Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Any Insight on Taking Spironolactone Without Estrogen?


Kathy2020

Recommended Posts

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! ?

Link to comment
  • Admin

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.

Link to comment

@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! ?

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

 

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

Link to comment

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.  

Link to comment
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? ?  

Link to comment

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 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
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

 

Link to comment

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

Link to comment
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...

Link to comment
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! ?

Link to comment
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! ?

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   4 Members, 0 Anonymous, 120 Guests (See full list)

    • Thea
    • VickySGV
    • MaeBe
    • Carolyn Marie
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.6k
    • Total Posts
      767.9k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,014
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Quillian
    Newest Member
    Quillian
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. l.demiurge
      l.demiurge
  • Posts

    • Abigail Genevieve
      The two o'clock Onshoring meeting was going well.  Taylor was leading, inviting other people up to speak on their specialties. Aerial photogrammetry and surveying, including the exact boundary, were out for contract signature  Gibson had handled that - Manufacturing was supposed to, but somehow hadn't happened.  Legal issues from Legal. Accounting reported on current costs, including all upkeep, guard salaries, etc.  Manufacturing was supposed to give those numbers, but they hadn't.   The downside was the VP of Manufacturing.  He had arrived at the meeting red-faced, his tie askew, clutching a bottle. It smelled strongly of vodka. He had never done anything in his twenty years of being VP of Manufacturing, and he did not like being asked now.   "Mr. ----, do you have the inventory we asked for?" Taylor asked politely.  VP Gibson had asked him to have his people go through the plant and not only inventory but assess the operational status of every piece of equipment.  They needed to know what they had. "I'm not going to take any f---- orders from a g-d- tra---," he snarled. "God knows what kind of perverts it has dragged into our fair city and bangs every night." "That is completely out of line." That was Gibson.  Taylor controlled herself.  That was a shot at Bob, not just at Taylor.  She was glad Bob was not there to do something stupid.  Had Mrs. McCarthy been talking? What had she said?  Was she given to embellishment?  Taylor took a deep breath. "I'm not sorry.  You f--- can take this stupid onshoring --- and shove it up your -" "That is quite enough."  This was the head of HR. "You can take your sissy ways and sashay -" "You are fired." "You can't fire me." "Oh, yes I can," said the office manager.  The VP took another swig from his bottle. "Try it."  He looked uncertain. "I will have you removed.  Are you going to leave on your own?  I am calling the police to help you leave." And he dialed the number. He stomped out cursing. They heard him noisily go down the hall.  This was the front conference room.  He actually went through security and out the door, throwing his badge on the ground on his way.  The guard picked it up. They could see this through the glass wall. "Can you fire a VP?" "The Board told me that if anyone gives me problems they should be shown the door. Even a VP.  I can fire everyone here. I won't, of course. Those were problems." "Are you alright, Taylor?" She nodded.  "I've heard worse.  Shall we continue?" And they did.   The last item was that certain business people in China had been arrested, and the corporation that had been supporting them all these years had been dissolved.  They were on their own, and the Board was dead serious on straightening things out.  After this meeting, Taylor believed it.  She did not attend the meeting to discuss how to distribute the few duties the VP of Manufacturing had done.  That was ultimately up to the Board.    
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Lunch was at Cabaret, still free.  The place was quiet: it was the sort of place you took a business client to impress them, and the few other people were in business suits.  Most of the legal profession was there.   She told him of the morning's frustrations, breaking her own rule about confidentiality.  She asked Karen how the branding was going, and Karen had snapped back that she had not started on it yet - they had all these proposals.  Taylor had explained that it was important, for the two o'clock meeting, and Karen told her to do it herself.  Karen pointed out that Taylor could not touch her - her uncle was on the Board and her brother was VP of Manufacturing.  Nor would the two computer guys go out to the plant - they were playing some kind of MMORPG and simply not available. If she wanted the pictures, she should go.  Mary prayed an Ave Maria, but both she and Brenda were racing to get the proposal out. The client wanted it Friday for review.   She didn't bring up what Mrs. McCarthy had told her.  She wasn't sure how to approach it.  She thought of telling her of a 'something more comfortable' she had bought in case he ever DID show up at her door. It was in the bottom drawer of her dresser, ready to go.  Instead she talked about moving to a place with a garage.  Several of the abandoned houses had one, and they had been maintained well with China cash.   Bob had finally realized that when he was introduced as Bob, Taylor's boyfriend, that was just how things were done here. Other people had introduced each other in terms of family relationships, which were strong.  Long before you found out anything else about someone, you knew how they were related.  Family kept people from leaving Millville.    "What is the real name of this town, anyway?"   She laughed.  "I am trying to find that out.  It's 'Welcome to Millvale' when you come into town from the north, and 'Welcome to Millville' on the south.  I have counted two other variants."   "What a town. Roosevelt is like that, with the families, but there is only one spelling."  
    • Ashley0616
      Nothing wrong with that. I'm glad that you found what makes you happy! Just curious what does your wife think? If it's too personal I understand.
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
