Spironolactone

[Jorge2008 (imported)]

Is anyone here using Spironolactone? Most of the threads on chemical castration mention Androcur or Provera, but in my case, Androcur in the maximal dosage (200 mg/day) had no effect on libido. My doctor has now prescribed me Spironolactone, I know that this is a weaker antiandrogen, but in most cases does the job. Any comments?

[Lasander (imported)]

If Spiro is working for you while cyprotone isn't then I would be very surprised, but hey, if it works then it works. I never liked being on Spiro because it did little to lower my testosterone and gave me an irregular heartbeat.

[~Tiamat~ (imported)]

I think spiro reduces adrenal androgens while cyto increases them but I could be mistaken? Spiro does have a mild agonist effect though which seems enough for my body hair sadly. If you're just taking for libido that might not be an issue since it shouldn't cross the blood brain barrier in sufficient quantities?

[butcherbaby (imported)]

What do you mean with agonist? Do you think it enhances your body hair?

[butterflyjack (imported)]

I have been taking small dosages(1/4 of a 100 mg pill twice daily) of Spiro for about 6 months now, along with4 mgs of estra-fem daily..Last week I had my semi-annual visit to my urologist after having a blood test for prostate related figures...He was astonished..My PSA number had dropped dramatically..He asked what happened..I had already given his nurse my new self proscribed HRT drug regimen...so I assumed he knew this (actually I think he missed this)...It seems I may have stumbled into something beneficial to patients with high PSA scores and swollen prostates...Since taking spiro and estra-fem I have experienced more full bladder empying, but increased need to pee. Spiro causes this..It's a diuretic, primarily used as a blood pressure lowering med...I started off taking 1/2 pill(50 mgs) twice daily, but found myself getting light-headed, and assumed it was because of low blood pressure(I take a BP lowering med already and it's usually 120/75)...so I reduced my dosage to 1/4 pill(25mgs) twice daily...I have experienced a much reduced libido, cannot get an erection (good) but, if strenuous enough , can manage a very weak usually dry orgasm, after a long period of stimulation. My breasts are growing, they are noticeable now..Large soft nipples...The one drawback is increased need to urinate..I get up once or twice during the night...no big deal...I cry more easily and am more sympathetic to sadnesses and peoples problems...pain etc. I find it all wonderful...But, ultimately I would like to visit our buddy in Detroit and have them removed...Just typing it makes me feel something....Thanks Jackie

[~Tiamat~ (imported)]

Yes sorry Butcherbaby, agonist means it triggers the receptor as well as blocking it I read somewhere that spiro itself is an agonist and the metabolites are antagonists but I've not found another paper to support it and I probably won't be able to find it again. Wikipedia does say though that it's not used in cancer patients due to partial agonist activity - 35% of taking nothing at all IIRC which is worrying :S

I've read differing things on how it reduces androgen production, too. Everywhere says it depletes an enzyme used in manufacture. Some places say only in the testicles though and some say only in the adrenals! Since it was useless to me pre orchi and seems better than cyto post my experience does seem to suggest stopping adrenal manufacture - from a sample of one, of course But as I said it's enough to keep peach fuzz in places I didn't have it before - I'm scared to epilate yet incase it grows back darker and it's prickly when I shave which is a pain!

Of course it will also decrease testicular output via lowering LH by the normal feedback mechanism as well.

Jackie I'm glad it seems to be doing the job for you and in such low doses! Good luck!

(Actually sample of two - Twaddler is having similar problems which is why I finally registered in the first place! She's had good luck with flutamide and ethinyl though and I started flutamide six days ago. It does seem to be doing an awful lot more although if you have testicles it will increase production and you have to watch like a hawk for signs of liver damage.)

(If spiro really is a full agonist before metabolism surely it means all the bald men who put it on their scalps are killing their hair! The funny thing is the topical study everyone sites only shows it blocks DHT from getting to the receptor - not the receptor activity itself and not hair regrowth! It would block DHT as an agonist or an antagonist surely?)

[Jorge2008 (imported)]

I have started a new thread on my chemical castration: http://www.eunuch.org/forums/showthread ... post224091