Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I just started HRT a week ago and I assumed that I would not feel much for weeks or months. I'm only on Spiro too until next week when my Dr is going to have me  add estradiol patches if my blood work looks good. Anyways, I feel so much more relaxed these last two days, like some background white noise of anger and frustration has greatly lessened.

I also find my body dysphoria so much better. I was looking at myself in the mirror and I was worried at first because I didn't feel much, something that has not happened in years. I was laughing at myself that I was concerned. I think it made me afraid that I was not transgender because my own body no longer filled me with revulsion and aversion, just mild dissatisfaction.

It had me wondering how fast Spiro interferes with testosterone. Maybe it is just mental, having taken a step forward, but it feels like more than that. It feels like I've been given a mild opiate.  Has anyone else noticed fairly profound mental/emotional changes so soon?

When I first went on both estradiol and Spiro the 1st week I did notice a lot of changes.  I thought it might be just because I wanted to go on HRT so badly and things would go back to how it was.  Nope.  Kept getting better every day.  I feel so good now and it has been just a little over 2 years.

Congrats!!

Julie

Quote from: Jeal on February 17, 2019, 10:13:15 PM
I just started HRT a week ago and I assumed that I would not feel much for weeks or months. I'm only on Spiro too until next week when my Dr is going to have me  add estradiol patches if my blood work looks good. Anyways, I feel so much more relaxed these last two days, like some background white noise of anger and frustration has greatly lessened.

I also find my body dysphoria so much better. I was looking at myself in the mirror and I was worried at first because I didn't feel much, something that has not happened in years. I was laughing at myself that I was concerned. I think it made me afraid that I was not transgender because my own body no longer filled me with revulsion and aversion, just mild dissatisfaction.

It had me wondering how fast Spiro interferes with testosterone. Maybe it is just mental, having taken a step forward, but it feels like more than that. It feels like I've been given a mild opiate.  Has anyone else noticed fairly profound mental/emotional changes so soon?

What spiro does to me is making me lethargic and pretty listless (besides having me running to the bathroom all the time).  It is messing with my head, and I hate that!
I am very happy that I do not need that stuff anymore in a very few days!

Quote from: Jeal on February 17, 2019, 10:13:15 PM
Has anyone else noticed fairly profound mental/emotional changes so soon?

All mental and emotional effects of all drugs vary with the individual who is taking that drug. If these effects are not the intended result, then it is referred to as a side effect. All drugs have side effects and some are psychological side effects.

If a side effect is listed for your medication, only a small percentage of people will experience this side effect. The most common side effects of Spironolactone are frequent urination and loss of libido. Being dehydrated and loss of potassium can cause lethargy. Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic for most people, but we are taking higher doses for the anti androgen effect and this may be a little too much for some people.

For everyone who is experiencing an unpleasant side effect, please contact your doctor. Dosages can be adjusted or a different drug may be available without the troublesome side effect.

Quote from: Dani on February 18, 2019, 08:20:27 AM

For everyone who is experiencing an unpleasant side effect, please contact your doctor. Dosages can be adjusted or a different drug may be available without the troublesome side effect.

I will suffer for 3 more days, and the stuff is gone for good, and I hope for ever.  I just have to find another effective diuretic, to keep my feet from swelling!  But now I have time, to try to find the ones that do not cause negative side effects for me!

I had the most mental benefits and it stayed once I hit two weeks on HRT. I do not know if this applies but feeling better within one month was a giant reason why I stayed on HRT. If I did not feel better I would have sought other options.

@Dani
Dear Dani:
I always am eager to read your good advice, comments and postings regarding medications...
..you are a wonderful benefit to this site...

The various forums members here can provide a wide variety of professional experience to be able to offer their thoughts and opinions regarding Pharmaceuticals, Finance & Tax, Engineering, Mechanical Repairs, Healthcare, Computer IT, Construction, etc, etc.   
All of us together make us a great community.

As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge,
Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

Quote from: Dani on February 18, 2019, 08:20:27 AM
All mental and emotional effects of all drugs vary with the individual who is taking that drug. If these effects are not the intended result, then it is referred to as a side effect. All drugs have side effects and some are psychological side effects.

If a side effect is listed for your medication, only a small percentage of people will experience this side effect. The most common side effects of Spironolactone are frequent urination and loss of libido. Being dehydrated and loss of potassium can cause lethargy. Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic for most people, but we are taking higher doses for the anti androgen effect and this may be a little too much for some people.

For everyone who is experiencing an unpleasant side effect, please contact your doctor. Dosages can be adjusted or a different drug may be available without the troublesome side effect.

Quote from: GingerVicki on February 18, 2019, 10:22:30 AM
I had the most mental benefits and it stayed once I hit two weeks on HRT. I do not know if this applies but feeling better within one month was a giant reason why I stayed on HRT. If I did not feel better I would have sought other options.

Are you on spiro?
Estrogen itself I not do much to me, but did not fog up my brain either.  I started to feel kind of funny, about 2 or 3 weeks into spiro, and it sure has not gotten better over the time I am on it!

