Reducing Spiro

[Jessica]

So, my numbers came back from my latest blood test entirely in the female range (E=122 T=21).
Since then I experienced a sinus infection that necessitated me reducing Spiro because of the diuretic effects. 
My question is, since my E levels are much higher than they were, can I stay at my reduced Spiro dosage without ill effect?  My endo is aware that I'm taking that route and has put in for another blood test in 3 months to check the levels.
I do realize of course that everyone is different, I'm just wondering if others here have had an experience that would be of bearing.

Hugs and smiles, Jessica

[Tessa James]

Hey Jessica,

Could your time on spiro have already made your testes vestigial?  Always good to refer to your medical providers but i wonder if you are producing much T anymore?  I stopped spiro prior to surgery and for brief periods when i was annoyed by the diuretic impacts with no noticeable problems.

Eventually my orchiectomy resolved the issues.

[Jessica]

Hey Jessica,

Could your time on spiro have already made your testes vestigial?  Always good to refer to your medical providers but i wonder if you are producing much T anymore?  I stopped spiro prior to surgery and for brief periods when i was annoyed by the diuretic impacts with no noticeable problems.

Eventually my orchiectomy resolved the issues.

I'm hoping this is the case, those dangling bits are smaller.
The upcoming test should give some indication.

[Linde]

I'm hoping this is the case, those dangling bits are smaller.
The upcoming test should give some indication.

I had really atrophied testes and I took only one of the standard mg spiros a day, and that seemed to be fine.  I am now totally away from them, and just take estrogen (same dose).  When I see my urologist on March 25th, he will decide if i can also stop taking Finasteride.

I think you might be pretty safe in cutting the dose of spiro if your teste are very small.  You cannot do any damage with this, it might just be that part of your estrogen intake will have to fight any possible testosterone.

[PurplePelican]

I suspect your E level is a touch too low to adequately suppress T without an antiandrogen.

[Dani]

Jessica,

Many ladies have reported that their Testosterone production went down when they were given Estradiol for a while.

Spironolactone does not significantly lower Testosterone, it blocks the receptor site of the Testosterone. Your low T levels are most likely due to your Estradiol inhibiting the production of Testosterone.

Since your Endocrinologist is monitoring the situation closely and in 3 months, when you have your blood levels drawn you will have a definitive answer. I really do not expect your Testosterone levels to increase significantly.

[Jessica]

@Dani

Jessica,

Many ladies have reported that their Testosterone production went down when they were given Estradiol for a while.

Spironolactone does not significantly lower Testosterone, it blocks the receptor site of the Testosterone. Your low T levels are most likely due to your Estradiol inhibiting the production of Testosterone.

Since your Endocrinologist is monitoring the situation closely and in 3 months, when you have your blood levels drawn you will have a definitive answer. I really do not expect your Testosterone levels to increase significantly.

Thank you Dani for your reply.  I knew that spiro blocked T, but I was unsure if Estradiol inhibited the production of Testosterone.  I'm still taking spiro but at a much lower dose.  I anticipate the same results as you suggest and will not see much change in levels.


@Dietlind

I had really atrophied testes and I took only one of the standard mg spiros a day, and that seemed to be fine.  I am now totally away from them, and just take estrogen (same dose).  When I see my urologist on March 25th, he will decide if i can also stop taking Finasteride.

I think you might be pretty safe in cutting the dose of spiro if your teste are very small.  You cannot do any damage with this, it might just be that part of your estrogen intake will have to fight any possible testosterone.

Or just remove the dangling bits......

[Linde]

Or just remove the dangling bits......

I still have to get used to the feeling without those "bits".  I still have to protect the surgical area a little, and for the first time in my life, I wear maxi pads in my underwear!  Definitely a new "feminine" feeling to walk with these things between my legs! 

[Jessica]

@Dietlind

I still have to get used to the feeling without those "bits".  I still have to protect the surgical area a little, and for the first time in my life, I wear maxi pads in my underwear!  Definitely a new "feminine" feeling to walk with these things between my legs! 

At the point that I lose those dangling bits is the same point I have GCS.  For myself I prefer the least number of surgery dates to accomplish it all.
Spiro hasn't caused much of any side effects for myself, even with the high dosage I was taking.  But if I'm able to keep my numbers where they are, I will be quite happy to continue the lower dose.
Then I will stock up on the panty liners!

[Linde]

@Dietlind

At the point that I lose those dangling bits is the same point I have GCS.  For myself I prefer the least number of surgery dates to accomplish it all.
Spiro hasn't caused much of any side effects for myself, even with the high dosage I was taking.  But if I'm able to keep my numbers where they are, I will be quite happy to continue the lower dose.
Then I will stock up on the panty liners!

Lucky you if you can wing it financially to have it one all at once.  I am on a fixed income, and have to juggle around to see what I can get through health insurance. 
And if spiro is no problem for you, you might as well go with it for as long as you need to.  It was a terrible drug for me, and I feel so much better now that it is gone from my system!
Those pads are actually pretty comfortable to wear!