Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: deviousxen on January 24, 2010, 06:23:59 PM

Title: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: deviousxen on January 24, 2010, 06:23:59 PM
why do I crave salt so much....?


Is it the spiros highish dosage that does it? Or do I just like salt...

I feel like I'm never satisfied with it but I always have way too much....


I'll put sea salt on my hand and freaking lick it off...


WWHHHHYYYY?
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: gothique11 on January 24, 2010, 07:00:50 PM
I'm not sure if spiro makes you crave salt or not, but hormones can change your tastes and you can find yourself craving foods. I know that happened to me, and still happens (not on spiro anymore). Mmmm, salt. Oh, and chocolate! There's these things I found that were sweet'n'salty granola bars with chocolate and peanut butter in them... so amazingly good!
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Janet_Girl on January 24, 2010, 07:07:31 PM
It might be that fact that it is a diuretic and the body requires the additional salt.  But I noticed it to when I was on Spiro.  Now I am back to my normal 'to taste' mode, which mean not a lot of the salt.

But I have always been a chocoholic.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: gothique11 on January 24, 2010, 07:15:36 PM
chocolate is amazing. I eat it and I can feel the rush all over my body. Mmmmm, chocolate! Orgasmic! It's not just the taste, but how it makes you feel... I don't know how to explain that. LOL
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Janet_Girl on January 24, 2010, 07:17:56 PM
It is an aphrodisiac.  Especially with strawberries and a lover.  ::)
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: FairyGirl on January 24, 2010, 07:21:09 PM
Quote from: gothique11 on January 24, 2010, 07:15:36 PM
chocolate is amazing. I eat it and I can feel the rush all over my body. Mmmmm, chocolate! Orgasmic! It's not just the taste, but how it makes you feel... I don't know how to explain that. LOL

omg chocolate is a wonder drug, especially during those times of the month when I'm feeling all weepy. Lindt's makes these bars that are 90% cocoa- you don't really eat them like candy you let a piece slowly melt in your mouth as you absorb all that euphoria they seem to put in there along with the cocoa lol
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Krissy_Australia on January 24, 2010, 07:23:56 PM
Yep crave salt a lot. I too put sea salt on my hand a lick it off.
Mmmm olives stuffed with anchovies
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: sylvie on January 24, 2010, 08:26:29 PM
mmmmmmmmmmmmm chocolate!  Sigh!  ;D

I have also acquired a taste for salty things since being on spiro.  My tastes in general have changed over the last few months as well.  Bacon  is also great these days, and I had never enjoyed bacon before.

Now where did I put that chocolate bar?   ;)
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: deviousxen on January 24, 2010, 10:13:45 PM
So you all think my cravings arent just that I have freakish aesthetic tastes and more a normal craving I should indulge?
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: FairyGirl on January 25, 2010, 12:31:00 AM
I drink a lot of tomato juice, which I add salt to, and also eat a lot of raw veggies (also with salt). I know tomatoes are supposed to have a lot of potassium but it hasn't been a problem with the spiro so far. I just assumed it was because spiro is a diuretic and craving salt was my body's way of trying to conserve fluids. Sounds pretty normal to me. I do try to be careful not to get too much salt though.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Nicky on January 25, 2010, 01:31:17 AM
I think it is ok to indulge on Spiro. Spiro stops you from retaining much salt. If you are craving it you might just be a little low. Check your sodium levels next time you have a blood test.

My endo said it is good for your heart for the very reason that you don't retain much salt. He said if you get low you will likely crave it and it is ok to lick some, particulalry if the weather is hot. If you get too low you end up with muscle cramps.

Aprart from that you probably like it too. I don't think you need to feel guilty about it, we don't need to worry much about having too much like the non-spiro crowd. But as I mentioned, you can always check your next bloods (part of your electolytes (serum) panel).

