects stopped when I discontinued the progesterone.

So then, my doctor prescribed medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) as a replacement. It gave me insomnia and intense nightmares. It also had masculinizing side effects on my face and body shape. It, too, caused depression and weight gain, although not as severely as the Prometrium. I have been off it 5 days now and am already doing better. I am so much happier and more feminine on estradiol alone.

Also, unopposed estradiol really has no risks (except for a small increase in the risk of clots in people with pre-existing risk factors, a risk that is not reduced by progestins anyway), so there is no real *need* for progesterone. Estradiol alone is sufficient for feminization.

Quote from: Steph34 on March 01, 2015, 06:48:39 AM
I really dislike progestins. After I discontinued spironolactone due to side effects (dry and aging skin, bathroom issues, masculinization of face and body), I was put on progesterone (generic Prometrium) as a replacement. Within the first two days, my breasts became tender and grew a little, but that was quickly covered up by general weight gain, much of which went to the abdomen in a male pattern. My face became pointier, too, and my hair thinner. I also became depressed and badly fatigued. I tried the progesterone both with and without estradiol. Clearly, progesterone was not for me. All the side effects stopped when I discontinued the progesterone.

So then, my doctor prescribed medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) as a replacement. It gave me insomnia and intense nightmares. It also had masculinizing side effects on my face and body shape. It, too, caused depression and weight gain, although not as severely as the Prometrium. I have been off it 5 days now and am already doing better. I am so much happier and more feminine on estradiol alone.

Also, unopposed estradiol really has no risks (except for a small increase in the risk of clots in people with pre-existing risk factors, a risk that is not reduced by progestins anyway), so there is no real *need* for progesterone. Estradiol alone is sufficient for feminization.

Thank both of you so much. perhaps my simple plan is going OK. I've had no problems at all. My body is slowly improving & maybe that is the way it was meant to change. Thank you again. I feel better. My best to us all to have a beautiful safe feminine life. 

Interesting debate, there seems to be a real divide between good and not so good... I must admit, my Dr did suggest that he was not inline with the Progesterine benefits lobby, as I said before I have no side effects or visible benefits... Maybe I am not really clear or positive on any "cycle" benefits or changes... I must admit, as I am on a 12'ish day cycle I am swaying more inline with the "not taking it" club... Certainly this thread has given me a lot of food for thought... Thanks girls, really good insights

Hugs to all

L Katy  :-*

Quote from: Jenna Marie on February 24, 2015, 04:15:24 PM
Bibi : Not intersex, started HRT at 32, but I'm definitely not skinny. (My GP says about 3/4 of this is glandular breast tissue, though, and breasts can be half fat or more... I'm kinda hoping they don't get much bigger from fat!) Dunno about the luckiest in the world, since I'd kill to have gotten off more lightly in terms of T poisoning with the face and belly. :)

With that said, I think there've even been polls on this very site where plenty of women report being bigger than a B cup. And of course cup size isn't static - a 40B is the same volume as a 38C and 36D, so a trans woman with a bigger rib cage may have a B cup that's considerably larger than a cis woman's 36B, etc. I figure it's mostly genetics and luck of the draw, just like for cis girls.

This is a good point thats often overlooked... Im at 38B so far  ;D ;D

My OB/GYN prescribes whatever progesterone I want... His rational is that prometrium cant hurt so if I want it so be it (l like him) ;D

We tried before bed, and split afternoon/evening same dose... I prefer to split it... We also tried lower dosage before bed and I like that... Ive tried to stay on P all the time but I feel better going on and off of it... Ive tried it for anywhere from a week to three weeks out of the month to all the time... Ive settled into 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off...

I love it and I hate it ::)

In 10 months Ive grown into a nice 38 B that just keeps going and Im hoping eventually they become even more feminine looking and feeling ;D

YAY!!! I love my tits :D

Hey, Eva

U kinda look like Sarah Palin or Tina Fey in that pic of yours.

