Any Insight on Taking Spironolactone Without Estrogen?

[Kathy2020]

Does anyone have some insight on taking spironolactone without any additional estrogen or other replacement hormone medication? I am in a unique situation where my endocrinologist says I need to jump on spiro ASAP for a non-transitioning reason, but she wants me to wait for at least 6 months (and likely up to a year) to add female hormones. While I am fighting a bit of depression about having to wait for estrogen, I feel like I should be happy getting the "side effects" of spiro so soon while being treated for my other health issues. I was just wondering if anyone else is taking spironolactone alone, what benefits / side effects seem to really happen from the standard grocery list, and if there is any news or research about taking it for a longer period without introducing another hormone. Thank you for helping out! ?

[VickySGV]

Spiro disables Testosterone as a useful side effect if you are being treated for high blood pressure or some water retention issues.  It is a potassium sparing diuretic, which means it keeps your body from ejecting potassium which is needed for health in many ways.  I was put on it because another diuretic was killing my potassium levels and giving me rather terrible cramp problems.  Our bodies even as AMAB produce some natural Estrogen which can get our breast development going for us and do some fat shifting.  The jury is out as to whether it would do the whole job if left alone, but the doctor who prescribed it to me was careful to explain the negative effects on my maleness, since I had not come out to him at that point I had to suppress a real silly giggle.  A couple of months later he did find out, and basically I was his first Trans patient, but he did support me when I did start E under the guidance of an Endocrinologist who was helping him in qualification on Diabetes which I had.  All good, you may be pleasantly surprised, I do know Cis males who have been unpleasantly surprised by it.

[Kathy2020]

@VickySGV Thank you for responding. This is what I was hoping to hear from my favorite forum but know each person has their own experience too. Doctors and web resources have to include everything which makes sorting out the "noise" a little difficult at times. I'm definitely not disappointed about going on spiro, but I was a little worried about having to wait for estrogen for so long, especially if my T drops to zero really fast. The one thing I am hearing - including from my doctor - is that I can't be hormone free for too long without some consequences (osteoporosis and other things might crop up if I did). If I am lucky enough to have a similar reaction like yours though, I will be happy with the "bad" side effects until I can add the estrogen boost next year. I'll keep you informed about the results as they happen! ?

[Charlize]

 

10 hours ago, Kathy2020 said:

hormone free for too long

It is the long term that you need to worry about Kathy.  
It will take some time for Spiro to have it's effect.  Be sure you drink a lot!  I also made a point of trying to limit foods containing a great deal of potassium.  If you get cramps more i found more fluids helped.  I remember drinking a gallon of green tea every day.  As Vicky noted  you may certainly experience some feminizing effects.  At the least your body will quickly accept E when you start up.  

I found that much of the medical community looks at the studies showing the dangers of progesterone treatment and don't want to start E for that reason.  Topical E delivery is the safest.  I have found that quite acceptable.  

Keep up your communication with your doctor.  

You are embarking on an amazing journey.  Fasten your seatbelt.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ivy]

At the first clinic I went to before the VA, they wouldn't give me E because of my age.  It was a policy across the board.  But they did give me Spiro.   For me personally, it caused my sodium levels to tank.  Later we tried another time with the same result.  I think it's my own personal issue though as others have done fine.  I would suggest keeping up with your blood work though.

 

Now, with the VA,  I'm on estradiol with no blockers.  

[Kathy2020]

15 hours ago, Charlize said:

Be sure you drink a lot!

I already have a couple friends lined up at the pub and margarita mix at the house... oh, wait... did you mean water? ?

 

15 hours ago, Charlize said:

At the least your body will quickly accept E when you start up.

My endocrinologist thinks that will happen, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I just don't want to do any damage while my T is wiped out and waiting for something to replace it. While a year seems long to me, I think you are right by saying I should be OK. Past a year though, and I think I will be pressuring my doctor for something just to make sure I stay healthy.

 

Getting back to drinking a lot, does it have to be water or can it be something like cranberry juice and vodka? ?  

[Lexi C]

Yeah I started Spiro and E at the same time alone with progesterone. 

I am still on E( injection), Progesterone  and  after my Orchiectomy ( 6 months ago) my Spiro went  down to one pill every week but after this month I should be off.

My problem is I was still get aroused even do I am down to zero Testosterone and being on E for 3yrs, and had Orch six months ago  So the Doc thought it be good to go back on for a few more weeks.

 

I get severe cramps when i drink Alcohol. I try to drink more walk.

I exercise a lot 4 to 5 times a week and i feel the weakness creeping in which i hear is another side effect of Spiro and Progesterone.

I am also 58 so maybe that has something to do with it

Just keep your Doc in the loop and make sure to get your Blood work done every 3 to 4 months.

Be Safe, Stay  PRoud and KICK ASS 

[Charlize]

10 hours ago, Kathy2020 said:

I already have a couple friends lined up at the pub and margarita mix at the house... oh, wait... did you mean water? ?

 

Both my therapist and doctor were very happy that i was active in AA and had some time in sobriety.  As Lexi noted alcohol is not a healthy part of HRT.  Alcohol acts a diuretic so if you drink plan to take more non alcoholic fluids.  

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

 

[Willow McKenzie]

Hi Kathy,

  I know you are asking about spironolactone, but my concerns are getting down to no hormones.   I am a prostate cancer survivor and my body doesn't make T any more.   I'm on mono therapy estradiol valerate.   when I had knee replacement I went for a month w/o hormones.   By the 3rd week the hot flashes and mental and mood failure were devastating.   I know of other people who can run on empty with 4 flat tires, but not me.   I hope it works out OK for you.   We can all celebrate your first month of estradiol with you.   I'm sure you will be chatty about it when it happens.

 

Willow McKenzie

[Kathy2020]

11 hours ago, Lexi C said:

I exercise a lot 4 to 5 times a week and i feel the weakness creeping in

This was the first concern my doctor said to watch out for when I start spiro since T is so vital to maintaining muscle mass. After that, it's upping my water intake and watching potassium levels to avoid muscle cramps, etc. She said things like breast development will be hit or miss until I add estrogen because spiro doesn't trigger a "second puberty" on its own. That totally made sense to me...

[Kathy2020]

5 hours ago, Charlize said:

... alcohol is not a healthy part of HRT ...

I agree with that and will expand it to say any of us dealing with anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues should be really conscious of the effects of alcohol. I didn't mean to imply otherwise, and was only poking a little fun at your earlier comment reminding me to "drink a lot!" The help group I often see always talks about our drinking problems... primarily the copious amounts of coffee, tea, and water we all consume to counteract the effects of medications, etc. Its the main reason we can't go anyplace more than short walk to the nearest bathroom! ?

[Kathy2020]

5 hours ago, Willow Farmer said:

I know of other people who can run on empty... but not me.

Yes, this is my concern to... and I don't know if I am one of those or need a little go-go juice in the system to stay balanced. I guess I am about to find out! ?

5 hours ago, Willow Farmer said:

We can all celebrate your first month of estradiol... I'm sure you will be chatty about it when it happens.

Oh lord, is that a side effect too? If it is, I'll need to warn my help group ahead of time! ?