Hi everyone. It has been a long time since I have posted here but wanted to get some input from others about my current situation. I am an older woman and have been on HRT for about 2 1/2 years. I have a medical history of Reactive Arthritis and Anklyosing Spondylitis. When I first started HRT the doctor put me on a low dose of Estrogen pills sublingually and a low dose of spiro also taking Finasteride. There was some good results with breast sensitivity and diminishing body hair as well as calm feeling throughout, however within a week my blood pressure dropped to dangerous levels, I run borderline low blood pressure, well I did at that time anyhow. Ended up in the hospital because of this. When i went back to the doctor after I recovered from the hospital visit, not a fun experience, believe me, the doctor took me off the spiro and kept me on the Finasteride and Estrogen. Things improved with the blood pressure and edema as well as the burning in my feet.
At this time I asked to be put on injections since this is the route the doctor gives to all his patients. He kept me off the Spiro and kept me on the Finasteride, shots were given every two weeks. I did notice some mild sensitivity in the breasts but also noticed my body hair coming back and my libido increasing, including body odor. Did not like this at all. I mentioned it to the doctor when i saw him again and he did not think much of it and just kept me on the routine. He said my blood work was fine. The do not check for T levels there, only your prolactin levels. I ended up finding a different doctor who claimed to have had experience working with trans patients, well that was not true. He saw me and looked at my prior history and wanted to put me on the patch, he also stated that he wants his patients on a post menapuasal woman's estrogen levels. I started the one patch changed every three days and continued my Finasteride. Began to become agressive and irritable within a couple of weeks on this route. I asked to be put back on the pills and wanted to try Spiro again. He agreed and I started out with a low dose again of both meds. Nothing except drop in blood pressure again. He upped the dose of my estrogen and blood pressure went way up. I am now experiencing the burning sensation in my feet again and a spike in blood pressure, labido has gone up again as well. Body hair is growing back again as well. I do not know what to do anymore, so frustrated, do not have a very good doctor either since I am back at the clinic where I first started my HRT. Has anyone experienced this while on HRT? Is it possible to get results just from Estrogen and Finasteride?
Susan