-sorry, having a slow/boring Sunday right now, after seeing my BF hours ago, so I felt like posting this for fun, I know it's not even related to the issue at hand --I already commented on it previously though--.

Most likely I will remove this unless you tell me you actually liked my comment lol (both women are considered very good looking, so if it is not sort of a compliment to you, sorry, I just should "keep my fingers closed" next time (not keep my mouth shut because I am typing, not talking right now hehe).

Cheers

Bibi B

Quote from: Eva on March 01, 2015, 10:27:04 AM
My OB/GYN prescribes whatever progesterone I want... His rational is that prometrium cant hurt so if I want it so be it (l like him) ;D

We tried before bed, and split afternoon/evening same dose... I prefer to split it... We also tried lower dosage before bed and I like that... Ive tried to stay on P all the time but I feel better going on and off of it... Ive tried it for anywhere from a week to three weeks out of the month to all the time... Ive settled into 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off...

I love it and I hate it ::)

In 10 months Ive grown into a nice 38 B that just keeps going and Im hoping eventually they become even more feminine looking and feeling ;D

YAY!!! I love my tits :D

Quote from: Jenna Marie on February 24, 2015, 04:15:24 PM
Bibi : Not intersex, started HRT at 32, but I'm definitely not skinny. (My GP says about 3/4 of this is glandular breast tissue, though, and breasts can be half fat or more... I'm kinda hoping they don't get much bigger from fat!) Dunno about the luckiest in the world, since I'd kill to have gotten off more lightly in terms of T poisoning with the face and belly. :)

With that said, I think there've even been polls on this very site where plenty of women report being bigger than a B cup. And of course cup size isn't static - a 40B is the same volume as a 38C and 36D, so a trans woman with a bigger rib cage may have a B cup that's considerably larger than a cis woman's 36B, etc. I figure it's mostly genetics and luck of the draw, just like for cis girls.

This!

I've never taken progestins and was on premarin from 28-33 and estradiol the last 9 months after a 25 year break.  I'm a 38DD with most of that growth in the last 9 months (was 42B last May).  My last mammogram note said that I had dense breast tissue and to make sure the next time that the technician knew that.

I took it for a while but suffered from depression, which is unusual for me so I stopped taking it to see if I notice a difference. I'm sure it depends on the person though.

Not on it, no plans but I'll ask.

Quote from: bibilinda on March 01, 2015, 03:07:10 PM
Hey, Eva

U kinda look like Sarah Palin or Tina Fey in that pic of yours.

-sorry, having a slow/boring Sunday right now, after seeing my BF hours ago, so I felt like posting this for fun, I know it's not even related to the issue at hand --I already commented on it previously though--.

Most likely I will remove this unless you tell me you actually liked my comment lol (both women are considered very good looking, so if it is not sort of a compliment to you, sorry, I just should "keep my fingers closed" next time (not keep my mouth shut because I am typing, not talking right now hehe).

Cheers

Bibi B

Hey thanks, no not offended at all  ;) Recently my brother told me I looked like Sarah Palin too when I sent him that pic LOL
I find that a great complement because I always liked her and were alike in a lot of ways  ;) I never could see it but I'll take it :)

Thats a recent pic of me but Im 5 days post op with full FFS with Dr Spiegel now, Im hoping to look as young and as pretty as you soon ;)

Anyway progesterone is controversial, I like to cycle it, cant make up m mind if I love it or hate it ;) :D

Ive been on and off progesterone for 2 years. Tried the injections and the oral micronized one. I took it for the sake of having more calm / happy mood / health benefits / plus the fact that it can make your breast fuller.

