Hi Sam,

Thanks for the advice. i have found a way to get tested by sending a sample off, and will do so.

i will probably get some Siterone (generic androcur) too in the near future, dependent on results.

i am afraid i am a little needle-phobic and dont think i could manage injections !

charlene

Hi Charlene,

I'm glad you are here! I agree that Spironolactone is not a very effective testosterone blocker by itself. I am on the Vivelle-dot patch for estrogen and Spironolactone. For some months now, my testosterone has been so low as to be undetectable by standard lab tests.

Androcur (siterone) is very effective and when I first started my own journey I was taking it. It is a very powerful drug and you need to be careful when using it, as Paula points out.

Hugs,

Danya

Hi Danya,

So if i am using oestrogen patches and Spironolactone then the Spiro could be Ok then? Is that what You mean?

Ohhh goodness - so much to learn!

xxx

charlene

quick update:

have been taking 2 x 100mg Spironolactone and applying 2 x Estroderm 100 patches now for 11 days and have not had an erection for over a week, at all.....i am so so happy.

Ohh and to my knowledge i am exteriencing no negative side-effects.

Thanks in the main to the wonderful information and people here

x x x x x x x

charlene

Sorry i didn't answer sooner, Physiological changes occur almost immediately from just knowing you have started this journey, i have become a happier, friendlier, more fun to be around i think it's because i am finally me, it was a 180 degree change from before i started, as time goes on there may be changes in all of your senses, they become more acute, this started within a few months of starting hormones. Be prepared to become more emotional, i can cry at the drop of a hat.

As far as physical changes you may notice in a few months body odor changing, of course your nipples will become sore to the touch, this can start as early as 2 weeks or take as long as a few months, mine started at 2 weeks and at 15 months is still sore, as time goes on you will feel hard lumps or knots forming under your nipples, this is the milk ducts forming and will continue as the breasts develop. Skin changes will occur, skin will become softer over your body and lots more sensitive, your facial features will soften, it will take 6 - 7 months for this to be noticeable, friends will ask you if you got a haircut, a new shirt or if you lost weight, they see something different but don't know what, it will take you much longer to see these changes yourself. People you have not seen in a long time will really notice the changes as time goes on, those that know me see K___, those that don't see Paula. Body hair will diminish and become finer and lighter, facial and neck hair changes very little if at all and laser or electrolysis will be needed to eradicate those hairs.

Hope this helped

Paula

Have now managed to upload a picture of me to my avatar, i had tried before, as i was unsuccessful in the past.

Hope i am a teeny bit convincing

charlene

hello and welcome!

Hi charlenebrown,

Thank you for posting your photo as your new avatar. It's always so nice to associate a users face with their screen name.

A pleasure indeed Erica Ann. Happy to show the *real* me.

2 days to go and my 1 month anniversary of being on hormones ...... yayyy

Funny how i feel so much better for it

xxxxx

charlene

Hi charlene,

Oh, just wait. The best is yet to come. Give it about 6-8 weeks and your going to really start to see a difference in you, both mentally and physically.

The start of breast development is something to really look forward to.

Some people have a bit of difficult adjusting mentally to the hormones. You might feel that your on an emotional roller coaster for awhile. You might find that you'll start crying without any real provocation and be very sensitive, but this to will past after your body adjusts to the estrogen. Just be aware of these changes so that you'll be prepared to deal with them.

Good luck and stay the course.