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Well, I have been on spiro for two months and two weeks now. And - I hesitate to say this w/o jinxing myself - my skin is clear. Wow. And, my red marks have faded considerably thanks to my HQ gel. I have also been using Retin-A micro (0.1%) and a glycolic acid (AHA) smoothing cream. So far, so good. In the last month or so, I have had just one pimple, and it healed quickly (but did leave behind a red mark...arrrr). Anyway, just thought I'd give an update. Good luck to everyone!!
Hi everybody,
I am 32 and fight against MODERATE but PERSISTENT ( high male hormone level in blood )acne since 15 years! ( Have tried everything without success, ausser Accutane which clear me for a few months. ).
Now i am planning to get pregnant in 3 to 4 months that,s why i can't do Accutane right now.
Sorry if my questions has already been covered ( 20 pages is sooo long ).
1- Taking spironolactone short term ( 2 months ) would help me?
2- How long do you have to wait after stopping the Spiro before getting pregnant?
Please help me this acne problem has lowered my self estem a lot!
Thanks for your reply.
Hello girlies!
I just wanted to tell yall about my experience with Spiro.
I have taken bc for 3 years now. Last year, I went on an extended overseas trip where I wasn't able to bring bc with me and unfortunately had to discontinue using it.
A couple months ago (after I returned from my trip) I started noticing my AWFUL breakouts. HUGE cysts on my forehead. I would clean and treat and do everything possible to make them go away, but as soon as they would start getting smaller, another one or two would appear! To make matters worse, I have incredibly small pores. Sounds great right? NO! With such small pores, it is quite impossible for products like spot treatments to be effective. I got horribly depressed. I felt like it was my fault that I had such awful skin, like I was dirty or didn't know how to take care of myself. I tried EVERYTHING: C&C, Neutrogena, DDF, Murad, philosophy, Mario Badescu, etc. At 25, I thought I had passed those dreadful teenage acne years. I was soo embarassed. I grew my bangs long to hide the cysts on my forehead. I started staring at the ground when talking to people to avoid the humiliation.
One day, I realized that my acne breakouts seemed to coincide with my periods. They came and went like clockwork. Immediately I scheduled an appointment with a gyno and she gave me Yasmin to try. The following month, I crossed my fingers and hoped my monthly cyst would not appear. I wasn't so lucky. However, only ONE cyst appeared! I was elated. The following two months, just one cyst continued to appear. I quickly scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist.
When she heard my story, she prescribed me Spiro, saying that my acne sounded hormonal, that this hormonal acne does not only occur in your teenage years, but well into adulthood, and that and that in combination with Yasmin, could be an effective treatment.
It is now three months later, and I could not be happier with the results. I AM ACNE FREE! OMG, I've been dying to say that for sooo long now! I AM ACNE FREE!!!! Ever since I started taking Spiro, NOT ONE SINGLE CYST has appeared! NOTHING, NADA, NONE! I'm now working on getting rid of my scars and with the help of a light exfoliant and microdermabrasion, I am starting to see results! I am even getting compliments by complete strangers about how beautiful and glowing my skin looks! I honestly could not be happier! style_emoticons/style_emoticons/style_emoticons/
So I am here to tell you girls, if you suspect you have HORMONAL ACNE, definitely give Yasmin a try. It is an anti-androgen blocker (a hormone that acts like testosterone) that causes acne in women. If you notice improvement, add Spiro.
I am currently taking 50mg once daily. The results are phenomenal! Not only do I feel like my clear skin is glowing, but the confidence I've regained makes me glow from the inside as well. style_emoticons/ I'm not sure what my continued regimen will be--whether increasing dosage, stopping to see if my hormones have subsided, or something else, but I am perfectly happy with taking Spiro forever if it means no acne (oh, well except if you want to have a baby, bc that effects a fetus's sex development).
Thanks for sticking around and listening to my long story and my random rants! But I hope this helps! Please remember I'm not a doctor or trained in skincare in anyway except that I've used *every* product out there and know what works for me.