When I take it, I take it everyday (micronized). I even logged the dates when Im on and off of it. Heres both positive and negative effects I experienced:

Positive:
Breast became a little fuller
Mood is colorful / calming effect
Skin becomes more softer
I guess better libido

Negative:
My face lose a bit fat / bit masculinizing
Always tired and sleepy
Sleep is always intermittent
Gained weight specially in tummy
Hair growth increased a bit

As much as I wanted to have fuller breast, I stopped taking it because I cant take the negative effect over the positive once. My endo is always against it and always telling me that its a PMS hormone. But after SRS, some say we need progesterone. I think I already had enough and will not take it for now

I certainly get unsettled sleeping patterns, thought up till a year ago it was work life pressures, but still there, maybe a valid point Chinee l, as is a slight Belly swell... But that's all....
Breasts do enlarge very, very slightly, but not significantly...

I am loving this Thread, thanks  mfox

L Katy

Quote from: bibilinda on February 23, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
When I took full dose, along with full dose of estrogen (estradiol), my breasts got a bit fuller, but I also gained weight, specially in the waist and stomach area, besides the breasts, and my face sort of masculinized a bit (lost softness and shape, looked rougher, specially in the jaw and chin area). I just took full dose for six months non-stop.

Quote from: Steph34 on March 01, 2015, 06:48:39 AM
I really dislike progestins. After I discontinued spironolactone due to side effects (dry and aging skin, bathroom issues, masculinization of face and body), I was put on progesterone (generic Prometrium) as a replacement. Within the first two days, my breasts became tender and grew a little, but that was quickly covered up by general weight gain, much of which went to the abdomen in a male pattern. My face became pointier, too, and my hair thinner. I also became depressed and badly fatigued. I tried the progesterone both with and without estradiol. Clearly, progesterone was not for me. All the side effects stopped when I discontinued the progesterone.

Quote from: chinee05 on March 01, 2015, 04:52:25 PM
My face lose a bit fat / bit masculinizing
Always tired and sleepy
Sleep is always intermittent
Gained weight specially in tummy
Hair growth increased a bit

I wonder if the masculinization side effects to the face, stomach and hair are because you might have had too much progesterone in your system and you weren't on a T blocker?  According to this, excess is converted into testosterone:

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/hrt_m2f.htm

".. your body will likely first try to enzymatically convert [Progesterone] to testosterone. This is likely the underlying cause of the "virilazation" (mostly unwanted facial or body hair growth) reported by some men and women who've taken Progesterone supplements - and what likely has also led to the general belief that it is undesirable as part of TS HRT."

"In lower doses, though, this enzymatic conversion is less of a problem and can be further mitigated by combining Pg supplements with Spironolactone, which happens to suppress expression of the P-405 gene responsible for signalling enzymatic conversion of progesterone into testosterone."

   My experience, about 2 months after starting prometrium my t levels went from 2.5/50 to 12/200 3 months after that I was checked again this time 16/240.My very low sprio dose was doubled  to med low. Stopped losing hair in my comb and overall body hair growth slowed  drastically even beard. Also some facial changes but minor.
  I like the skin changes and it puts me to sleep and I stay asleep which I never did before and I am on the lowest dose. The chest area seems to be growing at about the same rate as before starting prometrium in spurts so its hard to tell. Overall it does bring a calmness or at least more than before starting. For me it has been a positive addition to my HRT.   Patty

I started taking provera last month. I've gone through 2 cycles of it(8-9 days each). I've heard some horror stories about provera, but for me it actually doesn't do much. I think it makes me a bit more emotional and gives me some mood swings, but that's it. Physically I haven't noticed much, but at the same time I haven't really looked out for anything. I was actually hoping it'd increase my sex drive a bit, but nope.

Quote from: mfox on March 03, 2015, 04:28:26 AM
I wonder if the masculinization side effects to the face, stomach and hair are because you might have had too much progesterone in your system and you weren't on a T blocker?  According to this, excess is converted into testosterone:

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/hrt_m2f.htm

".. your body will likely first try to enzymatically convert [Progesterone] to testosterone. This is likely the underlying cause of the "virilazation" (mostly unwanted facial or body hair growth) reported by some men and women who've taken Progesterone supplements - and what likely has also led to the general belief that it is undesirable as part of TS HRT."

