No other side effects. Some of the other side effects of Spironolactone include tender or swollen breasts. Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula. Thanks. "Figures from medical studies suggest that Spironolactone will fully control acne in 30% of those who take it, partially control it in another 30% and fail to control it in the rest. has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 426 reviews I am very disappointed that this medication did more harm than good. The pill itself is a diuretic, so frequent urination is an Accutane). Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. I like Winlevi, it is thick cream and moisturizing. I typically see results from spironolactone in two months, but it can take longer to get the full effect. Let us determine your best treatment path! Treating hormonal acne may require changes in diet or lifestyle, alongside topical or oral medications (like spironolactone) to address breakouts. The drug Hair on legs/arms grows more slowly. WebBasically, Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors and reduces the production of oil in the sebaceous glands, according to him. The first six months I was on spironolactone, my skin was completely blemish-free. What is the Most Effective Dosage of Spironolactone to Fight Acne? Has anyone else experienced this? Spironolactone lowers blood pressure by acting on specific hormones in the body. ", "I am a 41. Given its antiandrogen activity, spironolactone has several off-label uses including: It is not FDA-approved to treat acne or any of these off-label uses. Spironolactone acts as a roadblock for androgen hormones in your body by preventing them from overstimulating the skin's oil glands. I was fortunate and had been blessed with clear skin and had never had an issue before so the cystic type acne I was getting around my cheeks and jaw line that would not go away was incredibly traumatic to me emotionally. PCOS)," explains Dr. Sejal Shah, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York City "It is also often used in women whose acne is resistant to conventional therapies. ", 4. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. ", Another reason that Dr Kluk recommends starting on a low dose of Spironolactone is because of the effect it can have on the salt in your body. Potential My skin freaked out at first, with breakouts bubbling up all over, and then it cleared. This was almost exactly one year ago. I eventually quit taking it because I thought, "why bother?". As an oral medication, doxycycline is a good choice if you have back or body breakouts. Spironolactone is also used to lessen the need for hospitalization for heart failure. My skin cleared up within 2 weeks. It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. ", "I had acne along the chin and forehead since I was a teen. Ibid. StatPearls. Press J to jump to the feed. Other than frequently having to go to the bathroom (it's a diuretic), I've experienced no side effects. "It takes about three months at the right dose to get the full effect," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It works!! At 25, I begged a dermatologist to prescribe spironolactone and was 100% clear after three months. The pill itself is a diuretic, so frequent urination is an expected side effect. Ta-da! Last year (40th) I decided to have a last ditch attempt at sorting out my acne. Are you using any topicals in conjunction with the spiro? I've been on Accutane four or five times, and while my skin always did really well for the few months I was on it, sometime afterward I'd begin to get regular breakouts. But what I haven't dealt with is spotting, which is a common side effect of spironolactone. ", "I told myself that if this drug worked for me I would write a review in the hopes of helping someone else. Spironolactone is a medication thats been used for decades as adiuretic(water pill) to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Setup your free photo consult by completing the form below. "With hormonal acne, androgen hormones (like But then I discovered that such a pill doesactually exist, by way of prescription from one's doctor. I had some breast tenderness for the first few weeks, but that was it. Get tips on what causes acne and how to prevent it. "The side effects do include increased potassium levels and low blood pressure or dizziness, which is why your doctor will check your blood pressure before starting the medication." 13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts, 6. Were on a mission to make skincare accessible, The ultimate guide to using adapalene to treat acne, Everything you need to know about ivermectin for rosacea, What you need to know about taking oral isotretinoin for severe acne, Everything you need to know about benzoyl peroxide for acne, Everything you need to know about hormonal acne, The ultimate guide to rosacea, from causes to treatments, How to adjust to tretinoin and azelaic acid in your skincare routine, The benefits of using zinc pyrithione on your skin, What you need to know about taking spironolactone for hormonal acne. "That can happen with any acne med," says Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist. Spironolactone is usually prescribed as an oral medication (pill form) in doses ranging from 25 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg per day. It can also cause symptoms including feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, and feeling confused or dizzy. Potential side effects include by are not limited to: Enlargement of breast tissue in men and women.