Quote from: Dietlind on February 18, 2019, 11:53:28 AM
Are you on spiro?
Estrogen itself I not do much to me, but did not fog up my brain either.  I started to feel kind of funny, about 2 or 3 weeks into spiro, and it sure has not gotten better over the time I am on it!

Hi Ginger,

I am doing the same sort of test. So far I am feeling more peaceful,  which is what I really want!

DietLind,

I am not finding the diuretic effect too bad so far, knock on wood. I do feel a bit lethargic, but I guess I have felt since puberty like I couldn't sit still and that there was this static of frustration and anger that is disappearing, so, it is easier to embrace the unwanted side effects since it had been a net positive. If estrogen continues to help me improve then I can imagine in a few months I will not be so tolerant of the lethargy :)

I don't want to get ahead of myself though. One day at a time! 

Quote from: Dani on February 18, 2019, 08:20:27 AM
All mental and emotional effects of all drugs vary with the individual who is taking that drug. If these effects are not the intended result, then it is referred to as a side effect. All drugs have side effects and some are psychological side effects.

If a side effect is listed for your medication, only a small percentage of people will experience this side effect. The most common side effects of Spironolactone are frequent urination and loss of libido. Being dehydrated and loss of potassium can cause lethargy. Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic for most people, but we are taking higher doses for the anti androgen effect and this may be a little too much for some people.

For everyone who is experiencing an unpleasant side effect, please contact your doctor. Dosages can be adjusted or a different drug may be available without the troublesome side effect.

I think what I am experiencing might be tied to the lessening libido. Puberty was extremely rough on me, and I have never been comfortable with my sex drive. Still, if that is the case I did not expect to feel anything so soon.

Thank you for the very thoughtful response Dani, I can tell you know your stuff!

I have been on Spironolactone and Estradiol Transdermal Patch for 5 weeks.
On the first week, I found myself became calm, thoughtful and considerate.  I was no longer angry just because things were not going my way or just not angry period.
The first 4 weeks was amazing !!!

Then doctor increased my spironolactone.
The Spironolactone made me dizzy and nauseated.  It was bad enough that I tried to split the pills into two and took one in the morning (after breakfast) and the second half after dinner.  Did not help.  I was still dizzy and nauseated a few hours after taking the Spironolactone.  Then I went back to taking less spironolactone.

Yesterday, I started to take the prescribed amount per day again.  I split the dose and took one half in the morning and the other half right after lunch.  The difference this time is that I had heavy breakfast (with hard boiled egg) and heavy lunch before taking the Spironolactone pills.  Yesterday seemed to have gone by without feeling dizzy or nauseated.  Today, I have taken both halves of the pill and so far so good.

I don't know if it was the heavy breakfast and lunch before taking the pills or that my body is adjusting to the heavier dose or that I have increased from 6 glasses of water to 15 glasses or water.

I hope I can stay on the full dose of Spironolactone and continue to move up the dosage on both Spironolactone and Estradiol Patch.


<dosages removed by moderator>

Hello Celine and welcome to this wonderful website. An official greeter will be along soon to welcome you properly and give you other information.

Congratulations on starting HRT in January and I hope the previous problems you have had with Spiro disappear completely.

Hugs

Pamela

Quote from: CelineK on February 18, 2019, 04:56:01 PM
I have been on Spironolactone and Estradiol Transdermal Patch for 5 weeks.
On the first week, I found myself became calm, thoughtful and considerate.  I was no longer angry just because things were not going my way or just not angry period.
The first 4 weeks was amazing !!!

Then doctor increased my spironolactone.
The Spironolactone made me dizzy and nauseated.  It was bad enough that I tried to split the pills into two and took one in the morning (after breakfast) and the second half after dinner.  Did not help.  I was still dizzy and nauseated a few hours after taking the Spironolactone.  Then I went back to taking less spironolactone.

Yesterday, I started to take the prescribed amount per day again.  I split the dose and took one half in the morning and the other half right after lunch.  The difference this time is that I had heavy breakfast (with hard boiled egg) and heavy lunch before taking the Spironolactone pills.  Yesterday seemed to have gone by without feeling dizzy or nauseated.  Today, I have taken both halves of the pill and so far so good.

I don't know if it was the heavy breakfast and lunch before taking the pills or that my body is adjusting to the heavier dose or that I have increased from 6 glasses of water to 15 glasses or water.

I hope I can stay on the full dose of Spironolactone and continue to move up the dosage on both Spironolactone and Estradiol Patch.


<dosages removed by moderator>

Dear Celine

Welcome to Susan's. I hope you enjoy your time here.


Congratulation on starting your HRT and it can be a bit of trial and error to get the dosages right. Good to see you are also getting some positive results along with the difficulty. When in doubt check with your Dr. I have no doubt one of the official greeters will be along soon but I thought I could start you off with the TOS

So you are able to get the very best from being here there are a couple of links we give to all our new members

Regards

LizK

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Quote from: CelineK on February 18, 2019, 04:56:01 PM
I have been on Spironolactone and Estradiol Transdermal Patch for 5 weeks.
On the first week, I found myself became calm, thoughtful and considerate.  I was no longer angry just because things were not going my way or just not angry period.
The first 4 weeks was amazing !!!

