Regarding progesterone

[gemmalouise]

Hi Team, I am wondering what this is all about.  My own circumstances are that I had grs / srs 12 years ago and have been on oestrogen for 14 at least.I've not taken it but hear it can be beneficial to mtfs like myself.  When I say beneficial I feel my bust could do with a little boost.  I don't want more surgery.   I have heard youtubers state that progesterone may help in this way. Most of the tubers are young and in the start of their journeys so what they say may not apply to me.  I would like to hear more about it from people who may have benefited themselves or have some working knowledge. 

[VickySGV]

I have been on HRT since 2009 (Estrogen: 14 years)) myself.  10.5 years ago for the GCS and like you do not want further gender related surgeries.  I did ask my Endocrinologist about the Progesterone a year or two back who told me that, at my age, in my 70's it would do nothing beneficial and could cause problems to some existing issues of aging.  She actually wants me to stay on the hormones even at my age at  the dosage I have been on from the beginning. 

 

A scare from a mammogram I took right after my GCS which turned up benign on some intrusive tissue in one breast also revealed that my actual breast tissue is plentiful, but very dense and LOW FAT which is quite common.  The oncologist wryly told me that with more fat I would be much larger in size.  (I know where the fat went however, darn it.)

Over the years I have been watching internet claims of hormone effectiveness and meeting some of "beneficiaries" of the additional meds IRL I am put in mind of the  "Fisherman's Toast" of "Here's to our fisherman bold, here's to the fish he caught, here's to the one that got away, and here's to the fish he bought".  I am legitimately happy the young ladies are happy with what they see on themselves, but none of them is an actual researcher in the field of endocrinology and human development.  One or two have later admitted to me it was placebo effect at the first. 

 

I would suggest getting with your Endocrinologist and asking what they think of the idea for YOU since the advisability is going to be on your overall health and known body chemistry. 

[gemmalouise]

Thank you Vicky.  I suspected that it was somewhat wishful thinking.

[AllieJ]

Gemma, the use of Progesterone hasn't shown any consistent advantages, and so most doctors don't support it. There is, however, a body of anecdotal evidence of advantages, but not for everyone. It is also a hormone which many doctors believe is harmful based on an old and discredited paper called the Women's Health Initiative. This study was carried out over 20 years ago on synthetic hormones which do have harmful side effects, unlike the modern bio identical hormones. Doctors subscribing to this study simply have not kept up with current standards.

 

Even bio identical hormones do not work for everyone, but some do benefit from use. A trans woman, Dr Soo from Sydney explained that Progesterone functions to mature breast tissue, and so it can benefit someone who has stalled in achieving later stages, Tanner 4 or 5, development. But, as it matures the tissue, it does also mean that further development would cease. For this reason, taking it in early stages of development is not advised as it might stunt development. Some people report improvement with mood and sleep, but these are quite variable between people and methods of application. 

 

I was stuck at Tanner Stage 3, so my doctor and I agreed to try Progesterone. I did get initial nipple development, then nothing more, but I was 68 years old. In my country, the progesterone listed on the government subsidised system is Provera, a synthetic medroxyprogesterone, so I paid full price to access bio identical. I found it too expensive to continue, especially given I wasn't really seeing development.

 

Hugs,

 

Allie

 

 

[Ivy]

IDK much.  The first clinic I went to gave me Progesterone but no E.  When I switched to the VA it was to opposite.  I kept seeing where P was supposed to help breast development but my endocrinologist wouldn't prescribe it.  I'm hoping to switch drs to the gynecologist soon.  I've been told she will prescribe it to trans women.  I guess I'll find out in a couple weeks.

In the meantime, I've been using a OTC cream.  I think it is helping, but it may just be my wishful thinking.  Being as I'm 73 myself, I don't expect much.

Also, I think people here are probably more knowledgeable about this so……

Just my experience so far.

[gemmalouise]

Thanks Allie and Ivy.  From what I have heard here, its probably not worth pursuing.  I don't even know who my dr is and don't have a relationship with them.  I have decided to drop this line of thought and love what I have.  Thanks again.

[MirandaB]

I added progesterone a while back, and lately I think my breasts have developed a little more after I thought maybe they were done. But since the E was also adjusted hard to know what prompted what. 

[MaybeRob]

There is a reference to Progesterone in the following document I found on trans hub 

 

Hormone therapy for trans and gender diverse patients in the general practice setting by Pauline Cundill.

 

Can't post the file as it's a PDF

 

MaybeRob

[Charlize]

My cardiologist was therribly upset when i started HRT.  There have been several studies where Progesterone has caused serious, including death, issues.  I use a topical E and after an orchiectomy i no longer need blockers.  My breasts and other changes are adequate for me.  I prefer my life without strokes or heart attacks even if my breasts may not be the biggest at the store.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ivy]

5 hours ago, RhondaS said:

I added progesterone a while back, and lately I think my breasts have developed a little more after I thought maybe they were done. But since the E was also adjusted hard to know what prompted what. 

Yeah.  My E has also been increased a bit.  So I can't really say if the P I'm trying did anything or not.  I do plan on pursuing it though if the (hopefully) new Dr is onboard.