I know it's hard, but if you are patient you should start to clear. I had a pretty bad initial breakout on spiro too... I am about your same size and on 100mg I didn't start to clear until month 4. I was completely clear at month 6.

Try to stay positive and not focus on it. Believe me, I know it's difficult. When I was waiting I just tried to distract myself my acne seemed to get worse when I focused on it. Good luck and best wishes! (:

Thanks so much for the encouragement. How severe was your acne? I break out around my mouth, chin and jawline. And some on my forehead and between my eyes. My cheeks are clear.

No problem. (: My acne was pretty severe, I would mostly breakout on my jawline, neck, and upper back... but I would get acne pretty much anywhere. It was very large cysts especially on my jawline and back.

Spiro did a good job clearing me. I stayed on it for a couple years but I don't take it anymore I had way too many negative side effects from it. Don't let that scare you though, there are plenty of women who take it for a long time and are just fine.

Just my two cents, but I strongly advise to not go down the accutane route if you decide to stop spiro. Accutane will clear you temporarily but if you really do have hormonal acne (which it does sound like) it will eventually come back. Accutane is incredibly harsh on your system and can cause a myriad of other health problems. Also, if you are already prone to depression, accutane has a high chance of making it much worse. It only kept me mostly clear for a couple years but it did come back and I think it caused my skin to scar more easily.

There are a lot of other methods including natural treatments if spiro doesn't work out. I would give it a fair chance, though... it may work out perfectly for you! (:

Just wanted to lend you some support and encouragement from a fellow Spiro newbie. I've been on 50 mg Spiro and Yasmin for just over 6 weeks and undertstand your feelings more than you know. I wish I could just sit at home and wait this out, it causes severe anxiety and depressive thoughts. This board has helped a bit, but each person's experience is so personal and unique. My acne was mild and the treatment definitely has brought everything out and had worse more consistent breakouts then when I started. At the end of the day, the crap has to get out of the pores and go somewhere. The skin renews every 28 days and acne starts forming deep within 4-6 weeks before, so it all makes sense that it takes a few months to get the junk out and start working. Right now I am just dealing with the clogged pores that my IB brought up weeks 3-4 and its taking so long to clear. They start getting inflammed one by one, nowhere near as big and no cysts on my cheeks anymore, just slightly inflammed for maybe a day or so. That is improvement. I just am tired of the battle and the scars that it's leaving. I would love to follow your treatment and share mine with you over these next few months. Stay strong...l out of struggles come the most beautiful miracles. We can fight this

Let a 43 year old woman whose been suffering with acne since the age 14 that has tried EVERYTHING that Spironolactone is working, its super slow but its working! Ive had no side effects from Spiro except some hair shedding but that has passed. I had my worst break out around my 2nd month of taking it and now going into month 5 I haven't had any break outs so plz just stick with it. Im a very impatient person and im glad im hanging in there because im finally seeing the benefits from it. Its a tough road but if you can hold on you will be happy you did Good luck to everyone on their Spiro journey!!!

Thanks sooo much. I really appreciate the responses. Iwould love to follow your progress too Carpe. I feel like the same is happening to me. Lots of clogged pores that are seeming to come out one by one. I still don't get why it would cause an IB but I know lots of logs I've read seem to have the same story.

I am really hoping Spiro works for me and based on my symptoms in theory, it seems like it should. I don't want to take Accutane if I can avoid it. I've read a ton about it, lots of logs and am well aware of the side effects but at this point I am desperate enough to take it if need be and pray it buys me a few years of clarity. I'm committed to giving Spiro a good go though. I just hate being on birth control. My acne started after going off of it at 23 and I had been on it 5 years prior. It makes me moody too. But I couldn't take the the erratic periods of just being on spiro plus I was having major anxiety and ppd symptoms when I ovulated and started my period (this & the acne all began after weaning my twins).

I am hoping 100mg would work and then I could bump down to 50mg and hopefully bypass the side effects at some point without bc but only time will tell if that will be an option.

The only other hope I have is myo-inositol but I didn't read about it until I had started Spiro. I've tried DIM, progesterone cream, Vitex, maca root, B5, niacinamide, ACV, probiotics, fish oil, diet changes, etc. basically all the fad cures! I'd love to take something natural but it's really hard to know what dosages to take for most of that kind of stuff.

Hang in there! 3-4 months seems like a while, but if you're heavily distracted you'll be wondering where the time went. A very effective distraction method is trying to write a (rough draft) of a novel, from start to finish, within 1-2 months.