My last bloods said I have 138 mmol/l for Sodium. the normal range is 135-145 according to my blood results. (I think you americans use different units of measure though)

I'm into salty pickles.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Hannah on January 25, 2010, 06:13:39 AM
Just enjoy the salty goodness dear, our pleasures are so few and far between. You can't really eat too much of it on spiro so have at it. Maybe one of those big salt licks they put out for cows would look nice on the end table?
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: deviousxen on January 25, 2010, 10:49:19 AM
You're absolutely sure that you can't overdo it really on spiro? I mean... I crave it a lot D:
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: AweSAM! on January 25, 2010, 12:24:52 PM
Mmmmm, kosher dill pickles, olives, pickled herring, bacon, miso soup, those crazy expensive sweet and salty granola bars, snickers bars (they now say Believe instead of Snickers due to the Olympics); the list goes on and on. The spiro really did help (?) induce theses cravings. I seem to love salt more than usual.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Hannah on January 25, 2010, 02:56:37 PM
Lol, I'm absolutely sure I can't overdo it, but your body has proven to be difficult and contrary, hasn't it! If you drink enough water the odds are in your favor. I fill one of those 2-liter bottles up and drink it all over ice while watching a movie or doing homework and eating my salty nom-noms. You're probably low, when you get enough hopefully the craving will fade.

Ps. Don't eat rock salt unless it's actual salt, I nibbled a chunk of some chemical labeled "de-icer" and it was vile and not fit for woman nor beast.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Nicky on January 25, 2010, 03:05:06 PM
Quote from: Kara-Xen on January 25, 2010, 10:49:19 AM
You're absolutely sure that you can't overdo it really on spiro? I mean... I crave it a lot D:

Well, as long as you are not taking it to silly levels like eating salt by the spoonfull. But I think it would be worth checking with the professionals if you are worried about it.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: BunnyBee on January 25, 2010, 05:45:57 PM
Lol, apparently we are salt vampires.
Please deliver our simple souls from this insatiable insanity for savory salinity!
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Hannah on January 25, 2010, 05:50:34 PM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foodsubs.com%2FPhotos%2Fseasalt4.jpg&hash=6a2cbbdaead7c5aa621f70b8ad2d0a62ec048ea3)

can I have some popcorn with my salt please?
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Janet_Girl on January 25, 2010, 05:58:54 PM
Or a little salt on our salt. 
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: deviousxen on January 25, 2010, 09:24:57 PM
Quote from: Nicky on January 25, 2010, 03:05:06 PM
Well, as long as you are not taking it to silly levels like eating salt by the spoonfull. But I think it would be worth checking with the professionals if you are worried about it.
It will usually be more than a spoon when I'm done with a few pinches... If I go to the movies, I have a LOT on my popcorn.. People are disgusted by it...
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Dora on January 25, 2010, 11:02:26 PM
Big increase in my salt consumption after starting HRT. It may be the estrogen but I am inclined to think it's the spiro. I also noticed that if I don't get enough salt my legs ache at night. Not for sure on that, just an observation.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Autumn on January 26, 2010, 02:23:53 AM
Let's get a picture of table salt sprinkled on kosher sea salt.  >:-)

Eh. I always liked lots of salt.

I did start eating a lot of pickles and mustard after beginning HRT though. And I can tolerate onions well enough now. I started eating a LOT of fruit compared to what I used to (minus bananas) - I even developed a taste for oranges. Kiwis, oranges, especially pears and apples, I have several tomatoes per week but I always loved those. And avocado.

And fruit flavored candy. Friggin' starbursts, man. The red pack is the best pack.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: BunnyBee on January 26, 2010, 02:34:31 AM
In honor of this thread I bought two jars of pickled okra.  Yum!

