Progestin for Men: What It Does, Why It's Used, and What You Need to Know

When you hear progestin, a synthetic hormone that mimics progesterone, often used to suppress testosterone in men. Also known as progestogen, it's not just a female hormone—it's a powerful tool in male endocrine therapy. Most men associate progestin with birth control pills for women, but it’s also used in men to lower testosterone levels—whether for prostate cancer, gender-affirming care, or experimental male contraception. Unlike estrogen, which can cause breast growth and mood swings, progestin works more directly on the pituitary gland to shut down testosterone production. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to control male hormones without surgery.

Progestin for men is often paired with testosterone suppression, the intentional reduction of male sex hormones to treat specific medical conditions. Doctors use it in prostate cancer patients because testosterone fuels tumor growth. In transgender care, it helps reduce libido and slow body hair growth. Even in research trials, progestin combined with testosterone blockers has shown promise as a reversible male contraceptive—no pills, no shots, just a daily pill that stops sperm production. But it’s not without trade-offs. Men on long-term progestin report fatigue, weight gain, and sometimes depression. It can shrink muscle mass, lower energy, and reduce sex drive. These aren’t side effects you can ignore—they’re the whole point of the treatment.

It’s also worth noting that progestin doesn’t work alone. It’s often stacked with hormone therapy, a medical approach that alters hormone levels to treat disease or transition gender identity regimens involving GnRH agonists or anti-androgens. The goal? To push testosterone into the castrate range—below 50 ng/dL. That’s the level doctors aim for in advanced prostate cancer. But even at that level, men still need monitoring. Blood tests for liver function, lipid levels, and mood changes are routine. And while some men tolerate it well, others quit because the mental fog or loss of motivation feels worse than the disease they’re treating.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Progestin for men isn’t a supplement you pick up at the store. It’s a clinical tool with real, measurable effects. If you’re considering it for yourself or someone you know, ask about alternatives: radiation, surgery, or newer drugs like enzalutamide. Understand why it’s being recommended. And if you’re on it, track your symptoms—not just the physical ones, but how you feel mentally. The science is solid, but the experience? That’s personal.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how progestin interacts with other medications, what side effects show up in clinical studies, and how men manage long-term hormone changes. No fluff. Just facts from people who’ve been there.