Dry eyes and acne while on HRT?

[Urban Christina]

Hi, I'm a MTF that was put on estrogen and  spironolactone one week from today. I felt better and became happier immediately but now my face is worse and am having dry eyes. It's turning me into a bitch now.

I'm just curious if any of you experienced these:

1) I know HRT is supposed to clear up your face but did it get worse FIRST before getting better for you? My pimples got worse even that my skin already feel dried up from HRT Nothing in my life worked for my acne so I'm starting to think the spironolactone won't work for my face. Time to give up?

2) I've been having dry eyes the last few days. I'm not sure if it's from lack of sleep or HRT. If it's from HRT, do I have to depend on eyedrops for rest of my life? I'm going to try get myself back to my regular sleeping schedule but if it doesn't work, any solutions?

Any answers will be so appreciated. Thank you!

[Claire25]

Are you drinking plenty..and I mean plenty of water? Spiro is a diuretic. It makes you loose alot of water through urination and if you are not replenishing that supply it could cause both symptoms.

[Urban Christina]

I mean, water is the only thing I drink so I'm positive I drink at least the suggested 8 cups a day. Maybe I should count how many I drink tomorrow and see. Thanks!

[Claire25]

I noticed since I started that I drink ALOT more than I used to.. I have to drink a cup every hour or so, or I will start to get dry mouth. Each person is different but that is the only thing I can think of. Also I would start using lotions if you are getting dry skin. My face gets it pretty bad most of the time.

[JoanneB]

You do need a lot of water with spiro. 8 cups is not a lot of water. 8 cups is what is recommended for normal folks doing normal daily activities. Add in heat or exercise and the requirements go up. Look at this way... 8 cups is 64 oz.. Same as a super-sized soda that some folks do several of a day. (Or about 5 bottles of beer  )Think about double that amount of water.

If the E is an oral and you are swallowing it, there is a bit of an extra strain on the liver. Water helps in reducing that too.

A good indicator is urine color. If it has any, you need more water  Yes, it sucks having to pee every 20-30 minutes when it comes out as fast as it goes in

Also watch your foods. I think with spiro you need to watch your potassium intake. Please research that out for what types of foods and supplements to avoid.

Eventually an anti-androgen will likely help with acne problems. I had very very oily skin before HRT. Now it is fine to dry. Starting both E & an AA  will take a while for your body to settle in. You need to give it a few weeks.

[Dawn Heart]

Since this OP started talking about HRT side-effects....

I am wondering what ARE the side-effects of HRT? Has there been any reports of allergic reactions to any of the drugs used? If so, what are they and how severe / life threatening can they be? I have a history of being allergic to almost everything under the sun from environmental allergies to a list of different prescription drugs, including one antibiotic in the sulfa category.

Figured I would ask since I am starting mental health therapy soon, and am hoping it leads to HRT in a reasonable time.

Thanks for any replies! 

[Joelene9]

Usually no reaction to sulfa with the hormones, but it might differ with the spiro.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure. 

[Joelene9]

Chris,
  The acne may be from nervous activity.  You have taken a profound step in your life.  Wait awhile, HRT takes time to adjust your body.  Heed your doctor's advice and warnings.  Check with your doctor if your dry eyes persists or gets worse. 
  Joelene

[Dawn Heart]

Usually no reaction to sulfa with the hormones, but it might differ with the spiro.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure.

Thanks for that! I was reading the side effects of Spiro and Estrogen individually. The Spiro seems like a really scary drug with the list of serious side effects, and I am wondering now what the rate of serious side effects are in most people, especially in those who are MTF transitioning. You're right, I really need to talk to someone about the Spiro in advance with my history. I'm sure there has to be other drugs that are not as complicated as Spiro, or am I worrying too much?

[Cindy]

Thanks for that! I was reading the side effects of Spiro and Estrogen individually. The Spiro seems like a really scary drug with the list of serious side effects, and I am wondering now what the rate of serious side effects are in most people, especially in those who are MTF transitioning. You're right, I really need to talk to someone about the Spiro in advance with my history. I'm sure there has to be other drugs that are not as complicated as Spiro, or am I worrying too much?

There is significant risk with most of the HRT. Significant meaning there is more risk than not being on them. Liver toxicity, thrombosis, particularly DVT. migraine, depression, increased risk of breast cancer.

The form of antiAA varies between countries and between endocrinologists. Spiro is reported to have less effect on depression and some people like it for that. It also has positive effects on hypertension. Cyproterone has less liver toxicity (I think)  but it may heighten depression and migraine.

All of these drugs should be used under medical treatment. That way you will be safe and the treatment can be balanced to suit your  biology. So under medical treatment you will have regular blood tests to ensure that problems are not arising. In self medication the first sign of a problem may be incurable.

JMO

Cindy

[Joelene9]

  Your doctor will give you liver and kidney function blood tests to check them.  You doctor may up the dosages to the normal levels after the first 2-4 months.  This is normal.  I'm due for another test later next month. 
  Joelene

[Dawn Heart]

There is significant risk with most of the HRT. Significant meaning there is more risk than not being on them. Liver toxicity, thrombosis, particularly DVT. migraine, depression, increased risk of breast cancer.

The form of antiAA varies between countries and between endocrinologists. Spiro is reported to have less effect on depression and some people like it for that. It also has positive effects on hypertension. Cyproterone has less liver toxicity (I think)  but it may heighten depression and migraine.

All of these drugs should be used under medical treatment. That way you will be safe and the treatment can be balanced to suit your  biology. So under medical treatment you will have regular blood tests to ensure that problems are not arising. In self medication the first sign of a problem may be incurable.

JMO

Cindy

Hey Cindy!

Good to see you again! 

I'm not even thinking about self-medicating. That gets rid of that risk, lol.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Dawn,

In your case, I wouldn't be too concerned, as being under the care of a good endocrinologist, they will keep a close eye on your progress.

I've just had all my dosages doubled by my Endo and it hasn't effected effected effected effected me at all. 

Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Cindy]

Hi Dawn,

In your case, I wouldn't be too concerned, as being under the care of a good endocrinologist, they will keep a close eye on your progress.

I've just had all my dosages doubled by my Endo and it hasn't effected effected effected effected me at all. 

Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Oh dear, an empty shell full of chemicals.

Glad to hear Sis. I have a check up on Thursday.

Major one.

Cindy