frustrated, need advice on spironolactone alternative

[Guest Jo-88]

Ok this has been mentioned in another thread but this forum is more appropriate and it deserves its own thread anyway.

So I finally saw the doctor today to get prescribed an HRT regimen, went well. I was prescribed prometrium, estrace, and decapeptyl (trelstar la). Everything should be good with the first two but the problem lies with the anti androgen selected, the decapeptyl is about $2500 per injection which lasts about 3 months... this is far to expensive for me. She prescribed the decapeptyl in place of a combination of spironolactone and dutasteride... I specifically requested her to give me an alternative to that combination because when I was self medicating spironolactone it made me feel like crap.

So Im looking for safe, effective and affordable alternatives to spironolactone to suggest to my doctor. Im not sure where to begin, I know that there is a transdermal gel version of spironolactone that has a better side effect profile than the pill form so that could be an option, but frankly I would rather go with an injectable or implant anti-androgen. The easiest alternative would be androcur but she cant prescribe that because its not FDA approved.

One that has caught my eye is Zoladex LA (3 month implant) which is about $525 if I order it online (from a reputable pharmacy mind you)... so thats a lot more affordable. Only thing is I can't find whether any trans patient has ever been prescribed it here (its used in the UK all the time). Also I cant seem to find out whether its a dissolving implant or one that has to be removed... it I have to get cut open every 3 month then thats not an option.

Its so frustrating, even with the mounds of information on the web sometimes it can be so hard to find what you need.

[Guest Leah1026]

The easiest alternative would be androcur but she cant prescribe that because its not FDA approved.

Doesn't mean you can't order it as long as she's aware of what you're doing. Androcur is used all around the world and it's a mystery to me why the FDA hasn't approved it. It must have something to do with the politics of big pharma in the USA.

[Carolyn Marie]

Finesteride is often prescribed as a substitute for Spiro. It works differently, and for some it isn't as effective, but it's a viable alternative.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Elizabeth K]

I use a double - Finesteride and Spiro and have hax spectacular results. It might help if you minimized the Spiro by using more Finesteride, if Spiro makes you feel bad. The Finesteride also has the side advantage that it stops male pattern balding on most people.

Lizzy

[Guest Jo-88]

I would also take advice on any reputable online pharmacies that can fill this prescription. Im talking to the people at fertility2u.co.uk they have the injection for about $425 USD but they can't exactly take my prescription, they require me to have my doctor fax in the prescription with a cover letter with all her registration details, then they have a UK doctor who will transcribe the prescription to a GMC certified UK prescription... then they can ship it. Im just not sure about all that... seems sketchy, the pharmacy seems legitimate though, I found quite a few references for them but Im not sure my doctor would even be willing to do it.

[Guest Pammy]

Well, have you thought about Flutamide in combination with finasteride? That's what my doctor has me taking and I feel great!

Love

Pam

[Guest Fionnuala]

Perhaps you would feel differently (better?) taking Spiro under a doctor's care... with bloodwork, making sure your levels are where they are supposed to be?

When you say that you felt like crap, what do you mean by that? I'm only going to mention this because it deserves mentioning, not because I think or suspect that it might apply to you... but you are certain that HRT in general is the right choice for you? I only ask because usually a lack of testosterone in our system makes us feel tons better, not worse.

[Guest Jo-88]

I only ask because usually a lack of testosterone in our system makes us feel tons better, not worse.

It wasn't the lack of testosterone.... I felt great when I switched from spiro to androcur... but again she cant prescribe androcur (which is lame, thanks FDA). I believe the issue and why it made me feel sick was that I was unable to keep myself adequately hydrated which is a big deal on spiro. It could also have been a mild allergic reaction, but I just dont know and frankly would rather just avoid it than to try and find out.

Anyway I just came to drop an update, I got the estrace script fixed so now I have a bottle of estrace and a bottle of prometrium with my name on it and the official publix pharmacy seal! Just having that legally filled at a normal pharmacy made me more happy than I realized it would

As far as the decapeptyl prescription I was finally able to get it filled... and at a reasonable price (just shy of $500). Unfortunately I did have to order it, but I was told it shouldnt take more than 2 weeks to arrive (hopefully sooner though).

As soon as I get the order in, I will back on HRT, except this time its 100% legal and medically regulated! ...I feel validated and super excited!

Today Jodie is a happy girl!