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I have been reading these posts and this seems like just the Rx I should try to clear up my acne. (I only break out before my period, and I break out really bad!!) I've never heard anything about Spironolactone before, are Derm likely to perscribe it or not. Also, do you have to take it with a BC? Thanks so much for your help!
Clear skin just might be possible 
Cali
oh yes i tried spironolactone in combo with minocycline, and my skin was SO clear. i didnt really even have acne, and about a month after i went off it..the break outs began, and continued...and my derm wouldnt put me on spiro--it was a different doctor that had done it previously. i would highly recommend it though! i have a lot of hormone issues...had an ovarian cyst, so serously any stuff like that would probably cause acne and id take spiro if you can!
If you are taking spiro and are feeling unusually confused, you should speak with your doctor. Confusion on spiro is often a sign of excessivly low sodium levels.
Also, spiro can interact badly with some vitamins and pain killers. Your pharmacist should be able to help you figure out what is safe to take with spiro.
Finally, my gyno told me that alcohol will hit me harder while on spiro. Be careful if you drink and stay hydrated!!
There's a good site with instructions on how to take spiro properly. Here is the URL: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/30002365/
I've been looking into side effects and techniques for reducing side effects ever since my gyno prescribed spiro. This thread has been really informative. Thanks to everyone for logging in their experiences. I'm still a little scared of spiro, but I think I will try it soon.
question about "hormonal acne". when you say you have hormonal acne and breakout along along your jawline, is sthat the ONLY place you break out on ???
I break out about a week before my period (if i do end up getting my period for that month--my body seems to like to skip periods every other month or so), but its not only on my jaw-chin area.
most of my acne are along the jawline, but also upper lip area(small whiteheads), very few on my cheecks, and lately ive been getting more on my forehead. is this still considered hormonal acne?
thanks!! 
I don't have time to read all the replies...
I tried it briefly.
I decided to stop, because I was too concerned over the breast cancer risk. I did a lot of research, and the most I came up with , was a couple websites that said not to prescribe the drug to women with a risk of female cancers.
My mother died from breast cancer.
From what I understand, the drug "slightly" elevates estrogen, while inhibiting testosterone.
For me, I couldn't deal with the risk of more estrogen (which some believe is related to breast cancer risk).
If I did not have such a strong family history of cancer, I would have taken it.
Hey I'm new to this forum and i have some questions.
i just started on Spiro today and i have researched it online. I found information on how youre not supposed to have potassium while taking it. Is this true have you guys had to change your diets really to cut out foods with potassium because there are sooo many. I wonder how big a risk it really is.
Also, i see many of you are on both Spiro and some form of BC. DOes the BC help alot to control the irregular cycles, spotting, etc? Or is it not working very effectively?
I appreciate the feedback!! 
Hey I'm new to this forum and i have some questions.
i just started on Spiro today and i have researched it online. I found information on how youre not supposed to have potassium while taking it. Is this true have you guys had to change your diets really to cut out foods with potassium because there are sooo many. I wonder how big a risk it really is.
Also, i see many of you are on both Spiro and some form of BC. DOes the BC help alot to control the irregular cycles, spotting, etc? Or is it not working very effectively?
I appreciate the feedback!!
I was recently on Spiro for about 2 months, but I stopped it because my face was getting SO dry and flaky (I had dryish skin prior to taking it, so maybe that's why), and I was also feeling very tired.
Spiro is a potassium sparing diuretic. This means that it will make you urinate a lot, but the potassium will stay concentrated in your body. You don't REALLY have to change your diet or anything-- just be sure you're not taking potassium supplements (check your multivitamin to make sure it's not in it), and don't eat a whole bunch of bananas or oranges or anything high in potassium. You can still have them, just don't go crazy! While I was on Spiro, I drank Jamba Juice almost daily (huge smoothies with orange juice and bananas) and had my potassium checked and it was normal. You should make sure you get labwork done regularly to check the potassium, because if it gets too high, hyperkalemia may result (which, if severe enough, can be fatal). Also, drink a lot of water!
To address your other question...yes, BC pills will control your irregular cycle. I was on BC pills while on Spiro, and my cycle stayed regular, just came 1 day earlier for some reason. weird!
Hope this helps! Good luck with everything
Isn't all acne hormonal?
All acne is hormonal. But treatment depends on severity. Spiro may not work for some stubborn cases so they need the Accutane.
don't have time to read all the replies...
I tried it briefly.
I decided to stop, because I was too concerned over the breast cancer risk. I did a lot of research, and the most I came up with , was a couple websites that said not to prescribe the drug to women with a risk of female cancers.
My mother died from breast cancer.
From what I understand, the drug "slightly" elevates estrogen, while inhibiting testosterone.
For me, I couldn't deal with the risk of more estrogen (which some believe is related to breast cancer risk).
If I did not have such a strong family history of cancer, I would have taken it.
I am so sorry. You are right for not taking it. Like any hormonal medication, anything can happen and some things that are seemingly unrelated can indirectly contribute to other complications.