PS. I ocassionally break out with small white-heads. It mostly happens when I go hiking or camping and am sweating all day and don't wash my face until hours later. For these break-outs, I *LOVE* DDF's BP Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil (super gentle..doesn't dry out skin) when I'm in the mood for BP, or philosophy's hope in a bottle, 2% salicylic acid--both expensive but large bottles that will last you a long time. Also incredible to get rid of zits the next day is Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion (for those stubborn zits) and Drying Cream (I just slather on a whole bunch on my zit and it forms a head the very next day!). Check out [Removed] and fill out their consultation...they'll send you free samples!! If you put that you have oily skin, they might even send you some of that miracle drying cream! Beware though, they take forever to send the samples...but totally worth it! All the other products on their site are absolutely fab too if you want to try them!
OK, lol, that's enough for me...luv yall!
Just to let anyone know... I started taking Yasmin two weeks ago to see if it would clear up my cystic jawline acne before starting to take spiro along with it.
Well I am pretty much clear right now...just red marks...but no new underground volcanoes or painful cysts.
So we shall see how this carries on...I am glad I did this test because no one wants to take a drug unless you absolutely need to right? I have not had any side effects...I just had basically no period...but that is not so bad.
Well I hope this helps someone.
Just to let anyone know... I started taking Yasmin two weeks ago to see if it would clear up my cystic jawline acne before starting to take spiro along with it.
Well I am pretty much clear right now...just red marks...but no new underground volcanoes or painful cysts.
So we shall see how this carries on...I am glad I did this test because no one wants to take a drug unless you absolutely need to right? I have not had any side effects...I just had basically no period...but that is not so bad.
Well I hope this helps someone.
Hi Miss,
As far as I understand it, yes - your acne will come back if you stop taking spiro. But I've had zero side-effects, so unless I decide to have a child (and since I'm not married, that's not going to happen any time soon!) I'll stay on spiro!
Take care!
Leigh
It was originally used for high blood pressure, but my derm just prescribed it for me today as my chin and jawline acne is hormone related. I have tried all the products and even a strict diet change, but nothing. The derm said its my ovaries producing hormones. I cant go on the bc pill because I got a blood clot from it last year. Have any women tried Spiro (in Canada)? It's known as Aldactone in the USA. Men cannot use it because its a hormone treatment.
It was originally used for high blood pressure, but my derm just prescribed it for me today as my chin and jawline acne is hormone related. I have tried all the products and even a strict diet change, but nothing. The derm said its my ovaries producing hormones. I cant go on the bc pill because I got a blood clot from it last year. Have any women tried Spiro (in Canada)? It's known as Aldactone in the USA. Men cannot use it because its a hormone treatment.
I'm just wondering, if acne on the jawline is hormonal, could that be why I'm still experiencing breakouts at week 9 of the regimen in these areas? If so how do you go about getting prescription for spironolactone? Is it easy to get, or is it one of those ones that you have to find the right doctor to get a prescription? Thanx
natasha -
The amount of cyproterone acetate (the androgen agonist) in Diane is relatively low, and that's why it might not have worked for you. Just because it didn't work doesn't mean a higher dose of same, or a similar-acting drug (also in a comparatively higher dose) won't work for you.
What it's dependent on is the etiology of your acne. If it's androgen excess or hypersensitivity, it has a good chance of helping you, assuming you're under the care of a competent physician. If it's not, it probably won't help you.
It would probably be best to consult with a good doctor who can tell you what might be your best chance. A good doctor will do the appropriate tests and determine the best course of action, and explain to you clearly why they think it's the way to go, then answer your questions about it (and you should have some).
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Hi everyone!!! The first time i knew about this website and read most of the threads here, i was "relieved" in a way because i thought, i am not alone who battle with this frustrating, self-esteem-destroyer acne! Although, my heart go out to those people who really suffer the most from it. In some ways, i feel their pain, because, i, too is a acne-sufferer (from how i look at it).
Right now, i'm on spiro. I started taking it nearly a month now. Unexpectedly, it worked for me after a couple of days, maybe after 3 or 4 days. First of all, i'm not really into taking medicine for this esp. accutane. I have tried natural supplements and didn't really give much improvement so i give this a try, which from what i'm told, nothing like accutane. I picked this doctor who prescribed me spiro in a magazine. I came accross a page of ad that says "flawless" and i was drawn to that (ads really work!). I checked the website, thought it was pretty professional and reputable so called them and scheduled an appmt. The doctor did some blood samples and as a result, i have an above-normal testosterone level so he prescribed me spiro. Although, i'm still hesitant to take any medication, i said, sure, might as well give it a try since we know now that that may be the culprit.