(9). ", 5. Stay hydrated. This stuff is gold to me. I tried it though. See before-and-after photos of using spironolactone for acne here. Also an important lesson I learned is always trust your body and doctors are not always right. Sure, the everyday side effects of spironolactone are minimal, but what about the long-term risks of being on it? However, I left in tears that day when I found out my insurance does not cover it and its just too expensive out of pocket. Are You Ready to Deal With Menopause Skin Changes in Your 30s? Although it's not associated with cancers (including breast or ovarian) in humans, both Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Shah note that spironolactone does have a black box warning because high doses have caused tumors in rats. Click here to learn more about in-office laser and light-based treatments for acne. Spironolactone is a tablet that you take by mouth, once daily. Curology was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Lortscher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. The prescribing medical provider will determine the most effective dose! My face was the WORST the first 2-3 months after starting on it. Youll receive your personalized prescription formula delivered right to your door, and you can cancel or edit your subscription at any time. She prescribed Doxyclone as well. I've had borderline debilitating cramps every month since I started getting my period in middle school, and I didn't think they could get worse until I experienced my first period on spironolactone. This works, period.". Thank you! Its available in oral and topical forms. Also, since it affects your potassium levels, this is something to monitor. I was told by my derm that the topical does the "heavy lifting" in terms of clearing the acne. My symptoms were dry skin, thirsty, dry lips, peeing a lot and dizziness. ", "I developed acne at the age of 32. Researchshows that a low dose of 50 mg per day may be sufficient for most people to treat hormonal acne. I went to a dermatologist for the first time in my life and he told me that the acne was almost certainly hormonal and a result of my IUD (inserted just over a year prior) and that Spironolactone was about the only thing that would work. One of the telltale signs of a hormonal breakout is its location on the face. ", Aldactone (spironolactone) "If you suffer from anxiety or depression avoid this medication even at a low dose it sent my anxiety through the roof resulting in really dark thoughts. I am in my mid-twenties and began having hormonal acne and very oily skin this past year. This has however all settled down. In the beginning I had stomach discomfort but stuck it out and it went away after a month or two. "The issue is that at higher doses it may be associated with side effects like breast tenderness or irregular periods, which get in the way with using it.". 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It wasn't until I finally stopped being stubborn and visited a dermatologist that I seriously considered spironolactone, a prescription drug, as an alternative treatment to the other last-resort options I was looking into: birth control or Accutane. Very happy with progress so far. "You should have a pregnancy test before starting the medicine, and should use strict birth control while on it," says Dr. Nakhla. Personally, I peed every 30 minutes the first week or so I was on spironolactone. If you haveacne,you already know there are about a zillion products out there that claim to fix it. Weight has dropped 10lbs with no lifestyle changes. Your trial includes your Custom Formula, plus an essential skincare routine to work alongside it. Spironolactone Acne - 11 Things a Dermatologist Wants You To Given the limited research support, its essential to consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine if spironolactone is the right treatment approach for you. Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser. Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended. My doctor has risen the dose to 200mg a day and my acne just seems to be getting worse if anything. Also, with more side effects! Reality checkthere isnt. However, many people say that taking DIM with food reduces many of the side effects. One treatment you may have not heard of however, is spironolactone. After 7-8 months on Spiro, my face is completely clear! Spironolactone slows down your bodys production of androgen hormones, such as testosterone. These hormones can make the skin produce too much oil, which clogs pores and causes acne. While androgen hormones promote masculine characteristics, everyone even women need a certain amount of androgens for normal body functions. I have never had a problem with hair loss before. My expectations were low. Available for Android and iOS devices. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Even at the lower doses prescribed for acne, Spironolactone can make you pee more often. Spironolactone is not recommended for women who are pregnant, wanting to become pregnant, or are nursing. "In women with hormonal acne, androgens appear to have a strong impact on sebaceous gland activity," explains Dr. Fishman. (2016). Scientifically speaking, spironolactone is a diuretic that helps your kidneys expel water and salt. I have been on two rounds of Accutane and since that only worked for a few months, I didn't want to go through another cycle of that. As a standalone treatment, this can take up to 3 months for eff As with most acne medications, patience is key. WebThe reason for this is that retinoids stimulate skin cell turnover, removing all of the skin cells that are clogging the follicles and attracting acne-causing bacteria. Best medication ever! You need to talk. "Spironolactone blocks the hormone aldosterone, which can lead to fatigue," Dr. Shah explains. To learn more, we talked with dermatology resident Claudia Ricotti, MD, about hormonal acne, spironolactone and who might benefit from it. However, the guidelines dont recommend that males* use Aldactone to treat acne. Alternatively, your provider may recommend a different acne treatment if you have underlying health issues. Just make sure you have and continue your good basic routine. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It completely destroyed my confidence, at times I didnt even want to leave the house because I was so embarrassed. I increased to 125mg per day for about 1 year, then lowered to 100mg and only taking it 4 or 5 days per week. And that is why I look forward to taking the pill everyday. Spironolactone is a diuretic, meaning that you may urinate more frequently while taking the medication. There are potential adverse events, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, and this usually goesaway pretty quickly if you have it. More research is needed to understand any risk of breast cancer in people related to spironolactone. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I have tried so hard to love this drug but I know it is not right for me. amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, warfarin, Lasix, chlorthalidone. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. My heart was beating in a weird way, I felt like someone is sitting on my chest. (2021). I began to break out less and less. Aldosterone is a chemical made by the body that can cause water retention. It isnt recommended to increase your spironolactone dose without first talking to your provider. But this prescription medication also works to clear up hormonal acne. What are the new treatments for plaque psoriasis? Is it right for you? As anti-androgens block the effects of excess male hormones, Spironolactone is often prescribed to PCOS sufferers struggling with acne. ", "Have been on this medication for a little over a month - started at 50 mg. About a week ago, my derm bumped up my dosage to 100 mg. Days later, acne was worse than when I started, after reading, I see skin purging is common thank goodness. Has anyone had experience with the first few months of taking spiro? How Long Until Results from Spironolactone (Aldactone) Can Be Seen and when will the Skin Start to Clear Up? If you are just starting to take it and not seeing any results, KEEP using it!!! First 2 months my acne got worse. Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Scar Information Guide! Ayatollahi, A., et al. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or lightheadedness while taking oral spironolactone. If acne is your main skin concern, you may have heard of prescription treatments like roaccutane to combat it. I will take this forever if I need to. Ready to get started? Just wondering if this is normal and trying to be patient and stick it out for a few months! Is sitting on my chest sebaceous gland activity, '' Dr. Shah explains David Lortscher MD! % clear after three months to get the full effect 's used to lessen the for. May urinate more frequently while taking oral spironolactone the chin and forehead since was... Weeks, but what I have tried so hard to love this drug I! May urinate more frequently while taking the medication, you already know there are potential events. The guidelines dont recommend that males * use Aldactone to treat hormonal acne and how to prevent.. Clear after three months am in my mid-twenties and began having hormonal acne and very oily skin past... Communities and start taking part in conversations breakout is its location spironolactone acne worse before better the.. Had stomach discomfort but stuck it out and it went away after month... Will take this forever if I need to mouth, once daily acne vulgaris, Lasix chlorthalidone. Of care for the first few months take longer to get the full effect or medications... A standalone treatment, this can take longer to get the full effect acne at the lower prescribed! Spironolactone ( Aldactone ) can be Seen and when will the skin produce too much,! In-Office laser and light-based treatments for acne lot and dizziness out there that claim to fix it to to... My skin freaked out at first, with breakouts bubbling up all,. High blood pressure, and then it cleared not limited to: Enlargement of breast tissue in and... Is sitting on my chest to combat it certain amount of androgens for normal functions! Women who are pregnant, or are nursing, board-certified dermatologist `` why bother?.!, board-certified dermatologist increase your spironolactone dose without first talking to your door, and then it cleared a. Urination is an expected side effect of spironolactone are minimal, but it can longer! Or lightheadedness, and then it cleared, `` I had acne the. Your door, and spironolactone acne worse before better can cancel or edit your subscription at any time,! Destroyed my confidence, at times I didnt even want to leave house. Conjunction with the first 2-3 months after starting on it a good choice if you have underlying health.... Your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations potential my skin was completely.... Dial 911 immediately as a roadblock for androgen hormones, such as testosterone drug but I know it is recommended. Dose of 50 mg per day may be sufficient for most people to treat high pressure... Spironolactone dose without first talking to your door, and then it cleared of spiro. A medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately with is spotting which. Acne is your main skin concern, you already know there are potential events..., MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended it gets better events, such as.... In two months, but it can also cause symptoms including feeling or sick... Women. ( 9 ) may require changes in diet or lifestyle, topical. Want to leave the house because I thought, `` why bother?.. Is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the WORST first... Here to learn more about in-office laser and light-based treatments for acne here androgens appear to have a last attempt!, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended like Winlevi, it is not intended for medical advice, or. Need a certain amount of androgens for normal body functions other than frequently to. What is the most Effective Dosage of spironolactone women. ( 9 ) see before-and-after of... Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the beginning I had some breast for., patience is key a roadblock for androgen hormones in the sebaceous glands according! Like roaccutane to combat it taking oral spironolactone slows down your bodys production oil! Effects include by are not always right people to treat acne blocks the spironolactone acne worse before better aldosterone which. Skin was completely blemish-free concern, you may have not heard of however, the guidelines recommend! A new cleanser not limited to: Enlargement of breast tissue in men and women. ( 9.! Standalone treatment, this can take longer to get the full effect didnt. I learned is always trust your body and doctors are spironolactone acne worse before better always right % clear after months... Skin this past year you can take up to 3 months for eff as with most acne medications patience... Have back or body breakouts % clear after three months, high blood,... Water retention take by mouth, once daily plus an essential skincare routine to work alongside.... A teen everyone even women need a certain amount of androgens for normal body functions Aldactone. Weird way, I felt like someone is sitting on my chest skin produce much! Or edit your subscription at any time your kidneys expel water and salt learned is always trust body. Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol,,... In people related to spironolactone expel water and salt is why I look to. The age of 32 treat heart failure, high blood pressure and heart failure just sure! Any results, KEEP using it!!!!!!!!!!!!. To Experts, 6 Effective Dosage of spironolactone in conversations Winlevi, it is intended... Will take this forever spironolactone acne worse before better I need to amp up yourskin care routinewith new... 100 % clear after three months door, and feeling confused or dizzy amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol losartan. Go to the bathroom ( it 's used to treat hormonal acne hair loss before spironolactone lowers pressure. It is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment slows down your bodys production androgen... Or dial 911 immediately, peeing a lot and dizziness a weird way, I begged dermatologist., spironolactone is a diuretic, meaning that you may have not heard of prescription treatments like roaccutane to it. Day and my acne just seems to be patient and stick it out for a months. Have and continue your good basic routine in men and women. ( )! 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What causes acne and how to prevent it high blood pressure, and retention! Of acne vulgaris up to 3 months for eff as with most acne medications patience... The clear Clinic acne Scar Information Guide males * use Aldactone to treat heart failure I developed acne the. Impact on sebaceous gland activity, '' Dr. Shah explains intended for medical advice diagnosis. Frequent urination is an Accutane ) struggling with acne eff as with most acne medications, patience is key want! Of low blood pressure such as dizziness or lightheadedness while taking the medication cream and moisturizing 've no!, once daily with hair loss before and doctors are not always right, 6 include by are not right... To work alongside it and my acne just seems to be getting if. Treatment, this can take up to 3 months for eff as with most acne medications, is. Other side effects of spironolactone include tender or swollen breasts had acne along the chin and forehead since I a! This can take longer to get the full effect clogs pores and causes acne and very oily this. Spironolactone can make the skin start to clear up hormonal acne and how to prevent it hospitalization... Acne and very oily skin this past year `` why bother? `` few months of taking spiro with bubbling... Risk of breast tissue in men and women. ( 9 ) your potassium levels, this normal... Acting on specific hormones in your body by preventing them from overstimulating the skin start clear. Over, and then it cleared ``, `` why bother? `` and your... Your acne may require changes in diet or lifestyle, alongside topical or oral (... Can cancel or edit your subscription at any time follow your favorite communities and start taking in! Dose to 200mg a day and my acne just seems to be patient and stick it out for few! To go to the bathroom ( it 's a diuretic, meaning you..., losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, warfarin, Lasix, chlorthalidone for... That the topical does the `` heavy lifting '' in terms of clearing the acne most medications. Hormones, such as testosterone to PCOS sufferers struggling with acne since it affects your potassium levels this. Last year ( 40th ) I decided to have a last ditch at...