I am not really sure if I know what you are asking or not, but some people do take spironolactone for awhile before starting estrogen. But you can't do that for a long amount of time because you end up going through menopause and losing some bone density from the lack of hormones. But I did it for about 6 months before I started estrogen. Hope I answered what you were asking
I'm not sure what you mean by "require the same steps", but you definitely shouldn't go on anti-androgens alone without the supervision of a doctor. Your body needs (roughly speaking, I'm sure there are all kinds of details I don't know) either estrogen or testosterone to maintain bone mass against osteoporosis. I know people who have done anti-androgens w/o replacement hormones short term without harm, but only while being monitored for bone density and being careful to do certain exercises to maintain it (or something--not sure of the details).
(It's something that's tempted me, so I researched it, but I've so far held off on changing my hormones personally, so I don't have personal experience with doing this)
Well steps was like, would I have to go through the same evaluation process to ensure that I'm ready for it like you have to for HRT, cause frankly as much as I admit I dislike therapists, I also can't afford them lol. So I didn't want to have to go through that for androgen suppressants and then have to go through it all again later, when I could just wait a few more months and do it all in one thing.
But I guess I didn't think of the danger that it'd bring, no hormones and bone loss and whatnot, so I guess it doesn't matter lol.
For seeing a therapist, I'd try to find an LGBT community center. They probably have referrals to no-cost and low-cost therapists. You could also try to see a therapist who isn't connected to the local queer community but these therapists are more likely to discount your feelings about gender, unfortunately
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Its not even that I want to hide it. Its kinda complicated and stupid.
Cause my boyfriend went from not wanting it to happen, to all of a sudden supporting me. Which was great. And I was thrilled. Cause its nice to have someone who loves you for you no matter what. And we'd been together since highschool. But we went shopping for wigs ((cause my hair is REALLY thin and I like wigs haha)) and he totally had a meltdown in the middle of the store over the whole thing, so he said he needs some time to get used to the idea first.
Which is bullshit in many ways but in other ways I feel I have to abide lol.
If making this big change in your life is a dealbreaker for your boyfriend, you may want to re-examine if he's really right for you in the long run, as much as that may hurt. But if you feel that medical (and social) transition is important to you, and your boyfriend is restricting you from it, you have to make sure you end up doing what's right for you.
I did the same thing as serenefish... ordered some Spironolactone from inhousepharmacy.com and worked up to a moderate dose. I noticed nice changes from two months of that.
I personally do not think it's particularly dangerous to DYI Spiro for a few months, but that's just my opinion (and personal experience). I'm not a doctor.
My doctor put me on it for close to two months in November (I see him in about a week). While I'm ambivalent on DIY, this is the about the safest med in the HRT arsenal, the effects aren't permanent if you stop and - and since it's also a heart medication and used to help hirsute women, you might be able to get some from a doctor while you get ready. Or you could look for a physician who'd do it on the principle of informed consent (or however it's called) if you don't have access to resources and don't want to DIY.
It's at least had good effects (mental and some physical as well) on me. It will, however, probably reduce your energy a bit at times as your blood pressure diminishes (doses are usually around 150-200mg, sometimes a bit higher, I'd suggest avoiding any more that that if you don't have a physician following you, though).
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Erica
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(It's something that's tempted me, so I researched it, but I've so far held off on changing my hormones personally, so I don't have personal experience with doing this)
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But I guess I didn't think of the danger that it'd bring, no hormones and bone loss and whatnot, so I guess it doesn't matter lol.
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Its kinda complicated and stupid.
Cause my boyfriend went from not wanting it to happen, to all of a sudden supporting me. Which was great. And I was thrilled. Cause its nice to have someone who loves you for you no matter what. And we'd been together since highschool. But we went shopping for wigs ((cause my hair is REALLY thin and I like wigs haha)) and he totally had a meltdown in the middle of the store over the whole thing, so he said he needs some time to get used to the idea first.
Which is bullshit in many ways but in other ways I feel I have to abide lol.
Reply
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I personally do not think it's particularly dangerous to DYI Spiro for a few months, but that's just my opinion (and personal experience). I'm not a doctor.
Reply
It's at least had good effects (mental and some physical as well) on me. It will, however, probably reduce your energy a bit at times as your blood pressure diminishes (doses are usually around 150-200mg, sometimes a bit higher, I'd suggest avoiding any more that that if you don't have a physician following you, though).
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