Just Started Taking Progestin

[Guest NatashaJade]

Funny, but true. I waited until after SRS to begin taking progestin (micronized progesterone). Why? Well, I actually just switched doctors for one and he and I had a long discussion about the pros and cons to go along with some recent research I've done that has told me that especially right now, when my very low testosterone levels (we're talking 12!) have left me bereft of anything like a sex drive now that I want one, it is the best time for me to start this.

Now I've been on HRT for about 2.5 years with only Estradiol doing its work. For a cis-woman, this would be about the time that progesterone would start doing its work, so it makes sense to start adding it now that E has set me up to be most receptive to it.

Also, after SRS, my insurance company now lists me as female, which means my doctor can prescribe progestin rather than methyloxyprogesterone, which I had no desire to take given some of the side effects and the less than adequate efficacy. But now I can pay a small co-pay and get the micronized bioidentical hormones.

So I've been on this for three days and for the first time in a good long while, my breasts hurt

I'll keep y'all updated on how this is effecting me. But I will say my mood has improved, so yay!

xoxo

Tasha

[Guest LizMarie]

That's interesting information, Tasha. Thank you.

Might I ask if you could share you references about progestin? It sounds like an interesting topic. I certainly don't expect to overrule my physician once I begin HRT but being able to provide references to help them could be useful.

Thanks!

[Guest NatashaJade]

Liz, there are a ton of articles online regarding the benefits of taking bioidentical hormones vs. synthetics. Much as with anything, do the research. But also remember that the synthetic is cheaper without insurance given that it is part of the low-cost generic program while even the generic progestin is relatively expensive without insurance coverage and if your insurer does not cover transition related treatments, they will not cover someone listed male for this.

[Guest JoannaSydney]

I am interested to see what everyone says

[Drea]

Bioidentical is a created buzz word that has cought on over the past decade as a means to create impression of safety and that it is better. That great authority on hormones Suzanne Somers promoting "bioidentical" hormones on the Oprah show was a big boost for the moment.

Bioidentical itself doesn't preclude it being synthensized. If what is synthsized is "identical". On the other hand, bioidentical has been applied to anything of biological origin which doesn't necessarily mean it is identical to human hormones. Such is how ill defined the word is.

There is lots of literature making claims supporting the safety and effectiveness.

There are also some claims by organizations that should know somethining.

"The Endocrine Society posits that bioidentical hormones carry essentially the same risk as conventional hormones. The Mayo Clinic states there is no evidence that Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is any safer or more effective than conventional hormone replacement therapy. The FDA says that claims about BHRT are unsupported by medical evidence."

Whatever the rationale, the good thing is you are working with your doctor. I am making no judgement about taking progestins. Just noting that "Bioidentical" doesn't mean a whole lot.

[Guest LizMarie]

Oh, I'm aware of the bioidentical versus synthetic differences. I just got the impression from what you wrote that there was additional new information about progesterone specifically. My misunderstanding! Sorry for the confusion!

[Guest NatashaJade]

Oh, I'm aware of the bioidentical versus synthetic differences. I just got the impression from what you wrote that there was additional new information about progesterone specifically. My misunderstanding! Sorry for the confusion!

Liz,

Start with this article. I really like what is being said and, more importantly, how it has been said. It's not new information, but rather a new way of looking at the information already available.

xoxo

[Guest mistygirl7]

Iv been on progesterone since the start of HRT 2.5 years ago. From my experience I had no bad side effect. I have heard mix result from other girl about protest that it doesn't do anything. Yes it dose from the result of those that didn't get protest had very small to no breast result. I on the other hand had great result on breast growth and along with the sex drive in a non male way. Female drive. So with your result your going to feel your breast hurts or itch from time to time which is what I get too.

[Guest Leah1026]

Funny, but true. I waited until after SRS to begin taking progestin (micronized progesterone).

<snip>

Also, after SRS, my insurance company now lists me as female, which means my doctor can prescribe progestin rather than methyloxyprogesterone, which I had no desire to take given some of the side effects and the less than adequate efficacy.

You've got things backwards.

Methyloxyprogesterone is the progestin. It works similar to, but not identical to, progesterone.

Prometrium and the like are progesterone; hence the reason they are called bio-identical.

Congrats on the new progress.

[Guest Eh-lyssa]

I just started taking progesterone a week ago after 6 months on Premarin and spironolactone. Now,I am getting strong cravings for pickles and mangos. Is it in my head or is that a side effect?

[VickySGV]

Now,I am getting strong cravings for pickles and mangos. Is it in my head or is that a side effect?

No telling, but call your doctor if you start having vomiting problems in the early morning.

[Guest Tamar]

Now,I am getting strong cravings for pickles and mangos. Is it in my head or is that a side effect?

No telling, but call your doctor if you start having vomiting problems in the early morning.

Giggles