So.    After several false starts and a few "let's get you on hormones" after the First visit cheerleaders,  I found a therapist who helpfully worked with me for 6 months.   

I was ready,  made the appt. And turned down the esterdal in favor of just the AA for now.    I am somewhat overwieght, 6'2" and approaching 40.   Married with an understanding wife whose not keen on me going all the way.    I want too.    I do.    Just the thought of transitioning makes me tingle all over.   

Now on to the point,  anyone in their late 30's just doing sipro atm?   I've been on for 3 weeks now and notice the following:
Less rage.   Far more calm sense of being.   
1/3 facial hair growth.   
No change in body hair yet.
Sex no longer is a daily driver of thought.
Muscle cramps at the strangest moments.
Smelling seems to be. ... different.   Body funk of others uhg.
I'd mention head hair but I've been blessed with little to no mpb so, can't speak to that.


What have you experienced?

Eventually, you need to take some estrogen to avoid negative side-effects from having low androgen like low energy, depression, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, accelerated ageing, hot flashes, etc.

On Spiro, leg cramps mean you're not drinking enough water and/or eating enough salt to compensate for the loss through this drug or that you are taking in too much potassium or too many diuretics in your diet.

Stay away from high potassium stuff, eat salty as much as you want, drink plain water when you're thirsty and moderate intake of diuretics, caffeine, tea, etc. Avoid mineral water, energy drinks, sodas, fruits juices, salt SUBSTITUTES and...be sure you are not taking supplements that contain lots of potassium.

Exactly what Kay said.

You will need to have a sex hormone - either T or E - at some point or you will suffer some significant side effects. You might be feeling pretty good now, just because T isn't screwing around with your system like it used to. But you will still need a sex hormone eventually.

Gotcha.   Well in Nov is my planned start to get on the E.   Very excitedly nervous about that.    I've been redoing my diet so we shall see

I took spiro only for 6 months. It was fine, but I was tired as can be. It was a great anxiety reducer and got me going. Some feminization, some mood swings, some irritability, but fatigue was the main issue.  Oh, with a full dose of finasteride as well, my libido dropped and function was sporadic and never without effort. Feeling dropped too, but with E low dose it picked back up some - libido and feeling.

Quote from: CaRenaetx on June 21, 2014, 11:11:03 PM
Gotcha.   Well in Nov is my planned start to get on the E.   Very excitedly nervous about that.    I've been redoing my diet so we shall see

Makes a lot of sense.  Take it in small steps, like you are, and see what works best for you.

Safe travels

Aisla

Quote from: ashley_thomas on June 22, 2014, 12:16:19 AM
I took spiro only for 6 months. It was fine, but I was tired as can be. It was a great anxiety reducer and got me going. Some feminization, some mood swings, some irritability, but fatigue was the main issue.  Oh, with a full dose of finasteride as well, my libido dropped and function was sporadic and never without effort. Feeling dropped too, but with E low dose it picked back up some - libido and feeling.

I asked about Finasteride but the doc seemed less then supportive of this.  But I hear you on the dog tired.  There are days I just want to pass out in the middle of work.

Quote from: CaRenaetx on June 21, 2014, 11:11:03 PM
Gotcha.   Well in Nov is my planned start to get on the E.

That's a pretty long time of being without sex hormones. Hopefully, you won't experience much negative symptoms.

Quote from: KayXo on June 22, 2014, 11:33:15 AM
That's a pretty long time of being without sex hormones. Hopefully, you won't experience much negative symptoms.

Well my baseline,  workout taking anything was 215T E was like 30 something I think.    So I wasnt to far from none to begin with!

But 215 is still significant enough. When you get under 100, that's when problems can really begin if you don't take enough E.

Quote from: KayXo on June 23, 2014, 11:06:13 AM
But 215 is still significant enough. When you get under 100, that's when problems can really begin if you don't take enough E.

At my current size I need lose more weight.   Scared go on E and have. ... Obvious results before I'm comfortable out in the world.   Mom, sis, daughter,  niece all... blossomed early and large.   Need get facial hair gone.   Clothes.   Work, family  apperance set as much as I can just in case.  No desire to be the overwieght bearded lady man.