Quote from: Jamie D on May 31, 2013, 06:50:42 PM
Dr. Bevan is a practicing biopsychologist.  Her credentials are more than satisfactory for the purpose of reviewing the errors and lapses in Dr. Curtis's "analysis."  Bevan's critique is labeled as a "science review."

Not wanting too much of a contrarian here, but once again, neither of the two documents are peer reviewed, and irrespective of the label they use for them, that in and of itself makes both of them opinion pieces in my book. The studies I linked are published and peer reviewed, and stem from groups that focus on evidence based medicine. Not quite Cochrane level of trust there, but decent. As noted they actually add a bit of weight to arguments supporting the use of natural progesterone, but as yet there is no fully fledged study to be certain.

As for biopsychology, I would just like to throw in the reminder that the medical branch of the mental sciences is psychiatry, psychology is a subsection of philosophy, and therefore does not include very much medical training. Seeing as my mother also has her PhD in psychology, and a good friend his master, I am somewhat aware of the distinctions and limitations. It is also one of the reasons why I chose a psychiatrist for my therapist: I wanted to be able to discuss medical details with her, not just my mental state (and yes, I am aware that I can discuss my medical details with a psychologist as well, but they are neither allowed to prescribe medicine over here, nor would I feel confident about them doing so). Whatever Dr. Bevan practices, her education does therefore not qualify her to give medical advice, and she herself says so in the first sentence. This is in no way to say that her opinions are invalid, but simply that they have to be taken on their on merit, and not on the basis of her formal education.

One last note: while some of the content in the article implies that Dr. Curtis' ethical compass might indeed be a bit off, the reference to "without the specialised knowledge or skills" is associated with patients under 18, meaning he has no formal paediatric training; i.e. not that he is not qualified to work with transsexuals, but that he is not qualified to work with adolescents. This is not to say that his record with transsexuals is in any way good, but the critique of his knowledge is focussed on a different area.

Thank you for your comment.  Dr Bevan has just published a book.  Here is the comment from Amazon.com:

Have you ever wondered what the experience of transsexualism or ->-bleeped-<- (TSTG) is like or what causes these phenomena?

This book provides answers to these questions by creating a new genre of literature that incorporates both autobiography and understandable science. The autobiographical information is based on self-observations of a Ph.D. psychologist and extends for over fifty years from her discovery at age 4 that she was a transsexual. The scientific analysis is organized to parallel the autobiographical story. This book is intended for those with personal or professional interest in TSTG or those interested in a tale of self-discovery.

As a scientist, the author has spent 7 years critically reviewing over 2700 scientific articles and has found over 60 proposed causes of TSTG. Like a detective story, most of these candidate "suspects" can be eliminated by analyzing the available scientific evidence. These include many of the most commonly believed causal factors, including lifestyle choice, sexual fetish, prenatal hormone levels, mental disorder, and a "gender center" in the brain. Her analysis reveals two likely causal factors that can work together or separately to produce TSTG.

Dr Bevan earn her B.A. at Dartmouth, and her PhD at Princeton.  Information on her book, The Transsexual Scientist: The Causation and Experience of Transsexualism and ->-bleeped-<- can be found at Amazon and elsewhere.  She is currently transitioning.

Quote from: peky on May 31, 2013, 09:01:34 AM
I have not finish yet find out who "Dana J. Bevan Ph.D" but so far she has not published a single peer-reviewed paper: transsexualism/GID/->-bleeped-<-, endrocrinology/pharmacology, or hormone replacement therapy.

Nor there is any technical reports by this person in the Defense Technical Information Center.

I think her C.V. might very well be found under her old male name.