Just started Spiro about a week ago, but the derm only put me on 50 mg daily.....seems like most folks here took more....it's only been a week so I don't really notice any improvement but then again, I only get a couple of bad cysts per year- minor bumps monthly.....I've noticed a very slight decrease in oil, but also it's getting cooler here, so the humidity is lower...I have seemed a tad bit more tired but the strangest one is...I have almost NO appetite at all! It's like I don't even think about food!!! Strange...anyone else had that?
Hmmm...I was lately thinking that Spiro might have to be my last stop before Accutane but now I'm not so sure. I can't tolerate the pill because of the moodiness and because it gives me terrible cystic acne, so I'm wondering if the Spiro would even help at all. It seems like half the women who tried it loved it, and half saw no improvement. Sometimes I think I'm never going to find something that helps, I'll always be in the "no improvement" boat.
My acne is starting to scar now, after twelve years of just being an ugly nuisance. Are there derms who would refuse to give me Accutane? Should I just be patient and see if the Spiro does anything?
Hmmm...I was lately thinking that Spiro might have to be my last stop before Accutane but now I'm not so sure. I can't tolerate the pill because of the moodiness and because it gives me terrible cystic acne, so I'm wondering if the Spiro would even help at all. It seems like half the women who tried it loved it, and half saw no improvement. Sometimes I think I'm never going to find something that helps, I'll always be in the "no improvement" boat.
My acne is starting to scar now, after twelve years of just being an ugly nuisance. Are there derms who would refuse to give me Accutane? Should I just be patient and see if the Spiro does anything?
It will take 2-3 months to really tell if Spiro will work. Since it's an anti-androgen and working on your hormones, that's just how long it takes. I'd stick it out (unless you have unbearable side effects) and just wait. You really don't want to have to resort to Accutane unless you've truly given everything else a fair shot.
I have never takin Yasmin or any birthcontrol w/my spiro, but from my experience with spiro alone I never had an initial breakout.‚ My skin just stopped breaking out after about 2 weeks.‚ My oil subsided almost immediately after starting on it.‚ I guess it could be the combination, or maybe your pill will cause your skin to get worse before it gets better.‚ I have heard many girls on several message boards say that they acne flared up a bit when they first started on any given BCP, but eventually got better.
Hang in there and give it a while...i know it sux though
Thanks. I know it may take awhile. I feel like my body is so sensitive to so many things, changing BCPs has been a bit of a stir I'm sure. I didn't realize that the oil production has subsided a bit, but now that I've thought about it, I do have A LOT less oil in my hair and on my face come the end (or even the middle) of the day. I just hope in the long run, the less oil just helps with the breakouts.
One more question, I just checked my prescription and I am only taking 25mg of spiro w/ Yasmin. Does anyone know the dosage of Spiro like drugs in Yasmin? I guess I don't know how much I'm taking - maybe initially it's been too much or too little?
Thanks
The hormone in Yasmin is DRSP or something like that and it's equivalent to 25 mgs. of spiro
Hey ladies,
Wanted to add my opinion of good ole spiro. As a three month veteran I am so pleased by the results. Like Shortee said the oil reduction is so apparent and my skin stays clear. Two years ago my skin was awful and so now I'm just in awe of what this one pill can do for my skin and the effect it has on my life. Any ?s feel free to ask because I go back for my Doctor's appt. in about 2 weeks.
Good luck
Rae
whats your regimime besides spiro are you also on bc,topicals and were you tested for hormonal imbalance also whats your dosage
I have been struggling with acne since I was 13. I am now 25 and find myself in the same position. My acne has improved over the years, but still a major problem in my life. My skin is EXTREMELY oily. I get everything from blackheads to deep cystic acne that takes months to go away. I have lots of acne scars, and I am very self conscious. Acne rules my life, I have just learned to deal with it. I have tried every medication, over-the-counter to prescriptions. I took accutane about 5 years ago, and it significantly helped me, mainly because my skin is ridiculously oily, it really dried it up, until about 6 months after being off the medication, the oil started coming back. I have tried to take a 2nd dose of accutane, but the side effects are too much, my body was so de-hydrated, i could never get cool and I had terrible night sweats. So then I heard about spiro, I started taking it about a month ago. I was hopeful that spiro would help, but I wasnt counting on it, I have just come to the realization that I will always have bad skin. I have to stay, I am pleasantly surprised with the results. My skin has been staying pretty clear the past few weeks, and it seems less oily. I havent had any major breakouts, I have had a few small pimples here and there, but that is GOOD for my skin! Right now I am taking 50mg twice a day, and will increase soon. This is a great drug, I hope it continues to improve my skin.
hey, ladies --
just found this site by accident, but had to put my two cents in. Spiro is a miracle drug for those of us who have struggled with whacked-out hormones causing severe/cystic acne. i've done two cycles of Accutane (once way back in high school, in the early 90s, and again in early college, around 1995), i've taken all the oral medications and i've used every topical in existence (most burned my skin SEVERELY -- Retin-A gave me 3rd degree burns on my cheeks about 6 or 7 years ago). when i discovered Spiro accidentally online back in 2000, i knew it was my "cure" -- i have terrible thyroid and hormonal issues, and BCPs only worsened my ovarian cysts, endometriosis and (of course) my cystic acne. here's the facts based on the many years i've taken Spiro:
1) you will pee eleventy-thousand times a day. it is a severe diuretic, after all. so be prepared for that.
