So I just got back from the derm and he prescribed me with 25mg a day of Spironolactone(it's a synthetic steroid but it's supposed to regulate hormones and help with hormonal acne) I'm 24 5'2 98lbs and I think that's why he put me on such a low dose. I've been on Accutane 4 times in the past 6 yrs each time it leaves my skin perfect but the acne comes back about a year later(never as bad as before) but it still comes back and usually around summer time when it get's more humid. Right now I have a few cyst and those annoying "rice" like bumps all over my forehead, cheeks, and around my mouth. I know it could be worse but I find myself not wanted to leave the house and canceling plans with friends b/c I don't want anyone to see my ugly red marks

P.S. My derm said he would put me back on accutane but this will be my 5th round and I really don't want to put my body through that again so I'm praying the Spironolactone works but if not he will start me on accuate April 27 at my next appointment(there is a one month waiting period b/c of ipledge)

Hi Texasgirl,

Just wanted to give you some hope, I am on Spironolactone (started 3 months ago) and it is working for me! I am 98% clear but it did take some time to kick in so try to stick with it even if you experience an initial breakout, I didn't have an IB in my case though some people say they do.

I am 39 y/o 5'3 and 105lbs. I'm on a low dosage as well of 50mg per day. I am not a candidate for acutane due to history of bad reactions to other meds for acne that affected my liver and intestines.
In my opinion Spiro is much less harsh on the body with very few bad side effects. I'd be too scared to try acutane anyway especially at my age.

I've never heard of spiro being described as a synthetic steroid though - it's a potassium sparing diuretic (that also blocks oil gland receptors) so be prepared to drink a lot of water. You may lose a couple pounds too, I did.

Good luck, I hope it works for you too! I know exactly how you feel about canceling plans and hiding away due to the embarassing spots. That's no way to live!

Thank you so much!!! It gives me hope I read online that it was a synthetic steroid but it could have been wrong info I hope I don't lose weight I'm little as it is Thank you for replying keep me updated on your progress!!! I can't wait to be even close to your 98% congrats

How are you doing with the spiro? Any side effects?

TY Greeneye. U gave me hope. Im on doxycycline and spiro now. Was on doxy for 10 days n went back to the doc to only realized the pharmacy missed out on my spiro prescription. So now its beens 3 days with spiro n doxy. I still break out like 2 or 3 cyst acne but i guess thats normal ehh. Doc told me sometimes it get worst before it gets better. So i just hv to be patience and hope my skin clear.

I've moved this to the Hormonal Treatments board.

Hey everyone I'm new to this site. Anyways, I have been doing a lot of research on spironolactone and I'm wondering whether I'm a good candidate for this product? I have not gone a day without getting a new pimple since I was 12. I am now 19 and have abnormally but not extreme oily skin. Let's just say I'll put on makeup and I'll still be oily 10 minutes after. I've been on the birth control Yaz for about a year and it has helped to a certain degree. However, I feel like there's still room for improvement. I used to break out terribly along my right jawline but that has subsided somewhat from the pill. I don't know what else to do. I seriously can not be a slave to my acne any longer. Any feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks!

If Yaz has cleared you 50% or more then you would be a good candidate for added spironolactone which would probably clear you up 100%.

Hey Boston. Thanks for the feedback! I have an apt at 1:30 today. I hope the derm listens to what I have to say. Yes, yaz dramatically changed my face, that with a good diet and working out. Have you ever been on spiro? I'm praying for good results! I'm praying that he'll actually prescribe it to me. I'm printing out all the research I've done...I hope that helps.

Hey lips - no, I never even heard of it till a couple of years ago on this board. I did clear up my cystic acne with a bc pill (I think it was ortho novum) many years ago though. So I knew that hormonal treatment was very effective. Keep us posted OK?

O my Gosh! I will. I'm a slave to acne. I seriously have let it run my life and I'm sick of it. It's hard to face the world sometimes. I know it's stupid, I mean I could have a more serious illness however when you change your life style to the max and you're still not seeing results...it gets a little frustrating. I just hope that my derm prescribes it for me. eeek.. Thanks Boston!

I wish the org had been around when I was suffering. I let it control my life too and it still does - only through my child now. She is very strong, however. Makes me love her that much more. An awesome person for sure. I'm kind of obsessed but also have a big interest in the subject and like to help others with what I have learned over the years. The psychological impact of acne cannot be minimized. Yes, it is not life-threatening, but it is "quality of life" threatening. You will get well - hang in there.

hello, what is the difference between Spironolactone and birth control

In a nut shell,

Birth control is birth control. The hormones in the pill will sometimes balance out your bodies hormones, reducing oil production because hormones stimulate the oil producing glands in you skin.

Spironolactone is a blood pressure medication that blocks androgen (a hormone that stimulates those oil glands) and is a diuretic. It is NOT a bcp and you CAN'T get pregnant on it or else ur baby will be severly affected.

Hi There!
I have been on Spiro twice daily at 50mg for about 3 months now and at first I saw no difference in month one, but the second and third months and I have noticed hardly any breakouts. One or two small ones around my period time, but once I have it-they soon disappear.

I was on accutane many years ago, but I was not willing to risk teh dangerous side effects again so many years later. My only side effects on spiro is that I drinking a lot more water, lost a little bit of "water" weight and my period comes once every 24 days....

Stick with it. Only go back to accutane if it's the LAST RESORT!

HI,

I am 5 foot 2 & 103 pounds & age 40. For many years when I was young spiro was fine. The past 2 times I tried spiro at a very low dose & ended up in the emergency room as it makes me faint. I learned that my base line blood pressure goes down as low as 80/50 at times. Spiro lowers it further & I pass out & have the urge to urinate every 5 minutes. If your bl;ood pressure is not low I would not worry about this side effect. Years ago my blood pressure was normal & this was not an issue.

I have been considering going on a drug to raise my blood pressure so i can take spiro again. The results in combination with zovia are great & I want to avoid accutane as I also have rosacea.

Good luck.

I too am sensitive to spiro at 100mgs and cannot cope with the diuretic effect. Go slow and make sure you drink plenty of water - see your doctor if you become worried about anything.