Yay for honoring things with deliciousness!  ;D
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: WillowG on January 31, 2010, 02:17:27 AM
I usually go after sour cream & onion flavor chips, or sea salt & vinegar flavor if the craving's strong.  Pringles is my preferred brand.  Funny enough I'm not even on hormones yet, though my eval is finally coming up on thursday.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: LordKAT on January 31, 2010, 06:59:18 AM
i once got salt cravings. I thought it weird cause I hate salt as a rule. Doc said it was from my body losing potassium due to my diuretic I am on for High blood pressure. He prescribed potassium pills and end of prob for me. It would be worth having your doc check into it.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: spacial on January 31, 2010, 07:47:38 AM
Quote from: Kara-Xen on January 25, 2010, 10:49:19 AM
You're absolutely sure that you can't overdo it really on spiro? I mean... I crave it a lot D:

When I was nursing, the general rule with any hormone imbalance was give into cravings.

You are highly unlikely to overdo the salt, though, as has been said, don't eat it by the spoonfull. Put it on something. Tomatoes are great with salt. And the same rule as applied to everyone, drink plenty of water. Ice if you must, but better just have a glass from the tap.

Juices, veg or fruit are OK but will tend to have a lot of sugar. Not a good for weight really.





Quote from: FairyGirl on January 24, 2010, 07:21:09 PM
omg chocolate is a wonder drug, especially during those times of the month when I'm feeling all weepy.

FairyGirl

I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you finding you are having monthly cycles of any kind?

If it isn't too intrusive or difficult, can you describe these and what you think is their source?




Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: K8 on January 31, 2010, 07:54:33 AM
When I asked my family physician for spiro, he started me on a low dose because 1) I normally have low blood pressure and 2) spiro's primary use is to lower one's blood pressure.  He didn't want me fainting all the time.

Salt will increase your blood pressure because it tends to thin the blood.  That may be why you (and I) crave salt.

Pass the pretzels, please. :)

- Kate
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: deviousxen on January 31, 2010, 08:11:12 AM
Quote from: spacial on January 31, 2010, 07:47:38 AM
When I was nursing, the general rule with any hormone imbalance was give into cravings.

You are highly unlikely to overdo the salt, though, as has been said, don't eat it by the spoonfull. Put it on something. Tomatoes are great with salt. And the same rule as applied to everyone, drink plenty of water. Ice if you must, but better just have a glass from the tap.

Juices, veg or fruit are OK but will tend to have a lot of sugar. Not a good for weight really.





FairyGirl

I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you finding you are having monthly cycles of any kind?

If it isn't too intrusive or difficult, can you describe these and what you think is their source?

You're saying juice makes you gain weight?
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: K8 on January 31, 2010, 08:14:52 AM
Juice has calories.  Calories make you gain weight if you don't burn them off.  Water has no calories (unless flavored) and burns calories to absorb.

- Kate
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: spacial on January 31, 2010, 08:22:11 AM
Quote from: Kara-Xen on January 31, 2010, 08:11:12 AM
You're saying juice makes you gain weight?

As K8 says.

Juice is fine in moderation. But claims of health benefits are overstated. It really flavoured water.

Tap water has the advantage that you can get it easily and quickly. The benefits of drinking lots of water are too numerous to list. But almost every part of your body will improve with lots of water.

Post Merge: January 31, 2010, 08:27:29 AM

Sorry to nag but something else has just poped into my mind.

Soluable vitamins.

Don't over do these. Many sources will tell you that you body just rids itself of excess.

Not so.

Those soluable Vitamin C things that are suppose to give you 1000mg. Too many of those can damage your kidneys. Reason is they are synthetic.

If you live in the west and get enough fresh fruit and vegatables you really shouldn't need these suppliments. But in any case, only for a few days followed by a few weeks without.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Pippa on January 31, 2010, 08:38:50 AM
Hormoal changes can affect tastes.   That is why some pregnant women get the weirdest food cravings.   Often this is a signal of particular nutritional deficiences.   It could be that you're body is asking for sodium as it is deficient.   This could be because of the diruetic effects of spiro.

I would speak to your Doctor as high levels of sodium can be extremely harmful to your heart and arteries particularly over a long period of time.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: deviousxen on January 31, 2010, 11:03:12 AM
Quote from: spacial on January 31, 2010, 08:22:11 AM
As K8 says.