2) on the same note, you will be beyond thirsty -- all the time. carry a big bottle of water with you wherever you go.
3) i lost my appetite, as i read a few others did, too. i lost weight -- lots of it. (but i sure as heck didn't mind!!) if you have weight issues where losing pounds is not an option for you, i would reconsider Spiro.
4) you will get headaches. anytime you're dehydrated, you'll get a headache. that's just how it goes until your body grows accustomed to the meds and levels off. the headaches are most intense at the beginning of treatment, but they DO go away. just tough it out and keep some Excedrin handy.
5) my periods went whacko, too, but they were already completely screwed up beforehand. i've been off Spiro for about 2 years now, and i've been 100% regular for 1 year -- until very recently. i'm about to restart Spiro b/c my hormones have once again gone ballistic -- i have acne all along my jawline/hairline and chin, which is NOT where i used to have my breakouts. they were always cheeks, forehead, etc. anyway, i know Spiro works, and i'm going back to it. i expect to be cleared up 100% by Christmas.
6) i continued the ude of a topical -- Differen Gel, which is the only topical i can tolerate. read: it doesn't burn me, dry my skin, etc. i love the stuff. i use Cetaphil bar soap for cleansing (either the regular stuff or the antibacterial -- both are great, and i refuse to use anything else for cleansing.) i use St. Ives exfoliating scrub when i do dry out some.
7) the dosage i maintained was 200 mgs -- i worked my way up to it 50 mgs at a time over the course of about 6 weeks. if you start at 200 mgs, you'll feel like your head's about to explode with pain, your tongue has turned to sand and you'll take up a permanent residence on the toilet, peeing every drop of liquid out of your body.
8) give it time. at least 6 weeks. if you don't see results after 2 months, it may not be the thing for you. but i saw amazing results at the end of my first month of treatment.
i'm a professor, teaching mostly freshman. so many of My Kids battle acne, and it just kills their self-esteem. i tell all My Girls about Spiro -- i think it's a miracle. nothing else has ever worked for me, and it works for me 100%. if i got a tiny whitehead during PMS while on Spiro, it was shocking -- my face was perfect. i only stopped it b/c i lost my insurance and couldn't afford it anymore. my skin stayed pretty good until recently.
please, please give Spiro a try. i cannot praise it enough. God Bless whoever discovered it's acne-fighting properties. i mean, this is a med for people in congestive heart failure -- and we're getting clear skin out of it? who cares -- it works. i hope you all will be sharing your own miraculous success stories w/ Spiro soon, too. best of luck to all of you -- i hope i helped some.
lots of love,
The Metalchica
p.s. they do taste minty, but in a Rolaids kinda way, not a Tic-Tac kind of way. i just hold my nose when i swallow them.
Great responses. I just saw my daughter after about a month and she continues to improve. Yes, spiro is the answer for women. All acne is hormonal. She takes Yasmin plus 50 mgs spiro. You must drink lots of water as already stated but she is so pleased with the results and now gets complements on her skin. Instead of 20 or 30 pimples she had like 2 and with makeup she looks great. Even without makeup it's so much better. Amazing. This is after a course of accutane that only worked for about a month and many courses of antibiotics over the years.
blue_eyez ~ I didn't have an inital type breakout w/ Spiro, sorry it seems like you are, hope it clears up soon! And Laurenem is right, lots of water!! I never leave the house w/o my water bottle, plus it's dam hot!
For me I use in the PM, Cetaphil Bar... and Aveeno Scrub in the AM. I think I might soon switch to a moisturizing cleanser for the PM because I don't moisturize at night usually, but my skin feels slightly tight after washing....not enough for me to want to moisturize tho. You'll clear up soon blue_eyez, hang in there! Even though my results aren't perfect yet, I'm still so pleased!
can you take supplements with spiro , multi vit/min EFA's
yes it works, less oily, less breakouts, but, i had to be near a bathroom everytime i drank water, and you are supposed to drink lots of it when taking spiro. what works for me, clean and clear blackhead scrub (2.5%), glycolic acid clanser( 15%) for dark marks either epiquin micro or clear (obagi), stay out of the sun if using either. skinceuticals vit c 15% is also good for oiliness and to clear and even skintone. good luck:)
Hi everyone! I have been on Spiro for just over a week and have experienced quite a bad breakout. I am a little disheartened as i have read so many posts where ppl claim not to have had any sort of initial breakout. However I want to keep going with it..Do you think this will pass and my skin will clear up?
