What's The Difference Between Progestin And Progesterone According To A Specialist Treating Gender Dysphoria?

Posted on Fri, 18 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 May 2018 Answered on

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : FOR GPs/ENDOCRINOLOGIST SPECIALIZING IN GENDER DYSPHORIA:

What's the difference between Progestin and Progesterone? Which one will stop/reduce semen production, libido and any gland secretions in males? I m male, 35 want to shut down/stop male gland secretions, semen production and testosterone. Is Depo Provera the best progestin for that? thanks.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Antiandrogen medication combination is required

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

I can certainly understand your concern

I have worked through your attached query in detail.

Progestin and Progesterone both mean more or less similar chemical compound progesterone.

Semen production, libido and maleness are more effectively reduced by a combination of Progesterone plus Antiandrogen medication like Finasteride or Dutasteride.

Male hormonal secretions are predominantly from prostate gland.

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these medications to attain required secondary sexual characters.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Thanks.
So, taking Depo provera with Cyproterone acetate will be better to stop semen production then just taking Cyproterone acetate? True?

I have been taking Cyproterone for almost 3 years alone but don't feel my testosterone is being blocked fully so want to add medroxyprogesterone acetate injection to shut down semen production/libido even more. What do you suggest?

Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Right hormonal combination is chosen

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

I can certainly understand your concern

I have worked through your attached query in detail

Yes a combination of Medroxy progesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate to block the effects of testosterone and male secondary sexual characters.

Seminal production takes little more time to cease completely.

Please check with your Endocrinologist for adequate dosage of these hormonal agents.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 days later)

Thanks. Could you please email me a prescription for Firmagon (Degarelix)?

Email: YYYY@YYYY

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Prescription should be issued only by the local endocrinologist only

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

Online prescription is not valid in an international setting.

The prescription for this hormonal agent should strictly be generated by locally available Endocrinologist only.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana