# Leukocytosis Associated With Medroxyprogesterone in Gender-Affirming and Fertility Treatments

**Authors:** Salman Syed, Garry G Lachhar, Fatimah Spall, Alexandros Konstantinidis, David Chu

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78681 · Cureus · 2025-02-07

## TL;DR

This paper reports a case where medroxyprogesterone, used in gender-affirming and fertility treatments, may cause elevated white blood cell counts.

## Contribution

It highlights a possible link between medroxyprogesterone and leukocytosis in gender-affirming therapy.

## Key findings

- Medroxyprogesterone may be associated with sustained leukocytosis in patients undergoing gender-affirming care.
- The case underscores the need for further research into progestin-induced hematologic changes.
- Reviewing medication history can help avoid unnecessary testing in such cases.

## Abstract

Leukocytosis, defined as an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, can arise from physiological, infectious, neoplastic, or medication-related causes. While leukocytosis has been well-documented in conditions such as infections and malignancies, drug-induced leukocytosis is relatively rare, particularly in individuals undergoing gender transition therapies. Medroxyprogesterone, a progestin used in both fertility treatments and gender-affirming care, has been associated with hematologic changes, though its role in sustained leukocytosis remains underexplored. This case suggests a possible link between medroxyprogesterone and leukocytosis in gender-affirming therapy. It emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reviewing medication history to avoid unnecessary testing and procedures while highlighting the need for further research into the mechanism of progestin-induced hematologic changes.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** medroxyprogesterone (PubChem CID 10631)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** malignancies (MESH:D009369), hematologic changes (MESH:D006402), Leukocytosis (MESH:D007964), infections (MESH:D007239)
- **Chemicals:** Medroxyprogesterone (MESH:D008525)

## Full text

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## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11890443/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11890443