Progesterone research! 

Thank you.  Two years ago my doctor considered there wasn't enough research to support the efficacy of adding progesterone to HRT.  She considered research I sent every few months as I found more references to studies and other medical opinions.  She started me with Progesterone late last fall when I reported that I'd reached a plateau after 4 years HRT.  I can report positive results with the firmness and shape.  I read and forwarded this reference to her with a goal of spreading out the dosage through out the day.

Thanks!  We can't do this alone!

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 25, 2025, 08:59:17 AMThe article on Wikipedia references several of these studies.

"Levels of progesterone with oral progesterone have been measured by the unreliable method of IA as remaining elevated for 12 to 24 hours.[1][41] Regardless of the assay method, peak levels of progesterone following a dose of oral progesterone occur after about 1 to 3 hours.[44] The elimination half-life of progesterone in circulation is very short at a range of about 3 to 90 minutes.[14]

Previous studies using IA have reported an overestimated elimination half-life of oral progesterone of about 16 to 18 hours.[41] Subsequent, reliable studies using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) and similar methods reported elimination half-lives of progesterone with oral progesterone of about 4.6 to 5.2 hours and 9.98 hours when it was taken with food.[7][8]

Due to the short half-life and duration of action of oral progesterone, it may be taken in divided doses two or three times per day.[41][62][63]"
~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_progesterone

I'm not sure what I'm reading here, but I'll do my best to understand it. Thanks!

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 25, 2025, 08:59:17 AMAnd this is why I take it three times per day.

Hahaha, She kicked me out of her office, saying, 'See you in three months,' when I asked for this. I'll try again in June, probably use my one-year anniversary on June 10th as leverage. 

Using the outdated survey method, they figured the half-life (how long until your system eliminates it as waste) was around 18 hours. So taking it once a day made sense. By taking it at night, you avoid the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness.

However, the newer assay method shows that it is only in your system 4.5 to 5 hours. So, if you take it before bed, as prescribed, by the time you wake up it is gone from your system and you need another dose.

I have been taking it for years with no discernable difference. When I started taking it three times a day, my breasts became more rounded and shapely. Not noticeably larger, just better shape. Then today, when I returned from grocery shopping, I noticed my bra was fitting a bit tighter than usual. Yay!

It isn't just about breast development, although that is progesterone's primary function for those without a uterus. There are other benefits as well. If you need something a bit more credible than Wikipedia articles, here is one from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism from April 2019. This just states why you need it. The studies referenced in the Wikipedia article explain why you need it more than once per day.

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/4/1181/5270376

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 25, 2025, 02:51:27 PMUsing the outdated survey method, they figured the half-life (how long until your system eliminates it as waste) was around 18 hours. So taking it once a day made sense. By taking it at night, you avoid the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness.

However, the newer assay method shows that it is only in your system 4.5 to 5 hours. So, if you take it before bed, as prescribed, by the time you wake up it is gone from your system and you need another dose.

Got it!

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 25, 2025, 02:51:27 PMThen today, when I returned from grocery shopping, I noticed my bra was fitting a bit tighter than usual. Yay!

Hahaha, nice!

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 25, 2025, 02:51:27 PMIt isn't just about breast development, although that is progesterone's primary function for those without a uterus. There are other benefits as well. If you need something a bit more credible than Wikipedia articles, here is one from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism from April 2019. This just states why you need it. The studies referenced in the Wikipedia article explain why you need it more than once per day.

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/4/1181/5270376

Thank You! 💗

Quote from: Sephirah on March 22, 2025, 07:06:37 PMFor anyone not sure what Sarah is referring to...

No Mr. Bond.  I expect you to die!

Quote from: Lilis on March 20, 2025, 09:44:40 PMHi Lilis,

Appointment Time: March 26, 2025, 10:00 am (EDT)
New Client Laser: Full Body appointment at (Provider_MediSpa).

I feel like I got slow roasted under the zap of the laser just like Lori said, from my lashes down to the bottom of my feet. It was a steady, even roast. Some zaps were like little flicks of heat, while others felt like an unexpected pop of spice.

Genitals? Let's just say that was the deep fryer moment, the kind where you get a little too close and feel that intense sizzle. Spicy.  🔥

But you know what? Totally worth it. The technician was late, but super sweet (and five months pregnant, so I totally get it). She explained everything so well, and honestly? It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!

Now, I just sit back and wait for these little hairs to crisp up and fall away. In a few weeks, they'll start shedding, and I'll be one step closer to feeling more at home in my body.

Next session is already booked, and this oven is staying on!🔥🔥🔥

I am glad that it went well. I had laser done on my face and the upper lip was  so I can only imagine what more sensitive areas were like.

I am still hoping to get electrolysis started after I move this summer. I might invest in a few cases of numbing cream. 

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 27, 2025, 09:18:01 AMI am glad that it went well. I had laser done on my face and the upper lip was  so I can only imagine what more sensitive areas were like.

I was lying there with my legs crossed at the ankles, pecker neatly tucked between my thighs, wearing nothing but some hilarious laser-protection glasses she provided for my eyes. When she finished with my face, neck, breasts, arms, underarms, belly, abdomen, thighs, legs, and bikini area, she said, 'Now I need to get between your legs, so spread them.' 😯

I hesitated and asked, 'Wait a minute, can you do it without looking?' She replied, 'How's that even possible?' And I thought, 'Good point.' So, I opened my legs a little more and said, 'Wider.' She kept saying, 'Wider,' until I was practically in a position ready for something... well, let's say, penetrating. Then she said, 'All right, I'm going in.' 🤯

I nervously replied, 'Please go slow, I don't have the right genitals yet!' She laughed and reassured me, 'Don't worry, I'll go nice and slow.' 😂

Then it got even better. She asked, 'Do you mind if I move things around a bit to make sure the laser gets around it really well?' And after she was done, she said,

'Now turn around and spread them.' 🤕

Honestly, I think she was a pregnant dominatrix in disguise!

