Hi everyone,
I hope this is appropriate, but the reason I am posting in "non-transitioning" is because I'm born a female and identify as female. However, throughout my life I've been struggling with male secondary characteristics that are really impacting me drastically.
From puberty onward I got a LOT of body hair, very thick coarse leg hair and finer hair on my back, stomach etc that is not as thick as a male's but not as fine as a female's. The worst has been from my belly button to pubic area with long thick hairs that seem to have thickened in recent years. I also began getting facial hair "hirsutism" that is thicker than the typical woman.
My breasts developed normally, but in the last year or so I feel like my breasts size has reduced. Probably the worst part is that I now suffer from androgenic alopecia. At just 25 years old, I have lost over 50% of my hair.
When I went to the doctor he seemed to have tested me for just about everything except what matters! He tested bioavailable testosterone, which was higher than normal but dismissed it due to ovulation. (???). Then another thing was SHBG which was 26 compared to regular values of 18-144, so in the lower ranges.
I've been looking for things that could help and came across spironolactone (doubt the doctors I've seen even know about it) and so I'm thinking of combining it with Yasmin for the best possible response. I want to feel like a female again, I'm worried about this impacting my sex life/any potential relationships. However, I'm worried about longterm effects of this drug and since from my research it seems that this is commonly used for those who are transitioning (MTF), I was wondering if there was anyone who has been on this drug for a long time and could let me know how it has benefited/affected them.
Hey Iva!
Welcome to Susan's :) Great to have you here - looking forward to seeing you around the forum.
I'm really sorry to hear about your predicament - it sounds very unpleasant. It seems like your doctor really doesn't know what they're talking about - you should probably try to see an endocrinologist instead who can hopefully sort you out because something sure sounds wrong. We can't give you any advice on Spiro, yes it is used as an anti-androgen but whether it is suitable for you and your condition we simply cannot know - it has other effects, including dropping blood pressure and acting as a diuretic and might not be suitable for you. There are other anti-androgens on the market and maybe one of them will be perfect for you but only an endocrinologist will be able to tell you for sure.
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Cheers
Grace
Hi Iva,
I'm so sorry you are having these issues. But please, whatever you do, DON'T self med with spiro or any anti-androgen. They have profound other effects. People do die on non-supervised spiro.
Your symptoms could be due to a number of conditions and they need a well qualified endocrinologist to sort them out.
Hi Iva,
My heart goes out to you hon, most of us here know how developing masculine sex characteristics can bring a girl down.
Grace is absolutely right, ask your doctor to refer you to an endocrinologist and get some professional advice.
Spiro can have some pretty nasty side effects if used inappropriately.
I hope you get some help from your health care providers.
Hugs,
Sarah
Welcome to Susan's Iva450
Oh I really feel for you, especially at your age, I hope you can get to an endocrinologist as soon as you can and at least get the help, guidance and medical...
Good luck and best wishes finding a resolution to your problem
Lots of Hugs
Katy :-*
Please don't post medical advice (unless you are a medic, and then you wouldn't anyway) or suggest people self medicate.
Posts removed.
i was on a minimal amount for 13 years, all I can say is it makes you pee more. I think your doc will know more about spiro for hirsutism in females than you suspect.
Welcome to Susan's Place. If I were you, i would find an endocrinologist who works with us in your area. As Sprio is used to block puberty in children and block hormone production in adults, you dose will have to be carefully monitored with regular blood test to get your desired hormone balance. If you are unable to locate a doctor, a LGBTQ center may be able to advice you about a doctor who has had experience working with blockers. I think many of us understand the pain you feel from having the wrong sex hormone in our body and I hope you find a doctor who can help you.
Please people.
I know she have lots of sympathy but in this case I think our poster needs medical assistance and other opinion may not helpful, no matter how well intended.
I'm locking.
The OP needs advice from an endocrinologist - and that is a medical opinion.