I'm interested in starting HRT, but want to wait for a few reasons. My health is getting very close to being completely under control... and my wife isn't doing too well with this.

Given that anti-androgens won't have a significant affect on me - especially in small doses - would it be possible to take spiro as a BP med (in a fairly low dose) for 6-12 months while I wait on taking E?

Would this help me in any way, other than psychologically (like sugar pill... but also getting rid of a few snips and snails)?

I'd probably be interested in starting in Nov (my next Dr's appointment) so I've got time to think about it, but is thinking about it even worthwhile?

I can't see why not although the ability to convince a doctor of that is probably the sticky point (because of the popularity of other BP afflicting drugs). The intended effect will probably vary a lot more though between subtheraputic to unintentionally effective (which would mean making sure calcium and vitamin D levels are good while androgens are suppressed).

I'm not sure what it would accomplish.

Maybe start by thinking what you want to achieve, then we may have some advice. Low dose spiro will reduce BP a little but in reality it is a combo heart medicine for people who have suffered damage to the heart muscles and may not respond to other drugs. As an AA the dose is a lot higher. It is also not the AA of choice for most endocrinologists in treating MtF, possibly USA is an exception? CA is preferred in most countries.

Depending on your age and biochemical profile AA may not have any affect at all. I take them purely for hair cycle modification.

I talked to my therapist.

Mainly I want the body hair to tone it down a bit - I'm spending 30-45 minutes in the shower shaving daily! The decreased libido might be nice too - since that's causing me a bit of frustration (with coming out also came much lower interest in *that* sort of thing).

Really though... I want to feel normal and can't start E in my current family situation -- not because anyone's stopping me... I just can't let myself progress too quickly around the family - before what happens happens w/ my marriage.

University of Minnesota, Center for Sexual Health, a nationally recognized program in the US, proscribes spironolactone for exactly what you are talking about.  It produces only minor changes and it can significantly help with GD in some people.  The dose is typically between 1/2 up to the same dose that I am taking in conjunction with E for HRT treatment.   

Quote from: JLT1 on September 18, 2013, 10:11:34 PM
University of Minnesota, Center for Sexual Health, a nationally recognized program in the US, proscribes spironolactone for exactly what you are talking about. 

Hi JLT1,

Would you have a link to any information on this?  It sounds very interesting.
Thanks.

Quote from: change on September 23, 2013, 04:18:39 PM

Quote from: JLT1 on September 18, 2013, 10:11:34 PM
University of Minnesota, Center for Sexual Health, a nationally recognized program in the US, proscribes spironolactone for exactly what you are talking about. 

Hi JLT1,

Would you have a link to any information on this?  It sounds very interesting.
Thanks.

PHS is more the psychotherapy side of the trans* care program U of MN physicians has. It happens to be in the same building as de facto HQ of WPATH (west bank building across 35w from the main medical campus).
http://www.phs.umn.edu/clinic/transgender/home.html
(full disclosure: I have a negative opinion of PHS from being a former patient)

Quote from: kabit on September 18, 2013, 09:10:51 PM
I talked to my therapist.

Mainly I want the body hair to tone it down a bit - I'm spending 30-45 minutes in the shower shaving daily! The decreased libido might be nice too - since that's causing me a bit of frustration (with coming out also came much lower interest in *that* sort of thing).

Really though... I want to feel normal and can't start E in my current family situation -- not because anyone's stopping me... I just can't let myself progress too quickly around the family - before what happens happens w/ my marriage.

If you want to get rid of body hair, then get laser hair removal. Sounds like you're just agitated in your current skin. LHR helped me a boatload to be more comfortable in my own skin.

WPATH guidelines are flexible and honestly, it's just about finding the right physicians to get what you want. Just make sure you're starting any form of HRT for the right reasons and with supervision of supportive physicians. Your on the right path as you're talking to a therapist. Make sure you find one that is knowledgeable about gender dysphoria to help you come to the right solutions.

If you don't have kids or want more kids, think about sperm banking before starting any form of HRT.

Thanks! I am getting laser on my face currently (ahh, the red face... I fear I'm practically out at work and I've barely started transition).

Laser on my body would be awesome, but there's a lot to do and AAs will reduce the workload there significantly (from everything I've read... yeah, it takes a year and some waxing/epilating, but it happens). I can't afford to zap my whole body... and I shouldn't need to! For now, long showers with lots of shaving helps (and my back is tolerated 'cause I can't see it).

I have 3 kids... I'm done in that department!!!!! My wife would like another, but that's part of what brought me down this path (not *all* of, but definitely in part - heck EVERYTHING led me to this point).

Quote from: Flan on September 24, 2013, 03:08:36 PM
Hi JLT1,

Would you have a link to any information on this?  It sounds very interesting.
Thanks.

PHS is more the psychotherapy side of the trans* care program U of MN physicians has. It happens to be in the same building as de facto HQ of WPATH (west bank building across 35w from the main medical campus).
http://www.phs.umn.edu/clinic/transgender/home.html
(full disclosure: I have a negative opinion of PHS from being a former patient)

I have been a patient of U of MN Physician's Bethesda Clinic (St Paul) for over 10 years.  That history and my psychologist recommendation and about five other recommendations from other medical doctors that I see a physician at the U of MN Physician's part of the PHS operation sent me to them.  PHS does have a good reputation in certain circles.  I have had no direct dealings with other parts of the operation beyond the medical side although I have heard other, less than glowing opinions.  I have heard good things about the medical doctor.  It was the medical doctor there that suggested the use of spiro alone for my difficulty.  She then stated that she has used spiro alone, with success, in the way I described in my post.  Within the context of the question, the use of spiro alone, I think it answered the question; that it may be a viable option.

I am not trying to endorse the program.  Nor am I really trying to endorse the doctor.  I do know that the treatment worked for a few people but have no idea on how many times it was tried so I don't know the percentage of success.  I was trying to say that it is possible and to talk to your doctor as that may be an option (except I said it rather poorly).