My 3rd or 4rth day, i went out with friends, a couple of hours passed so i assumed my face was really oily and shiny by then so i excused myself to go to the bathroom. But first, i kind of touch my face to feel if it was really thought it was, and doubtedly, it felt dry (as in no oil or anything). Strange for me, in the washroom, i looked myself in the mirror and i saw a face without oil and shine-i had a couple of pimples but didn't bother me anymore as much as before. So i thought, maybe it was just the lighting there or it had to be something else. I still didn't or couldn't believe of what i saw and felt on my face. When i got home, i stared at my face in the mirror and amazed that this has really worked for me. My face now is dry and has 2 or 3 small pimples, and the oil blotter tissue now is no use for me. I still complain about the blackheads though. But it doesn't show as much as the big red zits i used to get before, so all is good for now. I hope this continue to work. I have to admit that i kind of suffer from migraines from time to time bec. of this medicine but it's nothing serious though. Still manageable, so it's okay. Although, my nutritionist said, "migraines from time to time is not healthy at any time". She will find a doctor for me who can deal with this using bioidentical hormones (identical to your own hormones) without any side effects i.e. correct the problem without headaches. Has anyone of you know anything about bioidentical hormones?
Everything was fine until now, actually this problem started 2 days ago. I'm experiencing a rash or something. I'm itchy all over (palms, feet, back, neck, everywhere). I'm not sure if it's something i ate or the spiro?!! I hate to think that this could be the spiro coz it works wonders for me esp, with my oily skin. I'm gonna stop taking it tom and i'll see what happens. I've read that somebody here (sowe, forgot the name) had had this reaction, too. Has anyone of you experience this? if so, what did you do? or any suggestions? I'm gonna visit this doctor next week and i have list of question prepared so that i don't forget next time.
I pray that no person again suffer from what we all experienced, or at least from what i have experienced (that cost my self-esteem, social life, thousands of money, intimate rel.)
Hi everyone,
It's great how many women are part of this spiro group! I love having other people here who can relate. Smiley, thanks for sharing your story with us- yes, I do agree it is important for you to talk to your doc about the side effects.
I Just wanted to give a very quick update and ask a quick question. By the way, I am keeping a log in the regimen section as well, if anyone is interested in reading moreabout my experience with spiro (and retin-A).
I have been on spiro for 3 months now- the first two months were great, but the last month i've been breaking out pretty regularly. I currently have a really painful big zit on my chin... borderline cyst i would say. I don't like the fact it is red either.... I am pretty positive about how things are going, but the constant zit every week is getting frustrating. I am happy I am on spiro because it is working and my skin is bettr than without it and the oil production has pretty much ended as well. But you know how it is, a big zit all the time on your face just isn' comfortable.
Anyways, I just got my spiro dose increased to 200 mg a little over a week ago since I am still breaking out. I have question for those of you who had their doses increased. I am assuming that since the dose is now higher, you were still breaking out a bit (or had a lot of oil) on the lower dose before the switch. How long did it take before you stopped breaking out and saw the effects of the higher dose? I do know Shortee said it took her at least four months before she started seeing results she was happy with (one month to go!) I am also wondering what were the experiences for others who have been taking spiro for longer around their 3 -4 month point on spiro? Any feedback here would be great!
Hope everyone is doing well!
My pleasure, Lolo! And nice to meet you here. Yes, i was supposed to see my doctor on monday but had to cancel it coz i'm starting a new job same day as well. I have to make an arrangement with my new employer though to schedule this doctor's appmt.
It's been 3 or 4 days now since i had this allergy reaction. As of right now, i'm still very itchy. I have bumps all over. Last night i couldn't even sleep because i was scratching myself every after second. My skin has developed a a few pimples/zits, too, since this allergy. I have one big red zit on my back and one on my neck (lower jaw line), which was itchy at first so i thought it was one of the bumps from scratching/allergy, but now it's painful so it is a zit. First time having this in this area. I didn't really ate properly yesterday, too, coz i was thinking that this reaction might be from certain food (which i haven't had or experience before) prevents me from eating. I'm gonna try to see a previous doctor of mine, that if there's still available spot in her schedule today or the next business day to take me in, just to get some rational explanation or anything that will make this itchiness/hives go away.
About your questions lolo. I didn't get my spiro dosage increased or lowered. I wasn't even told/aware i could do that. I started off with 100mg/day, and has taken it for nearly a month and stopped taking it yesterday, as you know, bec. of this allergy reaction. I'm observing if it's the cause. I really thought this was the miracle/answer i've been looking for and was really happy that i saw the result after a few days only. But now, i don't know what to think anymore.
