Pasted from their latest letter to my surgery in response to me requesting it again:
“Our shared care prescribing guidance does not cover progesterone prescribing. We do not recommend progesterone because there is evidence of its risks and side effects but there is not sufficient evidence of its benefits. Despite anecdotal data and reports of benefits to mental health and wellbeing and improved breast development in transfeminine people and trans women, there have not been many studies looking at its effect on mental health nor on breast development in this population. We do know that progesterone does not have a role in breast development in cis-gender women (cis-gender women do not produce progesterone until they become ovulatory, typically at least 18 months after onset of menstruation, and at this point breast development is complete) and it does not appear to improve breast development in transfeminine people and trans women on oestrogen treatment. Indeed, at a cellular level, progesterone reverses oestrogen induced cell growth. In terms of risks, studies and large-scale HRT trials suggest that progesterone may increase cardiovascular, thromboembolic and breast cancer risk in combination with oestrogen therapy (risks not seen in oestrogen-only arms of these trials). Furthermore, progesterone may contribute to low mood and depression in susceptible people. Until we have further data to support its more widespread use, progesterone is not part of the standard recommended hormone therapy at the GIC.”
And my GP refuses to prescribe if the GIC won’t recommend it.
Pasted from their latest letter to my surgery in response to me requesting it again:
“Our shared care prescribing guidance does not cover progesterone prescribing. We do not recommend progesterone because there is evidence of its risks and side effects but there is not sufficient evidence of its benefits. Despite anecdotal data and reports of benefits to mental health and wellbeing and improved breast development in transfeminine people and trans women, there have not been many studies looking at its effect on mental health nor on breast development in this population. We do know that progesterone does not have a role in breast development in cis-gender women (cis-gender women do not produce progesterone until they become ovulatory, typically at least 18 months after onset of menstruation, and at this point breast development is complete) and it does not appear to improve breast development in transfeminine people and trans women on oestrogen treatment. Indeed, at a cellular level, progesterone reverses oestrogen induced cell growth. In terms of risks, studies and large-scale HRT trials suggest that progesterone may increase cardiovascular, thromboembolic and breast cancer risk in combination with oestrogen therapy (risks not seen in oestrogen-only arms of these trials). Furthermore, progesterone may contribute to low mood and depression in susceptible people. Until we have further data to support its more widespread use, progesterone is not part of the standard recommended hormone therapy at the GIC.”
And my GP refuses to prescribe if the GIC won’t recommend it.