Starting Spiro...

[Stephanie00Rayne]

So I saw a 2nd Psychiatrist today that works with a lot of the Trans folk in my area (and the organization that authorizes SRS should you want to go that path).

We had a good 1.5hrs sit down and I gave him my full history up until now.  I mentioned that I can't get in to see the Endo until end of Feb/early March.

While he's not a Dr and said he can't prescribe Hormones, he did write me a prescription for Spiro to take for the next 2 months leading up to when I can get in to see the Endo. Along with the prescription he gave me a requisition form for blood tests to get done near the end of January after I've been on Spiro for a bit.

Is there anything I should be concerned about with taking Spiro?  I'm assuming I won't see many changes in a 1-1.5 months span... but am curious to get some input ladies.

Thanks

[ImagineKate]

I thought a psychiatrist was a MD. Well a lot of them are anyway. I think there are PhD ones too.

As for the danger with spiro, it lowers blood pressure and increases potassium. Watch your blood pressure in case it gets too low. If you feel dizzy you might want to call your doctor.

[Mariah]

Drink tones of water. You need to stay hydrated. Spiro will dehydrate you before you know it.
Mariah

[awilliams1701]

Apparently with the spiro estro combination fatigue isn't all that common (but I experienced it in the first few weeks), however without the estro it seems to be a lot more common.

[KayXo]

While he's not a Dr and said he can't prescribe Hormones, he did write me a prescription for Spiro to take for the next 2 months leading up to when I can get in to see the Endo. Along with the prescription he gave me a requisition form for blood tests to get done near the end of January after I've been on Spiro for a bit.

Is there anything I should be concerned about with taking Spiro?  I'm assuming I won't see many changes in a 1-1.5 months span... but am curious to get some input ladies.

Taking Spiro without E will lead to menopausal, uncomfortable symptoms. Also, drink as much spring water as you want AND salt, you will lose more of these on Spiro. Best to take with something in stomach, divided twice daily. Also, moderate intake of diuretics and avoid things high in potassium.

[Stephanie00Rayne]

Taking Spiro without E will lead to menopausal, uncomfortable symptoms. Also, drink as much spring water as you want AND salt, you will lose more of these on Spiro. Best to take with something in stomach, divided twice daily. Also, moderate intake of diuretics and avoid things high in potassium.

The E is coming (I think) at the end of Feb..  My psych. suggested this would be a good start to bring down the T levels before then.

I took 2 doses so far.. 8pm last night and 8am this morning.  The morning one kinda sucks because I'm not much of a breakfast person, but I try to eat something, even if its just a bagel or something.

[Stephanie00Rayne]

Has anyone else experienced muscle aches when taking Spiro?  I find that the back of my thigh muscles ache as if I had a hard day of skiing or working out. 

Is this normal?  I'm trying to drink as much water as I can to stay hydrated thinking that might be the reason but they still ache. 

[HelloHeidi]

Has anyone else experienced muscle aches when taking Spiro?  I find that the back of my thigh muscles ache as if I had a hard day of skiing or working out. 

Is this normal?  I'm trying to drink as much water as I can to stay hydrated thinking that might be the reason but they still ache.

I didn't personally notice any muscle aches, but they are mentioned sometimes (typically leg aches = dehydration, but keep doing the best you can with water!)

I was on just spiro for about as long as you're planning to be, and I didn't have any significant problems. I was sleepy during the day, but only slightly more than usual. While still an effective dose for HRT, I would say my dose was on the lower end, so maybe that's why I didn't have issues. It's true that it's not good to have no sex hormones whatsoever, but you should be fine for such a short period of time. I wouldn't expect many changes - I dropped a few pounds and my skin became softer - that was it. Slow and steady wins the race!

[KayXo]

Limiting potassium intake and eating salty as much as you want is important. Drink when thirsty. Spring water. Avoid or moderate intake of diuretics. Having some E to replace the lost T is important too.

[Rachel]

I drink 10 glasses of water a day, more if I exercise, eat salt and avoid potassium rich foods. Although I eat spinach in my salad sometimes.

Avoid caffeine and drinks that dehydrate you. Juice is not water. Alcohol dries you out so do not drink. Oh, if you smoke stop.

Start laser beard removal and if you want to lose weight do it now.

[Ellie_L]

I started spiro on the 17th and my calves and back of my thighs are also sore. Also had a couple of times of mild cramps in my legs. None of which should be attributed to dehydration since I tend to drink a lot of water.

[KayXo]

I started spiro on the 17th and my calves and back of my thighs are also sore. Also had a couple of times of mild cramps in my legs. None of which should be attributed to dehydration since I tend to drink a lot of water.

But could be due to too high potassium or too low sodium, imbalance in electrolytes.