Progesterone effects

[Lori Dee ✅]

I believe that Lori Dee said the progesterone cream is not significantly effective for breast development.

Is that true Lori?  I have seen that over the counter cream for sale many places.

Yes, it is not effective for many reasons.

First, there is not enough progesterone in the cream to achieve the levels we need to be effective. If they were high enough, they would be regulated and require a prescription.

Second, the progesterone molecule (even micronized) is too large to penetrate the layers of skin and fat to reach the tissues where it needs to go. It might moisturize the skin, but it will have no effect on tissue growth.

Third, many of these over-the-counter products do not contain progesterone; instead, they contain wild yam extract, which is what is used to manufacture progesterone. The hype is that your body will convert it into progesterone, but this is a blatant lie.

Converting the extract into pharmacy-grade progesterone requires extensive lab equipment and know-how. It is impossible for the body to do what needs to be done. And since the FDA does not regulate supplements or herbal remedies, there is no telling what is actually in there.

Check the ingredients list carefully. They will be listed in order of quantity. So the first ingredient is the major component. The last ingredient will be the one in the smallest quantity.

[Stottie Girl]

WOW are you sure we did grow up in the same house. I grew up really poor too. I do make a great living now but I struggled for years until I went into IT. I have worked my way up to a really good job but plan to give it up in a year and a half to live as my true self. I am going to try and get as much done as I can in the next 18 month before I have to change jobs. I will likely make half of what I make now but it will be worth it. Also you would be wrong I have seen your pictures I am the ugly sister, LOL.

Well thanks I think Tammy! Don't forget I cherry pick my best pics. There are some stinker photographs of me out there! I'm not very photogenic to be fair.

About 5 years ago I landed a job for a major blue chip UK company and my wage was pretty good for the first time but they really wanted their pound of flesh for it and the hours and lack of support eventually resulted in a breakdown due to work stress, anxiety.panic attacks and depression. I tried a different job and it happened again. Now I have changed to a part time job doing something I enjoy for a vastly lower wage and I think you can tell from my profile pic, I have never been happier. Money does not equal happiness in my view, there is far more to life.

I'm sorry, I think this has drifted way off the subject matter! I should shut up now! I can't stop rabbiting on at times ha ha! Have you started your own blog Tammy? Might be an idea so people can chat to you about random stuff on there.

[KristaFairchild]

Yes, it is not effective for many reasons.

First, there is not enough progesterone in the cream to achieve the levels we need to be effective. If they were high enough, they would be regulated and require a prescription.

Second, the progesterone molecule (even micronized) is too large to penetrate the layers of skin and fat to reach the tissues where it needs to go. It might moisturize the skin, but it will have no effect on tissue growth.

Third, many of these over-the-counter products do not contain progesterone; instead, they contain wild yam extract, which is what is used to manufacture progesterone. The hype is that your body will convert it into progesterone, but this is a blatant lie.

Converting the extract into pharmacy-grade progesterone requires extensive lab equipment and know-how. It is impossible for the body to do what needs to be done. And since the FDA does not regulate supplements or herbal remedies, there is no telling what is actually in there.

Check the ingredients list carefully. They will be listed in order of quantity. So the first ingredient is the major component. The last ingredient will be the one in the smallest quantity.

Lori, you are an invaluable wealth if accurate information. Thank you! Progesterone is probably in my future. 

And yes, supplements in the US are out of control. The prescription line in my pharmacy is right beside a huge supplement area. I once took a photo of it and sent it to AI, which could find no research-backed evidence for almost every product. I did the research on actual research and I take one (not gender-affirming)

[tammy753]

I remember I used to buy the creams and what ever snake oil they were selling for trans people before I started DIY HRT. It wasted so much money on that crap and it did nothing. I remember following the direction exactly and the didn't even improve my skin. I would avoid creams that aren't prescribed by a doctor.

[Petunia]

Hi Tammy and Sarah,

I feel your pain. I've been on a up and down diet all my post 16 year old self.

I went into a massive depression at that age eating blocks of chocholate and giving up any movement.

It was cyclic but destructive.

Anyone here knows the reason.

Then a got a job and found alcohol.

My life was a car crash until I bumped into one special person.

If I hadn't met her I would have been long dead.

We talked about my cding and had fun with it, but she only did it for me.

I burried it and now it's back.

It's really ->-bleeped-<- it's something we have to hide because it's quite common.

My weight gain and loss continues and you can tell when my mental health is good.

I eat less, exercise more and my body responds.

I am trying to get in a good place and I have a meeting with a doctor in 17 days which may redirect my life.

Sorry for hijacking the thread but you girls aren't alone

All my love and support.
P

[Stottie Girl]

Hi Tammy and Sarah,

I feel your pain. I've been on a up and down diet all my post 16 year old self.

