Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Christina308 on March 21, 2016, 01:11:29 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: Christina308 on March 21, 2016, 01:11:29 AM
Recently, during an appointment with my Endo, he stated that he didn't think that i'd get much out of the Finasteride whilst taking Spiro. I started Finasteride while on low dose HRT, after consulting with a hair transplant Surgeon. That Doctor said that the two ought to be used in conjunction, as they had different targets. Now i'm at a full transition dosage, i'm wondering which one is correct. I'm trying to arrange FFS before hair transplantation, and would like to maximize my potential.
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: Ms Grace on March 21, 2016, 02:43:15 AM
My endo told me the same thing - the reasoning being that Spiro lowers T which is then not available for the body to convert into the hair follicle killing DHT. Taking both would be like trying to kill one bird with two stones, to mangle a metaphor.
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: Mariah on March 21, 2016, 02:59:01 AM
I haven't been told that at this point, but I would be shocked by being told that. As Grace mentioned once T is knocked out you have nothing to convert into DHT. Hugs
Mariah
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: Christina308 on March 21, 2016, 04:08:00 AM
Thanks for the replies.....I thought the Endo's point made more sense.
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: KayXo on March 21, 2016, 02:33:59 PM

Prog Brain Res. 2010;182:321-41.

"after castration, the 95-97% fall in serum testosterone does not reflect the 40-50% testosterone (testo) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) made locally in the prostate from DHEA of adrenal origin."

Very little T and yet a good amount of T and DHT in tissues. This calls for the use of an additional DHT inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride for those that tend to be especially sensitive to DHT. How do you find out if you are sensitive to DHT? If you are struggling with male pattern baldness.
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: Rachel on March 21, 2016, 07:53:26 PM
My T is below 20 ng/dl. I am on a high dose e and a low dose Spiro. I am on a high dose of finasteride as prescribed by my doctor. I consulted with a hair replacement Doctor (considered one of the best) and it was stated I cold be on a lower dose of finasteride.
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: KayXo on March 21, 2016, 08:04:08 PM
Quote from: Rachel Lynn on March 21, 2016, 07:53:26 PM
My T is below 20 ng/dl. I am on a high dose e and a low dose Spiro. I am on a high dose of finasteride as prescribed by my doctor. I consulted with a hair replacement Doctor (considered one of the best) and it was stated I cold be on a lower dose of finasteride.

Rachel, spiro could well be unnecessary at this point and cause more harm than good, by causing you to lose too much water/sodium and hence cause dry skin and negative symptoms related to this BUT this is between you and your doctor to decide. My 2 cents.

An early study showed very low doses of finasteride to be just as effective as higher doses in reducing scalp DHT levels.
Title: Re: Does Spiro make Finasteride unnecessary?
Post by: Rachel on March 21, 2016, 08:20:46 PM
QuoteRachel, spiro could well be unnecessary at this point and cause more harm than good, by causing you to lose too much water/sodium and hence cause dry skin and negative symptoms related to this BUT this is between you and your doctor to decide. My 2 cents.

In less than 8 months I will be off spiro for good :)