length of time on meds

[Nikki22]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with a long break in the transition process.  I started in 94, on high hormones and [dose removed] of Spirono, lived for 13 years as female, worked as outside sales rep, and had good life.  then my mom got sick and passed away at 95...I cared for her 8 years, and sort of gave up all personal stuff, including hormones...I wore baggy clothes and just worked as a caregiver which took all my time.  She passed in 2018, and I left Vancouver, all the temptations for opiates, then drove/moved across Canada to clear head.  I didn't bother with any feminine clothes/clues, but left as is...I'd been secluded, so watched reactions from every province, and was called Miss, dear, love...all that...so much for my butch appearance...I'd thought I reverted to who I once was, but only in my head.  After 5,000 miles, I made it from Vancouver to Saint John...a very small town.  that started a lot of confusion...people thought I was a female to male TS, or just female.  A girl put make up on, and I never looked back.  After a long time on hormones/electrolysis, I didn't need much to pass, but am back on hormones, and want to take Spiro, but at a reduced dose...getting older, and there are many side effects as it is a diuretic as well as an anti-androgen.  I'm hoping [dose removed], twice a day should be enough, but I also wonder when is the point where you don't need it?  There are few TS here, and little pro support...especially compared to the Gender Dysphoria Clinic and Dr. Watson that cared for me in Vancouver.  Has anyone been through something similar, or got to the point where surgery or drugs have killed the male and there's only female left?  They tested blood, and found very low testo level.  With just a minimum of effort, I'm well accepted here, and there's no questions about gender now that I make some effort to dress female.  This is lousy pic, but me after hair grew a bit... and that ten year or so break from everything.  I also had really short hair, but it didn't seem to matter.  I've been on hormones almost 2 months, so they haven't done anything.

When does this end, or do we need hormones forever, including the spiro?  Just curious if anyone has an opinion, experience and not a full medical answer...please?  Thanks, Danae

Edited January 11, 2019 by Dev
Removed medication dosages.

[VickySGV]

We are not allowed to discuss dosages of medications on this site since do-it-yourself hormones be a serious health hazard.

 

I am 71 years old and Post Op for six years.  Still on Spiro, but mine has always been as a blood pressure medication as it was originally intended to be.  Three years ago I had a blood clot and was off "E" for several months with no sign of regression.  Your picture is feminine appearing and with "clues" in the form of make up and even masculine end of female clothing, you would have no problems being seen as female if that is how you want to be seen.  If you were on E for longer than 3 years before, you have probably maxed out the effect they were going to have and today you will not likely have other new developments.  My hormones are largely to keep my bone density up and they do help my skin it seems.  I had been on HRT for 6 years when the clot happened and not budged in a year by then, back on for 2.5 years no bodily improvements, but peace of mind. 
 

[Jani]

Welcome Danae.  Your photo is very feminine appearing.  I agree that you have most likely reached the maximum effect of feminization due to E.  I know of another woman who had been off HRT for over ten years before she decided to get back on a low dosage for general health reasons.  The only side effects of Spiro that I recall was the need to stay well hydrated so to not overtax your kidneys.  You'll end up needing to void frequently at first but your body will adjust.  I only took it once a day. Is there a specific reason for twice daily?  

 

Again, welcome to the forum and I hope you stay in contact.

 

Jani

[Josie Beth]

I’ve been off hormones for 15 years and I’m going back on them as soon as possible. I’m not sure what the doctor will prescribe but I wasn’t on them long enough to make me able to pass all the time as I am now. I’m going to have to go back through all the changes all over again. The only permanent change was my endocrine function, so I’m sterile. Other than that I have a long way to go to be at peace. I’m encouraged by your tenacity. 

[Kirsten]

26 minutes ago, Jani said:

I only took it once a day. Is there a specific reason for twice daily?

I have to take mine twice a day as well. Idk why though. I just thought it was normal so I never asked. 

[RithiaAllen]

I was on Estrodile from 2010 through November of 2017 and when I got the money again I started back up in October of 2018.

 

I take mine twice a day too. @Kristen it’s to keep the hormone level at a closer to steady rate then what twice the dosage once a day would provide.