"In lower doses, though, this enzymatic conversion is less of a problem and can be further mitigated by combining Pg supplements with Spironolactone, which happens to suppress expression of the P-405 gene responsible for signalling enzymatic conversion of progesterone into testosterone."

I almost have zero T in my body and I am post op so I dont need to take any form of T blocker anymore. The last time I was on progesterone, I checked my blood levels and my T was still in zero point something level. I dont think I am taking too much progesterone as I am only taking it once a day before bed time too. When I was still on injections, I inject every 15days.

I guess its a case to case basis and its up to you if you can take the negative effects over the positive once. One thing is for sure though, I am not the only one who experienced the negative things I experienced.

Quote from: mfox on March 03, 2015, 04:28:26 AM
I wonder if the masculinization side effects to the face, stomach and hair are because you might have had too much progesterone in your system and you weren't on a T blocker?  According to this, excess is converted into testosterone:

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/hrt_m2f.htm

I was on a T blocker while using progesterone and my T remained at a normal female level during that time; it did not really change much. The androgenic effects and weight gain were clearly caused by the progesterone itself and not by conversion to testosterone. My doctor said it was plausible that progesterone could be androgenic, since it binds to androgen receptors that may otherwise be vacant (and therefore inactive) while testosterone production is suppressed. She really does not care whether I take it or not; whatever makes me look and feel better is fine. I did not do well on it.

Quote from: katrinaw on March 01, 2015, 07:49:52 AM
Interesting debate, there seems to be a real divide between good and not so good...

Wow you're right, so far the poll results are split 50/50.  And the feedback is along those lines too, if I interpret these stories right:

9 cases are neutral (positives may not outweigh the negatives)
5 are mostly negative
5 are mostly positive

Positives like improved mood and breast swelling (some of you say it's temporary), and negatives like masculinization in the belly/face and depression, make it a hard decision.  It's probably different for each person and dose.

It makes sense now that a lot of Endos don't include it.  There doesn't seem to be a consistently positive effect.   You probably wouldn't see a drug sold on the market that only helped 50% of the people that took it.

For me, I picked up my first prescription of micronized progesterone (at the lowest dose), but I don't have high expectations.

I just wanted to follow up and to say that I've tried the lowest dose of micronized progesterone on and off for the past month.

For breast size/development, I was surprised how noticeable the effects were immediately. When I take it once at night, I have measurably fuller breasts for the following 1 - 2 days.  But the effect is mostly temporary, and if I haven't taken another capsule by the third day, they lose their extra fullness.

I was happy that however, maybe by coincidence, my bust size had started measurably growing again a little when it had previously seemed to plateau.

It also noticeably improves mood and libido in those following 2 days, but only moderately, and I wonder if it might be due to the breast changes. :)

One side effect is definitely increased appetite, like other people mentioned.  I also had to take it at night, because taking it in the morning made me moody/tired by the evening.  I didn't notice any face/stomach masculine changes when I only took it once every 2-3 days.  I haven't seen any other side effects so far so I plan to continue taking it  every 3 days.

It wasn't part of my HRT but I have tried progesterone recently because I didn't like how my nipples were so small compared to the areolas and the breast. It's an easy thing to do as progesterone creams are also available OTC. The ingredients say USP Progesterone, so it's not some weird herbal thing.

I did that for 15 days, now I'm off for 15 days. It seems to have helped a bit with the nipple size.

About the breast swelling, totally agreed - it's temporary and stops after you're off. But even after that my breast were more sensitive for a while

My conclusion is that it could help for the nipples, not sure about the rest so I'm just applying the cream on my boobs and I'll see. It's OTC anyway.

Is cyproterone a progestin? I get confused. Was on that, now spironolactone and progynova. Has worked really well for me.

But yeah, I never thought I would grow big boobs naturally either. Hello double D's. They are still growing actually - 13-14 years later. My Endo offered me a progesterone shot to halt breast growth. I'm thinking I might take it.

But yeah. 20D or 18DD depending on my weight... I never really cared about boob size. I must say though, I like mine. They do get a bit too much attention sometimes though lol!