With regard to Richard Curtis, General Practitioner, we will have to see what the investigation turns up, if anything.  To be fair, Dr. Curtis's be can be found HERE

Quote from: peky on May 30, 2013, 06:42:43 PM
If after reading the paper in the link below
http://www.changelingaspects.com/PDF/The%20Lowdown%20on%20Progesterone.pdf

You still insist in taking progesterone ( Levenorgestrel, Norethisterone, Mexdroxyprogesterone Acetate, Dydrogesterone, etc) well then you will deserve what ever you get out of it....do not say: "nobody told me"

I understand your concern for others but I think that is a very rude thing to say. I am prescribed hormones by one of the best doctors in central Florida, referred to by one of the best gender therapists in central Florida. She is extremely compassionate, openly working with both MtF and FtM. I am going to listen to her guidance because she has handled the HRT regiments of probably 100+ patients.

So, I appreciate your genuine concern but please 1) don't make me or others feel like total morons for listening to our doctors and 2) don't tell us we deserve to have something negative happen because you don't agree with it. There are more constructive ways to make your point.

Quote from: Jamie D on May 31, 2013, 06:50:42 PM
Dr. Bevan is a practicing biopsychologist.  Her credentials are more than satisfactory for the purpose of reviewing the errors and lapses in Dr. Curtis's "analysis."  Bevan's critique is labeled as a "science review."

Part of the problem, too, with Curtis can be found here:

Dr Richard Curtis: transsexual doctor faces investigation

Britain's first transsexual doctor is under investigation following complaints that he provided inappropriate treatment to patients wishing to change gender.

The London-based GP is accused of prescribing sex change hormones "to several patients" that were not appropriate and also ignoring restrictions placed on his practice....

In another case, it was alleged Dr Curtis, 46, prescribed sex change drugs to patients under 18, without the specialist knowledge or skills to do so.

"... without the specialist knowledge or skills ...

That alone would give me pause.

Well dear...you may be right on this one, however I will hold that "pause" until the outcome of the investigation is completed

Quote from: Michelle S. on June 01, 2013, 04:50:22 PM
I understand your concern for others but I think that is a very rude thing to say. I am prescribed hormones by one of the best doctors in central Florida, referred to by one of the best gender therapists in central Florida. She is extremely compassionate, openly working with both MtF and FtM. I am going to listen to her guidance because she has handled the HRT regiments of probably 100+ patients.

So, I appreciate your genuine concern but please 1) don't make me or others feel like total morons for listening to our doctors and 2) don't tell us we deserve to have something negative happen because you don't agree with it. There are more constructive ways to make your point.

You and the rest of people in this forum read my posts -which are opinions NOT MEDICAL ADVICE- and take and live what ever you want.

Do not let me or anybody else "make you feel" one way of another by what I say...come on!

Quote from: peky on June 01, 2013, 05:17:21 PM

Well dear...you may be right on this one, however I will hold that "pause" until the outcome of the investigation is completed

C'mon Pecky dear, game over Jamie D held the trump! Sheesh you can be such a pit bull at times hon, but we love your enthusiasm just the same!

So much spice in this thread! Let's get some glasses of milk here

Peky- I feel the same way as you when it comes to taking anything orally (e and/or p), but I keep my mouth shut about it for the most part because essentially people are going to do what they want and it is their choice. Suggestions are where it ends, here, unfortunately. If you want to really change peoples opinions to match your own, it takes tact and flawless presentation.

Maybe someday when more definitive research for transgender hormone therapy has been completed, our desires to spread our own realizations will be a lot easier. Maybe it won't even be necessary because then hopefully endocrinology will have changed as a whole.

Look, if you were having this conversation in person, I will still present my views and opinions as I see them...no offense intended...and yes, we can agree to disagree and still be civilized

I think that Theo post should have closed the discussion. Theo showed how the data does not support either point. I will remain guarded against using progesterone until more studies have been conducted. Now, that is just me...you my dear ladies do what you thinks is best for you, and by all means do follow the advice of your physicians.

One more point to consider is that like almost all fields in medicine, endocrinology is by no means without internal controversies between diametrically opposed schools-of-thoughts. So for good or bad all this medical societies promulgate "standards of care" and "treatment opinions."

Having said that the purpose of our threads are to share information and show solidarity and support to each other. I have no vested interests or ego involvement in 'winning" and argument if I am wrong.

