Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I have been on a common diuretic and asked my primary care Dr. to put me on spironolactone instead.  She agreed to and wants to do lab work for potassium levels in three months.  I am in my mid 60's and wonder if I will see any changes if any?  Not on estrogen yet  but that may be the next step.  We had a talk about my transgender feelings and my associated dysphoria.  She made feel real comfortable and stated there are many places on the gender spectrum.  Hope to here from anyone that might have had this experience.

Samantha

The only problem I see with taking Spiro and no estrogen is that your T will reduce without replacing with E so you might experiences symptoms associated with male andropause or female menopause, not enough sex hormones. Hot flushes, heavy sweating, insomnia, irritability, depression, cognitive impairment, bone loss over time, etc. It depends also on how much Spiro you are taking, lower doses shouldn't be that bad but higher, those typically used for transsexual women could be problematic.

Also, be sure to drink enough spring water, avoiding mineral water, fruit juices, energy/sports drinks, sodas, anything that contains too much potassium, eat salty if you feel like it as you'll lose a lot of sodium (spiro is a diuretic), avoid salt substitutes though cause they contain a lot of potassium. Taking Spiro with food will increase its absorption and increase bioavailability while also reducing possible stomach irritation.

Just wanted to make you aware in case your doctor had forgotten. I just want you to be safe. :)

Everything KayXosaid. The other thing, and I'm by no means an expert on this, but at 60 I expect your testosterone would be starting to naturally drop, perhaps get your androgen levels checked too. Unless you still have a high sex drive then you probably won't notice much change from Spiro. In any case it is the estrogen that makes the real difference and you will eventually need a sex hormone in your system or risk osteoporosis.

Hi there, I have ceased taking spironolactone pending being described estrogen. This is to preserve my bone density as I suffer from osteoarthritis. This is frustrating as I'm not getting any younger myself! I worry about passing as a result in the longer term. Waiting feedback from my gp pending a response from gender clinic. Trying to keep positive with the priceless support and advice from all the girls here!

Oh yes! Regarding what to expect while on spironolactone, everyone is different. As I was 48 when I started the anti androgen spironolactone my testosterone was already reduced I'm sure! After 2 weeks my skin had softened and body scent had changed from a metallic to a sweet scented musk. My nipples became slightly enlarged and more sensitive. My face cheeks filled out slightly and I developed s slightly ruddier complexion.
Within 2 months my erections  has lessened and my penis more flaccid with reduced girth. My breasts after 3 months began to grow  with a hardened mass about the size of a 2 pence coin behind my nipples. Chest also began to ache. There were also short periods of dizziness and tiredness. Also at this time I began to lose some stomach muscłe tone developing a soft and slight flabby stomach. Since ceasing spironolactone my face as become less softened again and slightly more drawn and angular. My anxiety has returned with my nipples becoming less sensitive again. Breast growth has remained with a small mass still a mass under each nipple/ aureola!

Thanks to all for the replies.  Seems like my low dose trial will vary with results.  Hopefully estrogen will  be added after my blood work is done.  Something to look forward to.
 
Samantha