Why Won’t My Period Stop?
At 21 years old, I am currently undergoing testosterone therapy with Nebido injections, and I also take desogestrel, a progesterone-only pill. Having been on testosterone treatment for more than three years, I am growing increasingly frustrated by the persistence of my periods. It feels like no matter what I do, they just refuse to disappear. Previously, I used gel for over two years, but the cycle would occasionally return. I switched to Nebido injections back in May, yet the issue persisted. To combat this, I began taking progesterone pills and, after a while, my period seemed to vanish in July, bringing me a sense of relief. However, it has unfortunately returned once again. Now, I’m left wondering: could my missed pill be the cause? Or perhaps it's the irregular timing of my doses? I am at my wit's end and desperately seeking solutions to stop this ongoing problem that is truly taking a toll on me.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 2:10:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated when dealing with persistent periods, especially while undergoing hormone therapy. In your case, the combined effects of testosterone therapy and hormonal birth control can indeed be complex and sometimes lead to irregular menstrual bleeding.
Explanation:
Testosterone therapy, while often suppressive of menstruation in many transmasculine individuals, does not guarantee that periods will cease entirely. The use of desogestrel (a progesterone-only pill) is intended to help regulate or eliminate menstrual bleeding, but it may not always fully suppress menstrual cycles, especially if there are missed doses or irregular timing in taking the pills. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and individual variations in response to hormones can also contribute.
Next Steps:
To address your concerns and manage the situation more effectively, consider the following prioritized actions:
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Ensure Adherence: Double-check your pill-taking habits. Taking the progesterone pills consistently and at the same time each day can maximize their effectiveness. If you’ve missed doses, that may have contributed to the return of your period.
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Track Your Cycle: Keep a detailed record of your menstrual cycle, pill intake, and any other symptoms. This will help you identify patterns and provide useful information if you need to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider.
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Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Although I won't recommend consulting right now, if your periods continue to be an issue, returning to your healthcare provider to discuss dosage adjustments, alternative hormone therapies, or other treatments could provide you with additional solutions.
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Reassess Lifestyle Factors: Stress can impact your cycle, so consider integrating stress-reducing practices, such as mindfulness, exercise, or talking to someone about your feelings.
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Monitor Symptoms: If you experience any troubling symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of anemia (like fatigue, dizziness), it's important to get attention promptly.
Remember, while it can be daunting to deal with hormonal matters, you're actively seeking solutions and that's a positive step. You're not alone in this, and there are options available to help you find relief.
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