I went into a massive depression at that age eating blocks of chocholate and giving up any movement.

It was cyclic but destructive.

Anyone here knows the reason.

Then a got a job and found alcohol.

My life was a car crash until I bumped into one special person.

If I hadn't met her I would have been long dead.

We talked about my cding and had fun with it, but she only did it for me.

I burried it and now it's back.

It's really ->-bleeped-<- it's something we have to hide because it's quite common.

My weight gain and loss continues and you can tell when my mental health is good.

I eat less, exercise more and my body responds.

I am trying to get in a good place and I have a meeting with a doctor in 17 days which may redirect my life.

Sorry for hijacking the thread but you girls aren't alone

All my love and support.
P

Thanks Petunia, it is a constant struggle BUT I have beaten this once before. I went from 24 stone to 13 stone and kept it off for 15 years. I can do this again if my body will let me!

[tammy753]

I have noticed more hairs falling out than normal. I have long hair so I noticed them when I was combing it out in the morning. Did anyone notice that when they first started Progesterone and is it just chemical shock or should I be worried. I am worrying my self not so I finally asked.

[tammy753]

Yeah I don't want the sex drive part so and I don't think I can force myself to take mine that way. I just don't want to lose my hair I have spent 26 years growing out.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Hormone changes can cause temporary hair loss.

I suspected that was what I was experiencing. It turns out that since my hair is dry and curly, it gets tangled and breaks fairly easily. So what I find in the comb is not hair falling out, but breakage.

I wouldn't worry much about it unless you find new areas that are thinning. Then talk to the medical people to see what they can recommend.

[tammy753]

I sent a message asking for a DHT blocker. Hopefully they send me a prescription.

[Briana22322]

I started progesterone in my second year of HRT, and after a full year, had no difference in size or shape. The only thing it did for me was make me tired all the time. I couldn't get enough sleep! I'd nap during the day, and get 8full hours at night, and was still groggy everyday. My Dr and I decided it wasn't worth me being like a zombie, and after I quit taking it,my energy level went right back to normal. So I don't believe it's for everyone.

[tammy753]

My breasts seem to be swelling from what I read that is normal for the length if time I have been on it. I think I am in chemical shock from the drastic changes to my hrt, adding progesterone and an antidepressant I think it was a massive shock to my system. so I am giving myself a couple more weeks to adjust. from what I have read it has to bud up in your system.  I am taking it in the evening and with food to get the m9st out of it.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects of the metabolites, not of the progesterone itself. Over time, you do get used to it. I have been taking it for years now, and I mostly do not notice them at all. I do sleep better at night, though.

[Stottie Girl]

My breasts seem to be swelling from what I read that is normal for the length if time I have been on it. I think I am in chemical shock from the drastic changes to my hrt, adding progesterone and an antidepressant I think it was a massive shock to my system. so I am giving myself a couple more weeks to adjust. from what I have read it has to bud up in your system.  I am taking it in the evening and with food to get the m9st out of it.

I started Progesterone a week ago Tammy and last night and tonight I have had significant nightly fluid swelling of the breasts. It feels really nice actually lol! By morning they are back to normal again.

Reading up on it, it seems this is what Progesterone does once estrogen has built the receptors for it to work. Each night it swells with fluid and triggers some glandular growth, the fluid subsides by the morning leaving a little bit of glandular development behind and this cyclical pattern happens nightly for 4-6 months apparently. It should drive the breasts on from stage 3 to stage 5. I thought I was stage 5 but I'm not, I'm stage 3. I'm taking it in the evening and I'm taking it rectally as it bypasses the liver and is more effective. I'm liking it so far.

[Allie Jayne]

I was advised by a trans doctor that progesterone is very hit and miss re breast size, but that it has the function of maturing breast cells, and if started too early in trans HRT, can actually slow, or even stop development prematurely. I see some doctors prescribing P after a couple of months HRT, or even after 12 months, but the start time is best timed when development has reached Tanner stage 3. This means most of the breast size has been achieved and the P can improve shape.

I used it for 2 years, systematically trying both oral and suppository methods, and my doctor compared my blood test results for each method, finding very little difference. The only effect I noticed was an increase in nipple size. The oral method did help me go to sleep, whereas the suppository method didn't.

I stoped P because I just couldn't justify the price. In Australia, medroxyprogesterone (synthetic P) is subsidised by our health system as it reduces bleeding in cis women, but it does have extra risks trans people can avoid by using bio identical P, but I had to pay full price. I really wasn't seeing any advantages to warrant the cost.

Hugs,

Allie

[tammy753]

The swelling has went away for the most part for me. I am still really tired on it but I am at 2 months so my body should be finished adjusting to having it.

Don't expect much right away, I was excited about rounding out but that hasn't happened yet.