Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Crazycatlady on April 23, 2017, 06:35:31 AM

Title: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: Crazycatlady on April 23, 2017, 06:35:31 AM
I have a question. I've been on low (starting)  dose of spironolactone only for 3 weeks. My breasts are now A-cup (started out AA, because og herbals years ago). And my nipples are bigger, fuller and harder. I can feel a hard lump under each nipple, and a increase of fat in the breast. Is this normal, with no E? My ex-wife commented the growt also, said I need a bra before summer (and no swimming with kids without covering up).  I have an appointment at the doctors office three weeks from now, so I was wondering about your experience. I'm not worried, just excited over the breast devolepment on spiro only.
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: SophieD on April 23, 2017, 06:56:36 AM
I find gynecomastia listed as a common side effect for spiro.
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: Dani on April 23, 2017, 07:57:05 AM
I experienced the exact same thing.

A few years ago I was put on spironolactone for prostate issues. I also developed breast buds as well and since I was overweight at the time, I had a small handful of boobage hanging on my chest. I could not go to the beach without a top on. At first I wore a surfers rash guard shirt. Later on with full HRT, I had a large handful. Now I wear a woman speedo suit or nothing at all, depending on the beach and local laws, of course!

What did the left boob say to the right boob?

Don't hang so low or they will think we are nuts!  ;D
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: JeanetteLW on April 23, 2017, 09:26:52 AM
  What Sophie said. If you read your drug papers for the Spiro you will find gynecomastia listed as a common side effect for it. Basically inhibit the testosterone and it can let the estrogens do their thing. And yes your body creates estrogen too.

  Hugs,
   Jeanette
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: ForeverLacey on April 23, 2017, 10:53:21 AM
Spiro acts as a androgen receptor blocker, so that blocked testosterone does have a chance to aromatize to estrogen if the conditions are right. I wouldn't count on it alone though.
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: Crazycatlady on April 23, 2017, 11:52:42 AM
My doctor is planning to up-ramp spiro over 8-10 weeks total, then I hope I get the E. In Norway it's really hard to get HRT, because its one hospital who decides who are having "enough" discomfort in their body. Luckily some doctors prescribe spiro and E with supervision from an endo, but it's not common. I am one of the lucky ones, because the GID-clinic wouldnt say I am "sick" enough. You almost have to try to cut of the sack to get treatment there.
My way of transition are not illigal or something, it's just not commen because the gouverment want the GID-clinic to have total control. Luckily my doctor is open-minded and have the right connections to an endo.

Thanks for your response!
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: AshleyP on April 23, 2017, 12:47:44 PM
Similar to Dani's experience, I was on spiro for about eight years for CHF before starting HT.  Over a period of years, I developed gynecomastia. I'm quite surprised you'd see results as soon as you have.

All the best,
--AshleyP
Title: Re: Breast devolepment from spironolactone only
Post by: DawnOday on April 23, 2017, 01:43:51 PM
Been on spiro for 25 years and my breasts grew to A size which were fairly easy to conceal. They would burn whenever a growth spurt was about to happen. No real buds that I recall. Until I started HRT 8 months ago. Now rounder, fuller, nipples erect and size C. Lets just say they now look naturally, what they looked like with forms.