I was a 2nd year medical student then.
What they failed to mention is that progesterone also inhibits
DHT, and
DHT inhibits estrogen. Dr. Shippen has recomended its use specifically to control
DHT, in fact, as a cream applied to the scrotum.
Progesterone can also induce gynocomastia in males, on its own. The answer may be "not when dosed conservatively". However, at such low doses, it does not produce the claimed benefits.
Has progesterone been shown to show anti-4-OHE effects in adult males? Not in any study I have seen--but would like to, if anyone has. Either way, I can control 4-OHE with methyl group donors, such as TMG/DMG, folic acid, etc.
Progesterone should not be considered an anti-aromatase. In fact,
DHT--which is lowered by progesterone--is. My guys would rather have the
DHT, thank you.
One must also appreciate that progesterone cream is currently sold, at great profit, as an OTC. This leads to a magnification of the supposed positive
PR on it by commercial interests.
I have seen a study linking 16-a-OHE to increased risk of colon and breast cancer.
You have to take these things in balance. That is why I am opposed to progesterone supplementation in males.
Dr. Shippen remains wild about the use of
HCG. It seems he is always trying to find reasons to use it. As we know here, "
test is best", and the best use of
HCG is adjunctively with a
testosterone. I have patients who have come to me from Dr. Shippen, and report improved subjective complaints under my care.
In fact, it is the transdermals which elevate estrogens more than injections-even when both are properly administered. But that does not make either less worthy. It is a matter of individualized therapy.
I would add that the issues regarding soy supplementation are STILL long from settled.
There is a lot of good debate going on about all this stuff. I may change my mind about any, or all of it, as time goes on. But not on this day. Great post!