okay so I've been researching this, and I want to ask my doctor next visit about possibly adding progesterone to my hormone regimen. From what I've read here in the Wiki (https://www.susans.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_%28male-to-female%29#Progestogens) and in this forum, as well as talking to other transsexual women, and the fact that my SRS surgeon Dr. McGinn recommends it for all post-op women anyway, I am convinced the benefits might be worth a try.
My question then, is there an optimal time frame to start adding progesterone to the mix? I've been taking estradiol and spiro for 8 months now and I have a little less than that to go until my surgery. Is that too soon, or what? I appreciate any info.
I am very interested in this subject as well, especially natural vs synth progesterone. It seems there still is no decisive agreement in the med comm regarding the use of this in the ts comm. I used large doses of inj nat progesterone during my 1'st yr of hrt, but obviously there was no way to do a double blind study on myself. I suspect most drs will err on the side of caution untill it's settled.
Post Merge: October 24, 2009, 07:34:14 PM
Dr. McGinn recommends it for the purpose of maintaining a healthy libido after surgery, because progesterone metabolizes into testosterone and we don't get enough from the other sources in our bodies. That's according to her post-surgery fact sheet. I asked my hormone doctor about it once and he seemed to think any benefits weren't worth the trouble, but I want every advantage I can get lol
I've heard some say it's better to be a while on the other hormones first, but I was wondering if it made any real difference when you start it, as long as you start it.
Post op the Idea of a libido enhancer may be worth looking at, but I'm currently doing the opposite to dull my libido because I'm physically wrong in a bad way. I just want to be & feel numb as long as I'm in this sad state of affairs.
I'm taking Estrodial and progesterone (actually, a generic of Provera). I never took spiro. My hormone levels are normal for a post-menopausal woman on HRT. When the progesterone kicked in (about day 3) I felt immediate relief from my years of testosterone poisoning. It seems to work. It can have serious side-effects, but the only one I might have so far is breast tenderness. (Or they may be tender because they are growing. And they are growing. :))
- Kate
hmm that's interesting Kate. Something causes the breast tenderness, because I've had it since about 2 weeks in and it's only diminished slightly in that time, but no progesterone. My hormone levels are normal for a pre-menopausal woman without HRT.
I'm not anxious to unleash that sex drive monster that plagued me before HRT either, honestly I just want it for the breast growth benefits and I think one major surgery a year is enough!
Fairy Girl
When I add progesterone to my meds I was very pleased. Even though I'm on siterone the progesterone neutralize the balance of the male sex drive. Then it helped my breasts grow, their very firm.
Dale
I believe that there's a difference between progestins and progesterone. I believe Provera is Medroxyprogesterone, a progestin. Where as Prometrium is a Progesterone. Both are supposed to work in the body similarily, but there's some differences.
As for myself, I'm on Prometrium.
I can't remember off hand the differences or if one is better than the other, etc. I'll have to google it again.
Post Merge: October 25, 2009, 11:22:53 PM
To add to that, some people cycle the progesterone to mimic a monthly cycle. While, others don't. I don't know if it makes a difference or not.