Juice is fine in moderation. But claims of health benefits are overstated. It really flavoured water.

Tap water has the advantage that you can get it easily and quickly. The benefits of drinking lots of water are too numerous to list. But almost every part of your body will improve with lots of water.

Post Merge: January 31, 2010, 08:27:29 AM

Sorry to nag but something else has just poped into my mind.

Soluable vitamins.

Don't over do these. Many sources will tell you that you body just rids itself of excess.

Not so.

Those soluable Vitamin C things that are suppose to give you 1000mg. Too many of those can damage your kidneys. Reason is they are synthetic.

If you live in the west and get enough fresh fruit and vegatables you really shouldn't need these suppliments. But in any case, only for a few days followed by a few weeks without.

I take a multivitamin every now and then I got from the health food store. That and vitamin D because I'm extremely deficient, and sometimes calcium...

And as for juice... I wanna gain weight lol. I really need to. But I wouldn't really say that TAP water is the best because of all of its impurities. Same with bottled water that has plastic in it. I think that the Romans probably had better water than us...

At least unless we filter the hell out of it.

And I know the body itself will crave what its deficient in. People lost at sea will crave fish eyeball and strange stuff like that I hear... Or other weird body parts for their nutrients.

Although... I think craving vinegary things are a product of aesthetics maybe...
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: WillowG on January 31, 2010, 02:20:24 PM
Quote from: spacial on January 31, 2010, 07:47:38 AM
When I was nursing, the general rule with any hormone imbalance was give into cravings.

Good to know, I try to follow my cravings when I get groceries & that's worked out ok for me.  Really good to know since I'll be starting hormones soon & I'm trying to figure out a good diet plan, I'll follow my nose & tummy. ;D
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Hannah on January 31, 2010, 02:32:30 PM
A completely during-hrt taste I've developed is for apples with salt. I like to cut it in thin slices, just touch one side to a plate of salt and just mmm. The combination of bitter and sweet is a very sensual experience.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Robin_p on January 31, 2010, 05:44:51 PM
I LOOOOVVVVE SALT!!!

I usual eat a bag of "David's Sunflower" everyday. I sprinkle "salted peanut" into my butter pecan ice cream.

I dream of having a Salt mound in my back yard so i could lie down next to it and lick it all day long :)

Slurp.......
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: pebbles on February 27, 2010, 10:37:37 AM
Oh thank goodness I'm not alone I thought I was going crazy. O_o My cravings have been for protein salt and some fat. huge loss of interest in Sugars or carbs. Before I used to be a proper chocoholic and love cereals but now I don't long for them at all really this has changed my diet radically, However my new cravings have forced me to take a break from my normal vegetarian routine.

diced boiled Egg + Mayonnaise
Salted Anchovies and olive oil on toast
Cheese paste mayonnaise and Tuna + brine in pita bread
Fried egg and grilled kipper
Salty Seafood Ramen with egg fried noodles.

Normally I would eat meals like that once every 2 months or less more so with the ones with actual fish in them which I'd only eat if I'm treating myself. Now I basically want to eat one meal like this every day.

Assuming the protein isn't begin used for growth and I'm not going to wake up with an extra limb or a tail something
I can only guess it's because I'm peeing away too much urea counting as protein loss, And of course the salt is because sodium is lost at expense of potassium gain, Carby foods like potatoes cereals tend to have alot of potassium thus I'm instinctively now avoiding them.
Title: Re: Spiro and salt cravings?
Post by: Suzy on February 27, 2010, 10:52:42 AM
Salt is one thing.  I certainly love salty things.  I haven't really noticed a difference on Spiro though.  Guess I have always been an old salt.  But just a reminder:  we really should all be doing regular blood work.  Especially, monitor your Potassium level with Spiro.  A quick and easy food reference can be found here:
http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/potassium-foods.htm (http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/potassium-foods.htm)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi