How to fight off the T

[Terra]

I was wondering if it wasn't possible to get estrogen where i'm moving to, do you think I could keep most of the progress I made on HRT so far if I continue taking the T-blockers? Anyone had to do this? I think it would be cheap enough for me if I only bought t-blockers, but i'm not sure what that would do to me chemistry wise to not have hardly any sex hormones in my body then, oh, and I do plan to get the docto's opinion as well.

[Melissa]

To be honest, I have no idea, but I would imagine it would at least sustain your progress.

Melissa

[rhonda13000]

She's right.

At least you could 'hold ground'.

[umop ap!sdn]

For breast growth specifically, androgen blockers are the most important part of HRT. Other than that, stopping them will tend to cause masculine traits such as body hair to return, as well as (in the long term) irreversible changes in face structure.

[Krisstina]

yeah I think also you might experience hot flashes and symptoms associated with menopause. I have had to stop everything but the spiro for a week or two here or there for various reasons and thats what happened. 

Now I have been on estrogen for years but I do be leave that the cause of hot flashes, osteoporosis, menopause is a lack of hormones either way altogether. So long term I don't think it is a good idea. Short term it should help you hold your ground and maybe feel uncomfortable.

For breast growth specifically, androgen blockers are the most important part of HRT.

I have herd that before as well some people say just stop the androgen and there will be a small amount of breast growth.



Sincerely'
Kristina

[Thundra]

I think it would be cheap enough for me if I only bought t-blockers, but i'm not sure what that would do to me chemistry wise to not have hardly any sex hormones in my body then, oh, and I do plan to get the docto's opinion as well.

Ohhhh, be careful there my friend. As I understand it, the most common testosterone blocker is Spironolactone, a diuretic. ANYTIME you take a diuretic, you should do so under a doctor's oversight -- or you can get in real trouble.

I have been on diuretic's most of my life, because I inherited edema of the lower legs from my Mother. Not only is it ugly, it is dangerous -- blood clots.

Diuretic's affect the level of salts, most specifically potassium, in your blood serum. "K" that is either too high or too low can cause problems. If "K" (potassium) is too low, you can have a heart attack. But unlike most diuretics, spironolactone INCREASES the level of "K" in your bloodstream, which puts crazy stress on your kidneys first, and then on your other organs if your kidneys start to fail from overwork. If you are not able to treat it in time, you can end up on dialysis, and if you have a critically high level, it can actually put your heart to sleep -- permanently.

If you do insist on treating yourself with spironolactone, at least go on a low potassium diet -- avoiding foods like bananas, and brussel sprouts.  You are young and healthy I am guessing, so don't go more than six months without getting a blood test, and take a low level of spironolactone.

Maybe there are free clinics or clinics with a sliding fee scale where you are going?
Lots of universities have free clinics, because of all the STD's and whatnot in the younger crowd.

Best of luck, T.

[rhonda13000]

If Spiro is used, increase your fluid intake.

Early last summer, I learned that lesson the hard way, when I blacked out from dehydration and ripped open my head on a steel trashcan.

[Terra]

heh, no worries for self treatment, I wouldn't dream of it having first hand medical knowlage of how sensitive your body can be to chemicals, but I will increase my fluid intake, as that explains a few of my problems lately.

THanks ^^

[LostInTime]

I had to add some water in my week to stop muscle cramps.  Ah, it's better for ya anyway.