I've been having upper leg pain while on estrogel and was a little concerned about blood clots. However I've noticed that spironolactone reduces the pain quite a bit. I've been puzzled about what is causing the pain since I've been taking estrogel but maybe now I know what it is. Could it simply be fluid retention? I know estrogen causes fluid retention and I also know that spironolactone is normally a diuretic so it makes sense that a diuretic would reduce pain associated with fluid retention. If my leg pain were related to a clot a diuretic would have no effect. Does that make sense?
Usually, that type of pain is associated with Spiro as it reduces sodium and increases potassium in the body, electrolyte imbalance. You need to eat salty when you crave it, as much as you want. Drink plain water when thirsty. Avoid high potassium stuff like fruit juices, energy drinks, sodas, mineral water and moderate your intake of diuretics such as coffee/tea.
The risk of clots with topical estradiol is quite low and there is much less fluid retention when estrogen is taken non-orally vs orally. If you continue to have this pain, contact your doctor immediately and if not, the hospital or go to emergency. Perhaps you are stressed as well; progesterone reduces anxiety and also acts as a diuretic.
Deep vein thrombosis is usually lower leg pain.