Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Yukari-sensei on November 10, 2013, 02:09:24 AM

Title: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Yukari-sensei on November 10, 2013, 02:09:24 AM
As the tracker can tell, I've only been on spiro for a brief time.  That being said, I am not on estrogen until I get my weight reduced to a level acceptable to my endo.

So given that I'm only on blockers, are the itchy nipples, slightly darkening nipples and aching breasts I have a psychosomatic reaction or are my girls already starting to come in?
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Brittany North on November 10, 2013, 06:35:42 AM
Not psychosomatic.  It's my understanding that lack of testosterone leads to some breast growth, even in the absence of estrogen.  I think it's listed as one of the 'negative' side effects of spiro for cis men who take it for high blood pressure.

Good luck on the weight loss, looks like you're well on your way!
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Marissa on November 13, 2013, 12:01:50 AM
It's called gynecomastia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynecomastia), and can be caused by spiro.
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: SandraB on November 14, 2013, 01:27:53 PM
I've only been on a few weeks, Spiro and E...Finasteride for a few months before that...nothing except some weight loss so far...but I'm happy with my progress...I waited this long.
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Tessa James on November 14, 2013, 01:32:55 PM
Quote from: Yukari-sensei on November 10, 2013, 02:09:24 AM
As the tracker can tell, I've only been on spiro for a brief time.  That being said, I am not on estrogen until I get my weight reduced to a level acceptable to my endo.

So given that I'm only on blockers, are the itchy nipples, slightly darkening nipples and aching breasts I have a psychosomatic reaction or are my girls already starting to come in?

I believe that your "girls" are on the way.  I consider the achy and itchy sensations a wonderful precursor of bigger breasts to come.  Congrats on the dynamic changes girl!
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Jill F on November 14, 2013, 02:20:03 PM
You do have endogenous estrogen in your body from your adrenal glands and body fat cells.  If you are significantly overweight, you probably have a lot more E in your system than you would otherwise.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: delani25 on November 15, 2013, 05:12:25 PM
yea thats a good sign :)
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Joelene9 on November 16, 2013, 02:13:57 AM
  That is normal.  It is human testosterone that actually inhibits breast growth.  The gym rats who take the anabolic steroids fools the pituitary gland to command the testes to stop producing T that causes some of those to grow breasts as well as increase the delts and pecs.  Spironolactone is also used for prostate and testicular cancers as well.  Some men over 55 lose a lot of T in their system and are gynecomastic.  I didn't stand out in a shower room full of 55+ year olds!  And I tried!  Some of those brothers were stacked!

  Joelene
Title: Re: Spironolactone Question
Post by: Yukari-sensei on November 16, 2013, 07:24:15 AM
Thank you ladies for all of your feedback! I'm just sorta settling in for the beginning of changes to come... I just thought I'd have to wait longer for it to start! ;D