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Anti-androgen once a month injection starting with the letter g? Help!

Started by crowcrow223, June 27, 2014, 02:55:04 PM

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crowcrow223

I'm quite confused. When I saw my gender therapist last tuesday, he said spironolactone has been found to contribute to liver damage, so NHS now opts for a (at the beginning) once a month injection, which after quite some time, is changed to a one once every three months.

Never heard of it. He said it works at a brain level, i.e. it doesn't stop the testosterone once it's already in your blood, like spiro, it stops its production so to speak?

I think the name starts with the letter "g". I know nothing about it..

Anyone please?

Thanks so much

x
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Randi

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KayXo

I've very rarely heard of Spiro causing liver damage, only once or twice in a study and the researchers were clueless as to why it had happened. Spiro is even used in individuals with liver cirrhosis (ascites due cirrhosis of the liver) so this surprises me quite a bit. If it were indeed harmful to the liver, I don't think so many transwomen would be taking it worldwide but perhaps your situation is particular and the use of another anti-androgen is justified.

Goserelin acetate only suppresses production of testosterone by testicles through eventual reduction in luteinizing hormone (LH) whereas Spiro seems to reduce formation of androgens through inhibition of certain enzymes (17 hydroxylation), increases its metabolic clearance and its conversion to estrogen. Spiro also blocks androgen receptors.
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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crowcrow223

KayXo, thanks so much for such an indepth response, you sound like you know what you're talking about, lol!

He said that the this tst blocker works at a brain level, will stop me from having erections, is stronger than spiro, and will make estrogen work better... I've been five years on HRT, didn't grow any breasts and he gave me some sort of hope that they may still grow a bit.

He also said this medication is injected under the skin, not in the muscle, at the beginning it's done once a month and then once every three months.

So, you reckon it's not a good decision to change up my meds? I know you're not telling me what to do and what not, but I'm just looking for some sort of input of a person who knows more, thanks :)
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KayXo

By brain level, he means to say that this drug will disrupt the production of two hormones (luteinizing and follicle stimulating) produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. At first, it will actually increase their production but after weeks of constantly stimulating the receptors (desensitization), production will SHUT down completely. Luteinizing hormone signals/tells the testicles to produce androgens, namely testosterone so that when its production is shut down, testes will stop producing androgens. Follicle stimulating hormones induces spermatogenesis. Both hormones eventually being suppressed, you will no longer produce sperm, have erections and experience androgenic symptoms. This will indeed allow estrogen to work better, unopposed BUT interestingly, estrogen also reduces both these hormones as well and appears to exert anti-androgenic effects in cells. So the combination of both is quite effective.

Whether this drug is more effective than Spiro depends on how much Spiro you take and how you respond to the dose. Spiro works somewhat differently. Being on this drug is essentially like being post-op, having no testicles as testicles no longer function.

I think you should follow your doctor's recommendations. I personally prefer this drug to spiro but to each their own. I think most don't take this drug because it is expensive but in your case, it's most probably covered and that's why it's used. If you don't like this doctor's approach, then find someone else. Your call. Or wait and see. If months from now, you are not happy with results, then act accordingly, either by discussing about other options with this doctor or finding another one.

Good luck! ;)
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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crowcrow223

Thanks so much KayXo, really helpful!

So at first, my tst levels will go through the roof with this injection-medication, and then will shut down completely?

Your words helped me understand and calmed me down a bit. Main thing, they work similar, but different, both are good, with the injection one being stronger in terms of erections and sex drive, good!
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KayXo

Quote from: crowcrow223 on June 28, 2014, 11:31:22 AM
So at first, my tst levels will go through the roof with this injection-medication, and then will shut down completely?

Yes but because you are already on estrogen and were taking Spiro and perhaps its effects will still persist depending on when it was you last took it, the increase will not be as marked at first.

Quote from: crowcrow223with the injection one being stronger in terms of erections and sex drive, good!

Not necessarily. They work differently but depending on the individual, dose and many other factors, one can be stronger than the other (i.e. work better) or both can be just the same. Time will tell.
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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crowcrow223

Okay, I got the letter from my therapist. This med is called Leuprorelin acetate.

Any thoughts? :D
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KayXo

What I said earlier still applies. ;) But, to be 100% sure, always check with your doctor. They will know, for sure!
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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Ms Grace

Yes, please always check with your doctor, don't ask for any medical advice, not even for "second opinions" on any forum. If you are not happy with or sure about your health care seek out a second professional opinion.
Grace
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Transition 1.0 (Julie): HRT 1989-91
Self-denial: 1991-2013
Transition 2.0 (Grace): HRT June 24 2013
Full-time: March 24, 2014 :D
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Fizzletwist

My gosh, I had come here to ask this very same question :O

I had an appointment last week with my doctor who told me I would be starting injections having been on estrogen for 10 weeks now.

Could I ask (out of curiosity - NHS means they might be the same!) who your doctor is? :)
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