      – According to a recent survey, the most popular name for a dog is Max. Other popular names include Molly, Sam, Zach, and Maggie.
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
      Either new environment/ not potty trained
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Bob was on his way home from the dojo and he "just happened" to driver by her place. It was 10:30.  Her light was still on.  He knew exactly where she was sitting.  He saw her in his mind.   A fierce wave of desire that took his breath away suddenly showed up. All he had to do was stop, get out of the car, walk to the door and knock.  She would answer, glad to see him.  She would know why he was there and what he wanted. She would invite him in, maybe get him something to drink, disappear for a moment and return in "something more comfortable."  She would lead him back. Oh, joy.   And never, ever speak to him again afterwards.  Or she would not let him in but be angry about it.  In no way, emotionally, physically, mentally or spiritually, was she ready for this, and he knew it, if he was honest with himself, and she knew he knew it.  She would look upon it as another assault and their relationship would be irretrievably broken.  He would have to leave town. It would devastate her. It would devastate him.    He fought himself.  He was frozen to his seat as his reason and his body fought. He was twenty four years old, a full-blooded male with normal desires; he had just worked out and he was ready.  All he had to do now was open the car door. No one would know. He held his hands, one in the other, to keep one from moving, against his reason and will, to open that door.  He did not want to be a slave of his desires.   He looked across the street.  Mrs. McCarthy, sister of his landlord, was peeking though her window.  She knew his car.  Everyone in town would know by noon the next day if he got out of the car.  Taylor did not need that, either, and she would know, if he came to the door now, what a selfish thing it would be: in his own eyes, in the eyes of Taylor, in the eyes of the town, and worst of all, in the eyes of God.   He sat there a moment longer.  He was, as he reflected, entering into her sufferings in a small way that she would be made whole, healthy and happy: what he wanted more than anything.  But this hurt.  Why had all this come on her?  He asked God again, but there was only silence. He drove home in that silence. He chided himself for even going on her street and for driving on it other nights.  He would stop that, he told himself.   ------------------------------------------   The next morning Taylor went out to her car to go to work.  Mrs. McCarthy met her before she got to it. "I thought you were going to get lucky last night, dearie," she said. Taylor was puzzled. "Why, what do you mean?" "That young fellow - you know, Bob - he's been driving around here, going up and down the street some nights, not stopping.  Well, last night he parked and sat in his car for a while.   I think he was staring at your window.  I think he was trying to get up the courage to knock on the door. I was rooting for him.   But then he drove away.  Faint heart never won fair lady, as they say. What a shame. You two are a lovely couple.  Well, have a good day!" "Thank you, Mrs. McCarthy."  Taylor knew Bob extremely well and knew what had been going through his mind.  She was more than grateful he had not gotten out of the car. Better for him, better for her, better for everybody.  Surgery "down there" sooner than later.  This was driving the poor boy crazy. It was driving her crazy, too.  But she had a lot to work through. Surgery "up here" she said, pointing to her head.  She woke up her therapist on the way to work.  They were still talking when she pulled into her designated parking spot.  That was a perk that had happened yesterday.  She took a deep breath and headed into work. It would be another wild day.
    • Ashley0616
      bittersweet: especially : pleasure accompanied by suffering or regret
    • Abigail Genevieve
      I'm thinking about some interactions yesterday I did, while presenting as male but acting as female, that were far better than I did when I was presenting as male and acting as male.  #girlunderhood. I do a crappy job at acting as male and I am giving it up.  I am not talking about feminine gestures or presentation but just relating as a woman.  People don't realize I am doing it but it is a whole lot easier to do.   You don't just put on a dress and BOOM you are a girl.  You are a girl and you put on a dress.  Or not. Whether I am in jeans or a skirt (I wish, wife would have lots to say) I am a girl.  I don't need $250 in makeup and heels and hose and all that.  I don't need surgery. Honey, I have arrived.  Now I have to work out how that best works in my life, causing the minimal damage and creating the maximum good, but I have more working room.   Oh, and I am still pissed off at everyone and everything. #Contradictory.
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      @Willow it is certainly possible that my husband planned it. Placing me in the path of an opportunity....he certainly does things like that. GF has done some work for the company as an outside consultant, so I'm sure the company owner knows what potential resources are around.    It could also have just happened randomly. He has taken me to work with him before, just because he likes to have me around. I remember one time that I fell asleep with my head in his lap, and he held a meeting with his subordinates without waking me and making me move.  The company culture is family oriented and relaxed.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      The photo is great.  Software is phenomenal but it also is sort of a promise of things to come. Years ago this sort of thing took a photographer and Photoshop and all sorts of things and you would say, "I can look like THIS??"   Me, I am a duck.  That's from my driver's license.  Just kidding.
    • MaeBe
      I lucked into that picture. I took like 10 before that, which appropriately make me look like a donkey. ;)   Thank you so much for the compliment!
    • Mmindy
      You're welcome Sally,   Hugs,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • Mmindy
      This is a great analogy. The statement is true as it relates to the tree. The analogy fits because we as a LGBTQIA community are stronger when we stand together. It also work here on Transgender Pulse Forums. The support I feel from so many others has made me comfortable with my stance, because I'm in a beautiful forest of friends. So when I'm out alone and confronted. I can respond and act like the single tree in the field, surviving whatever comes my way. My roots reach back and communicate with others like me.    Standing Strong,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...