Then doctor increased my spironolactone.
The Spironolactone made me dizzy and nauseated.  It was bad enough that I tried to split the pills into two and took one in the morning (after breakfast) and the second half after dinner.  Did not help.  I was still dizzy and nauseated a few hours after taking the Spironolactone.  Then I went back to taking less spironolactone.

Yesterday, I started to take the prescribed amount per day again.  I split the dose and took one half in the morning and the other half right after lunch.  The difference this time is that I had heavy breakfast (with hard boiled egg) and heavy lunch before taking the Spironolactone pills.  Yesterday seemed to have gone by without feeling dizzy or nauseated.  Today, I have taken both halves of the pill and so far so good.

I don't know if it was the heavy breakfast and lunch before taking the pills or that my body is adjusting to the heavier dose or that I have increased from 6 glasses of water to 15 glasses or water.

I hope I can stay on the full dose of Spironolactone and continue to move up the dosage on both Spironolactone and Estradiol Patch.

Thank you for sharing your experience Celine.  I am lucky to have a doctor who has a very progressive attitude towards HRT and customizes very carefully for all her patients!  I was a little annoyed at first that she wanted to start me off so slow, but I am seeing the wisdom of it now.  Based on my own experience with Spiro so far, I may have issues when we bump the dose next Monday, but my fatigue has lessened quite a bit the last two days, so my body must be adjusting.  I get a little dizzy too, particularly in the middle of the day.  Just have to remember to keep rested and practice good self care.  I hope you get your dosages aligned and working well for you!!

Love,

Jael

Even though I started Estradiol first (16 weeks today), and I have only been in Spironolactone for 4 weeks, I can totally empathize with "background noise disappearing". It's a relief isn't it?
It may be psychosomatic: You have decided to make a change in your life, so the dysphoria is less. It could also be that less testosterone hitting the girl brain has allowed you to think without interference for the first time.

As to the opiate feeling, I get that too. I have chalked it up to my body releasing endorphins into by bloodstream because that is the only logical thing my non medically trained head can come up with that makes any sense.

Regardless of the reasons, I am glad you are feeling better!

I see you. I accept you. I support you,

Ricki

Quote from: Ricki Wright on February 26, 2019, 11:45:41 AM
Even though I started Estradiol first (16 weeks today), and I have only been in Spironolactone for 4 weeks, I can totally empathize with "background noise disappearing". It's a relief isn't it?
It may be psychosomatic: You have decided to make a change in your life, so the dysphoria is less. It could also be that less testosterone hitting the girl brain has allowed you to think without interference for the first time.

As to the opiate feeling, I get that too. I have chalked it up to my body releasing endorphins into by bloodstream because that is the only logical thing my non medically trained head can come up with that makes any sense.

Regardless of the reasons, I am glad you are feeling better!

I see you. I accept you. I support you,

Ricki

Thank you :D

I was watching Disney movies with my daughter Sunday and I cried at the good bits... such a relief.

I'd say the only 'down' side so far is that I am really feeling my grief over the schism transition has created with my wife and older daughter.  It is so weird that you can be both peaceful and grieving. I honestly didn't know you could before now...

Hi Jeal, I am glad that you are enjoying starting hrt. The joy of watching the anger melt away and the comfort of life fill the void is great. Just wait until you begin the magic of estradiol.

Please note that Spiro is a blood thinner and diuretic. It can reduce your blood pressure and generate the dizziness often spoken of, that was sort of its original design intent. For these reasons be sure to keep up or increase your water intake. Dehydration is common and can sneak up on you.

Enjoy the ride,
Tia Anne

Quote from: Anne Blake on February 26, 2019, 07:53:53 PM

Please note that Spiro is a blood thinner and diuretic. It can reduce your blood pressure and generate the dizziness often spoken of, that was sort of its original design intent.

Enjoy the ride,
Tia Anne

Just love it!  Did measure my blood pressure the first time after the surgery, and long enough without spiro to mitigate any lingering effect it could have had on my blood pressure!
I am happy to report, my blood pressure without spiro is almost the same as it was with spiro!

Now I am even happier that I do not have to come close to this stuff anymore!

Quote from: Anne Blake on February 26, 2019, 07:53:53 PM
Hi Jeal, I am glad that you are enjoying starting hrt. The joy of watching the anger melt away and the comfort of life fill the void is great. Just wait until you begin the magic of estradiol.

Please note that Spiro is a blood thinner and diuretic. It can reduce your blood pressure and generate the dizziness often spoken of, that was sort of its original design intent. For these reasons be sure to keep up or increase your water intake. Dehydration is common and can sneak up on you.

Enjoy the ride,
Tia Anne

Thank you :D  because of the side effects I am experiencing my doctor wants to keep me on just Spiro for another month to make sure they are manageable before I add the estradiol patch.  A minor set back, but I like my Dr's approach.  She is very at tentative and has worked with over a thousand transitioning patients.  I feel like I am in good hands.