6 Benefits of Progesterone as Part of HRT Treatment for Trans Women.
“My doctor doesn’t think progesterone it’s a good idea and says it may lead to breast cancer,” I am told when educating my trans women clients on considering progesterone as part of their HRT regimen.
Sadly, many providers overseeing the medical treatment of gender dysphoria are not as knowledgeable in the field of transgender medicine as one would hope. Often sticking to dogmatic ways of administering HRT.
Unless of course your endocrinologist happens to be specializing in this area (Dr. Vierregger just to name a few).
This is due to providers adhering to the 2017 Endocrine Society Guidelines for gender dysphoria which do not include progesterone as part of the HRT regimen.
Unless the medical provider is curious enough to think outside the box and do additional research, chances are they will continue to adhere to these guidelines.
Leaving many trans women uninformed and without a potentially important addition to their HRT treatment.
Dr. Jerilynn Prior, a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia and a Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, in her recent article “Progesterone is Important for Transwomen’s Therapy - Applying Evidence for the Benefits of Progesterone in Ciswomen,” emphasizes the importance of progesterone regimen for trans women.
Citing research on the importance of progesterone as well as physiological estradiol levels as necessary during ciswomen’s premenopausal menstrual cycles for current fertility and long-term health, she argues are of equal importance for transwomen's potential physiological benefits.
Dr. Prior summarizes six clinical benefits of oral micronized progesterone molecularly identical to the natural hormone (NOT: SYNTHETIC PROGESTINS) in her article that I briefly summarize below.
#1 LEADS TO MORE RAPID FEMINIZATION
Progesterone helps decrease the masculinizing effects on unwanted male-pattern hair.
This is essentially due to the progesterone competing with an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, the hormone that masculinizes skin and hair follicles.
#2 HELPS SUPPRESS OF GONADAL ANDROGEN (TESTOSTERONE) PRODUCTION
While progesterone helps decrease gonadal testosterone production, note it may not be sufficient enough to act as a complete anti-androgen.
However, the additional help in suppression should further aid in the feminization of secondary sex characteristics.
#3 COMBINED WITH E2 LEADS TO INCREASED BREAST SIZE
Apart from Dr. Prior’s article, the mutual consensus in the trans community that most providers become aware of, is the accelerated breast growth when adding progesterone to the HRT regimen.
#4 HELPS INCREASE AREAL BONE MINERAL DENSITY
Progesterone helps increase bone formation by activating receptors causing them to increase the number of mature osteoblasts and to increase the process of creating collagen bone matrix.
#5 IMPROVES SLEEP
Many factors such as stress and anxiety related to gender dysphoria interfere with one’s sleep.
Progesterone (300mg at bedtime), Dr. Prior writes, significantly improves deep sleep, decreases the time to fall asleep, and decreases mid-sleep wakening.
#6 IMPROVES CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY
Progesterone may assist in preventing the cardiovascular disease seen in some long-term HRT-treated trans women.
Consider discussing with your medical provider whether progesterone should be added to your HRT regimen.
Read Dr. Prior’s full article to expand your knowledge of your medical treatment.