@Lilis
Dear Lilis:
I loved the question that you asked your Laser gal... and her reply to you.

"I hesitated and asked, 'Wait a minute, can you do it without looking?' She replied, 'How's that even possible?' And I thought, 'Good point.' So, I opened my legs a little more and said, 'Wider.' She kept saying, 'Wider,' until I was practically in a position ready for something... well, let's say, penetrating. Then she said, 'All right, I'm going in.' 🤯"

Made me chuckle....  !

Feels good, does it not?  Clean and smooth like a new born baby.
NO hair below your eyebrows!!!!!

Thank you for sharing... please keep your updates coming!!
HUGS, Danielle[Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 27, 2025, 11:44:57 AMMade me chuckle....  ! !

Hahaha, i'm glad you had a laugh. 💗

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on March 27, 2025, 11:44:57 AMFeels good, does it not?  Clean and smooth like a new born baby.
NO hair below your eyebrows!!!!!

Yes! I get another 5 sessions, praying that it works to avoid electrolysis in those areas.

AS long as they are dark they will fry, all the dark ones have gone from my face. Trouble is the grey/white ones out numbered them-----------

I think in any profession involving genitals, one must have a sense of humor to help the patient/client overcome any anxiety. Now that you know what to expect, and how she will react, future sessions could become fun-ish with more chatting and less tension. 

That gave me a chuckle too.

Quote from: davina61 on March 27, 2025, 12:53:57 PMAS long as they are dark they will fry, all the dark ones have gone from my face. Trouble is the grey/white ones out numbered them

There are some white ones in the bush. If they don't fall off, I think I'll just leave them and deal with them using Nair or something else. I'm not sure about electrolysis down there. 

It's been 4 days since my first "full body hair removal" laser treatment. Most of my skin so far feels "stubbly" or rough. I guess this is because the treated hairs are beginning to push out, right? 🤢

This what the Laser treatment provider said:

"Yes, exactly! That stubbly or rough feeling is totally normal and happens because the treated hairs are starting to shed. They're not actually growing back, your body is just pushing them out as the follicles release them. This process typically starts around 4-7 days after treatment and can last up to 2-3 weeks.

1. exfoliate (2-3 times per week) with a soft washcloth, loofah, or mild scrub to help loosen the hairs.
2. Moisturize daily to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
3. Avoid plucking, waxing, or tweezing, let the hairs fall out naturally.
4. Shaving is okay if you want to manage the stubbly feel, but don't overdo it.

This stage means the treatment is working, and with each session, you'll notice less and less regrowth."

Then I ask them:

Will my skin feel completely smooth, like velvet or satin, and when will it happen?

They said:

It's a gradual process, but each session brings you closer to that silky, hair free feel.

Keep going you're on your way to silky smooth skin! 🥰



~ Lilis

Quote from: Lilis on March 30, 2025, 04:46:20 PMIt's been 4 days since my first "full body hair removal" laser treatment. Most of my skin so far feels "stubbly" or rough. I guess this is because the treated hairs are beginning to push out, right? 🤢

This what the Laser treatment provider said:

"Yes, exactly! That stubbly or rough feeling is totally normal and happens because the treated hairs are starting to shed. They're not actually growing back, your body is just pushing them out as the follicles release them. This process typically starts around 4-7 days after treatment and can last up to 2-3 weeks.

1. exfoliate (2-3 times per week) with a soft washcloth, loofah, or mild scrub to help loosen the hairs.
2. Moisturize daily to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
3. Avoid plucking, waxing, or tweezing, let the hairs fall out naturally.
4. Shaving is okay if you want to manage the stubbly feel, but don't overdo it.

This stage means the treatment is working, and with each session, you'll notice less and less regrowth."

Then I ask them:

Will my skin feel completely smooth, like velvet or satin, and when will it happen?

They said:

It's a gradual process, but each session brings you closer to that silky, hair free feel.

Keep going you're on your way to silky smooth skin! 🥰



~ Lilis

Do the hairs need to be dark to effectively zap them forever with the laser device?

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on March 30, 2025, 04:52:41 PMDo the hairs need to be dark to effectively zap them forever with the laser device?

Yes, and any remaining hair that doesn't shed after laser treatment will be removed with electrolysis.

So, my doctor sent me a surprise email, and this is what she wrote:

"I can already picture you printing this out, binding it in a leather cover, and placing it on your coffee table like a sacred text. Or perhaps you'll frame it and hang it above your bed for daily inspiration? The possibilities are endless!

All jokes aside, I hope this list helps you as you continue on your journey.

Print it, enjoy it, and remember this is just one step toward the future you are creating."

Now she knows how I feel about surgery, but I printed the documents anyway. When the printer finished, there were 15 pages of trusted referrals for New York State and Pennsylvania Surgeons!

Why not?

Looks like I've got some homework to do! 🤕

Best homework ever!... Enjoy! 🤗

Hugs!

A 💕

Thanks, Lilis: I am vicariously enjoying your journey and the humor with which you approach it. I decided to wait at least six months before taking any major next steps (social transitioning seems quite enough for now). But, should I choose to proceed, your blog definitely informs my decision.

Quote from: tgirlamg on April 02, 2025, 09:16:58 AMBest homework ever!... Enjoy! 🤗

Thank you, Ashley! 💗