GenderGP welcomes the news that the progesterone-only contraceptive pill will be made available without a doctor’s appointment. It is important to note that the progesterone used in HRT is a bioidentical hormone, utrogestan or cyclogest, rather than the progestin that is used for birth control, so transfeminine people should be careful not to use contraceptive pills as their HRT.
The progesterone pills, taken daily, is an easy and safe method of preventing pregnancy by stopping the cycle of hormones that facilitates conception. Access to this important medication enables those who want to proactively manage their family planning to do so independently of a medical practitioner.
Access Progesterone Pills for Gender-Affirming Care Today
COVID has taught us the power of the Internet, and the ways in which telemedicine can empower people to take charge of their own health needs. In less than two years we have moved away from the traditional visit to the doctor’s surgery, embracing GP appointments via Skype and electronic prescriptions that can be delivered directly to your pharmacy.
Over-the-counter availability of the progesterone pills is yet another example of unnecessary barriers to care being removed.
Similar barriers exist for trans people, specifically in relation to their access to HRT (hormone replacement therapy). The progesterone pills used in HRT is a bioidentical hormone, utrogestan or cyclogest, rather than the progestin that is used for birth control, so transfeminine people should be careful not to use contraceptive pills as their HRT.
In spite of the difference, the move does beg the question of why progesterone pills can be purchased for contraceptive purposes but not as part of an HRT regime. Put simply, we believe the same rules should apply to all forms of progesterone.
Informed consent is key: if an individual understands the risks and benefits of a particular treatment regime, they should be able to exercise their rights to access the treatment without unnecessary gatekeeping. You can learn more about progesterone pills here.
GenderGP believes that the informed consent model of care is the only one that allows the patient to have autonomy and control over their health.
Many trans women find that adding bioidentical progesterone pills to their feminising hormone regime has positive effects on breast growth and development, as well as on mood and wellbeing. It is a safe hormone, one that is produced naturally in people with ovaries.
If you are fit and healthy and already established oestrogen for feminisation, and would like to see if adding this to your HRT will have good effects, you can complete our simple online form.
Add Progesterone Pills to Your HRT Regime
GenderGP – Putting you in charge of your gender journey.
Further Reading:
The use of Progesterone Pills by trans women in feminisation
Lots is spoken about the use of progesterone in transfeminine people. Does it help with breasts, mood, skin, joints, general wellbeing? Some feel very strongly that it helps, while others are concerned by negative reports they have read in the media and warnings issued by their doctor.