4 replies to this topic

[NYC86]

I have been on OCPs for a long time (ortho tri-cyclen low) and while my acne was not under control with the pill only, the addition of spiro about 1year ago really helped (skin almost perfectly clear). Now about a month ago I stopped the OCP because I wanted to give my body a break but kept going with the spiro 100 mg/day; I am already noticing that my skin is a bit olier than before. My breakouts are still controlled but I am afraid to start breaking out again. Had anyone had a similar experience? I hope the spironolactone alone will be enough to fight my acne and the oliness will normalize with time...

[Green Gables]

I have been on OCPs for a long time (ortho tri-cyclen low) and while my acne was not under control with the pill only, the addition of spiro about 1year ago really helped (skin almost perfectly clear). Now about a month ago I stopped the OCP because I wanted to give my body a break but kept going with the spiro 100 mg/day; I am already noticing that my skin is a bit olier than before. My breakouts are still controlled but I am afraid to start breaking out again. Had anyone had a similar experience? I hope the spironolactone alone will be enough to fight my acne and the oliness will normalize with time...

 

It's hard to say just by your description...but it always takes a while after birth control pills for your body to stabilize. Like 6 months at least.

 

If after 6 months you're still oily, you might want to see an endocrinologist and get your hormones tested. After years on synthetic estrogen/progestin from the pill your body may be low on estrogen and/or progesterone.

Edited by Green Gables, 01 February 2013 - 09:12 PM.

[cwctmo1]

Hi NYC86,

 

I have been on Ortho Tri Cyclen- Lo for about a year and a half. I developed melasma and my acne seemed to get worse upon starting the birth control, but I decided to stick it out as everyone said it would make my skin better. It never did. I am now on Spiro, and am thinking of going off OTC-Lo because of its effects. I'm hoping that since I am on Spiro, I won't suffer a breakout from stopping the OTC-Lo (so many people say going off hormonal birth control causes breakouts). Can you give me an update on your experience? I would start a new pack on Sunday night, so trying to do some research and figure out what I want to do. I don't want to make things worse.

 

Also, how long were you on Spiro with the pill before your skin completely cleared? I have only been on almost 2 weeks, and think I already see a difference.

 

Thanks!

[weddinggirl]

Hello! I have been on ortho lo for almost 2 years, and spiro a little over a year. Last summer I developed Melasma on my forehead. And it hasn't gotten any better with any over the counter treatments, peels etc. I have a rx for 4% hydroquinone, but no help. I'm thinking of stopping the birth control all together. I feel like this is the culprit bc the spiro is not an estrogen inhibitor. Any help would be appreciate!!!

[cwctmo1]

Hi weddinggirl! I am thinking of stopping birth control too. My melasma has gotten so frustrating. It did not start until I began taking Ortho tri-cyclen lo in November 2011. I started Spiro 3 weeks ago, so I am hoping that will help the acne so that I can get off the birth control. I also feel that the birth control created or exacerbated the acne problem. I got occassional breakouts before, but after starting the pill I hae consistent blemishes! I am just really worried about breaking out worse after stopping, so I just keep taking it...