Good luck with your spiro, lolo, and to all women/people taking this med. I hope i was able to help with my feedback and story. I'm more than welcome to answer any questions on spiro or any acne-related questions that i've had experience (or not) in the past.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!
My pleasure, Lolo! And nice to meet you here. Yes, i was supposed to see my doctor on monday but had to cancel it coz i'm starting a new job same day as well. I have to make an arrangement with my new employer though to schedule this doctor's appmt.
It's been 3 or 4 days now since i had this allergy reaction. As of right now, i'm still very itchy. I have bumps all over. Last night i couldn't even sleep because i was scratching myself every after second. My skin has developed a a few pimples/zits, too, since this allergy. I have one big red zit on my back and one on my neck (lower jaw line), which was itchy at first so i thought it was one of the bumps from scratching/allergy, but now it's painful so it is a zit. First time having this in this area. I didn't really ate properly yesterday, too, coz i was thinking that this reaction might be from certain food (which i haven't had or experience before) prevents me from eating. I'm gonna try to see a previous doctor of mine, that if there's still available spot in her schedule today or the next business day to take me in, just to get some rational explanation or anything that will make this itchiness/hives go away.
About your questions lolo. I didn't get my spiro dosage increased or lowered. I wasn't even told/aware i could do that. I started off with 100mg/day, and has taken it for nearly a month and stopped taking it yesterday, as you know, bec. of this allergy reaction. I'm observing if it's the cause. I really thought this was the miracle/answer i've been looking for and was really happy that i saw the result after a few days only. But now, i don't know what to think anymore.
Good luck with your spiro, lolo, and to all women/people taking this med. I hope i was able to help with my feedback and story. I'm more than welcome to answer any questions on spiro or any acne-related questions that i've had experience (or not) in the past.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!
I've been on spiro nearly two weeks, and retin-A for about 3 months. My skin is getting clearer, but I don't know if it's the retin-A kicking in, or the spiro. I'm eagerly waiting for my skin to get less oily, but I'm fairly sure that isn't happening yet.
Anyone here who takes spiro and had it take longer than 2 weeks to work? If so, how long?
Thanks!
Mimi
Thanks for the quick responses girls!
Leigh: HEE HEE! I totally know what you mean about the washroom. Really, it has been bad at times, just like all of a sudden I gotta go and if I'm not there right away, there will be trouble. A bit of an incovenience, I'd say.
So if you said that since you increased your dose about 1-1.5 months ago, I hope to see improvements soon- by the end of the month hopefully. You are totally right, it is a rocky relationship with spiro though I am happy I am on it. And I find the same thing you do- I get zits in places I hadn't really before (like chin and over my lips- before it was mostly only cheeks! This is better though b/c it doesn't leave red marks really now). I find that the retin-A micro speeds their recovery though. Btw, what did the derm do to help with the long lasting zit? The one on my chin now is really hard and i think it will end up in a huge white head and will take a while to heal. If i can avoid a bit of this, that would be great. Also Leigh, were you breaking out before the dose was increased? (I assume that was why it was raised in the first place, right?) Was it really bad or kinda like me now- just consistent but small?
Thanks!
Hey everyone....
Well, I've been on 50mg a day for 2 months, and now 100mg a day for the last month and a half. Just this past month I have seen an improvement. I do not have any pimples really, well except the tiniest little bump here and there, and some long lasting ones that are not going away from a month ago already, but believe me the difference is big! I haven't been able to run my hand across my face w/o bumping into a bunch of whiteheads in like 2 years! I hope it's the spiro and not some fluke!
I am still having problems with oil though. It has not really dried up, only the slightest bit...not enough to matter still. Do you think a higher dose would kill the oil? I'm worried it will never go away
Is anyone here taking aldactone instead of the generic spiro? I'm going to get the name brand for my next refill just in case it works better. I read somewhere that the difference between the generic and name brand could be on how well it is absorbed. Don't know how factual that is, but I would like to try it anyway.
Oh, and about the weeing, I too, out of nowhere will have to GO. It can come on suddenly. I'm having problems tho at night, because it's just waking me up way too much. I'm just so concerned with drinking enough water, I don't know what to do! I haven't had my potassium levels checked yet either, so I hope all will be ok.
Anyway, good luck to us all!