QuoteProgesterone
The use of progesterone in male to female transsexuals is controversial. There has not been a clear feminizing benefit shown with the use of progesterone, although some individuals and some clinicians feel it has been a useful adjunctive medication. It is used by some clinicians for clients experiencing decreased libido Progesterone has a suppressive effect on LH, thus decreasing androgen production.
The common side effects associated with progesterone are weight gain, depression, and edema. Serious long term outcomes with combined estrogen and progesterone have been examined in post-menopausal women by the Women's Health Initiative; the 2007 updates support the original findings, which were increased incidence of breast cancer, increased strokes and blood clots, and increased heart disease. These same outcomes were not found to the same extent with estrogen alone. If used, the usual dose of progesterone would be micronized progesterone 100-400mg daily; or medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 – 30mg daily.
http://www.sherbourne.on.ca/PDFs/Trans-Protocols.pdf

This entire thread has been definitely something to consider since I am thinking of talking to my doctor about a progesterone cream to boost results.

But a few of you have made me nervous about it

Ill just speak with my doctor next time and see what she says about the matter.

Let me address you first comment.

5 months HRT is almost nothing because you are meant to be low dosed for 8 months to let your body adjust before they give you decent dosages. The fact you see almost nothing at 5 months is uite normal and throwing in more hormones at this point could prove unhealthy so yes one day give proE a try but becareful rushing into higher dosages of HRT so early highers the risks of things like breast cancer.

On the note of proE its unproven by generally accepted to help, but never ever use the artifical version. I mean never, the risks are just not worth it. If you are going to use it rather spend the extra cash and get the real stuff.

Uhm, who told you about eight months? I've always been convinced that hormone levels adjusted themselves within 3 months maximum.

Quote from: A on September 01, 2013, 10:11:50 AM
Uhm, who told you about eight months? I've always been convinced that hormone levels adjusted themselves within 3 months maximum.

Sorry thats my hospitals code I assummed was the same for other places.

Hmm. Interesting.

Well, having read over everything I don't feel so down now my endo won't prescribe me progesterone....guess he is on the opposing team of its use Either way is love it but hey, follow our endos advice right? Only reason I don't go get it from the health food store. N ya it works, I used it when I was 23- just without e or a t blocker, I just got gynomasticia from it so stopped. Mind u I was 23- I'm 30 now been on hrt for the below time in my signature. Prior to the, it's been since I was 23. Course in those days self medication was what I felt was my only option. Still, progesterone was good I won't say the other self meds I did then as I'm not a self meddling advocate. If I can personally fund my transition under medical supervision, out of pocket off 8/hr, anyone can Granted my fiancee is a hell of a partner...but I cover DTE and gas for us so ya.  But still. It's do able. A lil off topic but I feel it was needed to say as my experience solely on progesterone was self medicating but ya. We all know why self medding is bad.

I'm curious. Why did you take progesterone in the first place if the appearance of breasts made you stop? That sounds a little contradictory.

I take progesterone. I love it. it's great. My body is much more femme in one month. And it's not my imagination cause I have brand new stretch marks on my hips and on my boobs. My thighs look bigger too but I have so many stretch marks there already that it would be impossible to tell. Granted, I have also been on HRT for six months so maybe they just started working better and it is just a coincidence. I haven't noticed any unusual emotions. Just the usual ones.

Question, are you taking it in a cycle or something like that, or just all at the same time?

Quote from: A on September 01, 2013, 11:50:12 PM
Question, are you taking it in a cycle or something like that, or just all at the same time?

I take it everyday.

Quote from: Joanna Dark on September 02, 2013, 12:19:26 AM
I take it everyday.

out of curiosity are you taking medroxyprogesterone? I wonder this because after a brief read I feel the consensus is its a bad thing to be taking and I just recently was re-prescribed this and am curious about the benefits outweighing the negative's

this all makes me scared, what about prometrium? I see its bio-identical, so I figured I could suggest that as the alternative.