Keep in mind that many pimples are "born" at different times. That's one of the reasons hormonal treatments takes a while to see effectiveness. Pimples will go away on their own, of course, and it takes some longer than others.

You could potentially go back on Aczone if you can get free samples from your derm, and get nothing but free samples.

By going on the spiro course, you've probably prevented more scars, and not just the red marks. True acne scar treatment can cost $1500 (a simple laser package) to $2500 or more, as well as months of recovery time. Best to prevent acne scars, rather than treating them.

If spiro doesn't work, you could always go on a very low to low dose of Accutane to minimize side effects and work your way up if needed.

Inositol is a fad, too. There's scant evidence that it'll do anything. It might pan out in later clinical trials, but you know how things get hyped up. :/

Hoping for the best for you!

Hey! I can't weigh in on spiro because I never tried it, but once you are on it, if you get off your acne will come right back. If you are comfortable taking this until you hit menopause, then that's fine. If not, I suggest you try inositol. Unlike what the ignorant person above said (I mean ignorant towards alternative medicine), it's not a fad. There have been clinical studies to back up its effectiveness and even some doctors use it to help women ovulate properly. It's more known in Europe, which is where most of the studies have been conducted. Because it is not a drug, studies for it are hard to fund since everyone can freely purchase it without prescription.

Vitex and DIM are not fads either. There is evidence as well as anecdotal case studies that prove their effectiveness. More importantly, the side effects are minimal (if any at all), which is definitely not the case with accutane and other prescription drugs, especially long term. If antiandrogens end up working for you, then it's highly possible that inositol and/or dim will work for you as well.

Yeah, I've read the big thread on inositol and the research that has been done on women with pcos. Vitex & DIM seemed to work for a brief period and then I broke out again worse so that's how I ended up on Spiro. But I've had a few miscarriages and the only times I didn't miscarry was when I was taking Vitex so I do think it can help with hormones. It seems like I read somewhere that I can clear up things for awhile but also cause symptoms of high testosterone after awhile. That's why I was more comfortable with taking Spiro.

WishClean I just realized that you are the one who Inositol has helped! It worked fairly quickly for you, correct? My anxiety/depression issues are definitely related to my cycle also and I have had low progesterone in the past. This is why I feel like inositol could benefit me even if Spiro doesn't. Balance hormones, clear acne & treat anxiety. It sounds like a wonder drug. Which makes me a tad skeptical but only because I am a pessimist and nothing has really worked thus far. Your results are encouraging though.

hang in there, i had the worst breakouts in the beginning of taking spiro it was just awful. i was on doxy on and off for a few years then it just stopped working so i asked for keflex and stopped breaking out 5 days into it - that stuff is a miracle worker and i truly believe it saved my life. i was in such a bad place and my cystic acne was so bad that i had to go weekly for cortisone shots. i was all signed up and ready to start accutane when i asked for the keflex and thank goodness i did. best decision i ever made and now 14 months later i am still on spiro and have remained clear and i have no side effects either. i use proactiv toner daily with glycolic acid and i do believe that helps to keep the pores clear as well. so anyway just know it will get better and if you get desperate try the keflex. good luck!!

WishClean, look very carefully at the studies. There are only 6 that are valid, and 2 of them are good size in participants*. I'd like to see more studies about effectiveness and adverse side effects before jumping on the bandwagon.

Also, there was a pharmaceutical company funding some of these studies. Inofolic is the brand name, which is owned by LO.LI PHARMA. Lots of pharmaceutical companies own lines/companies that sell OTC stuff. An example off the top of my head is Allergan, which owns Botox, also owns the mostly OTC SkinMedica. Pharmaceutical companies often fund studies to substances that they can sell OTC. A few drugs can be sold OTC, but it depends on the laws.

I don't know much about European drug/medical laws, but from what I can garner, they have a little more lax evidence standards than in the USA.

*Ideally, there should be at least 50 per group.

Tracy -how long were you on the Keflex? I am not thrilled about being on an antibiotic and I don't feel like the Doxy is doing much but I'd be willing to try Keflex. My derm doesn't like to prescribe antibiotics for more than 3 months which I appreciate. I am on the 3rd month now but maybe he would let me switch. Also I have not-so-great insurance with a really high deductible so I basically pay full price for all meds until we meet it and it doesn't like to qualify brand name drugs esp if they are expensive. I am dreading the cost of Accutane if it comes to that. I am not sure my insurance will cover it at all.

i was on it for a long time almost a year (due to having various laser treatments done) but i cut way back after 6 months and took half the amount then i would just take like 1 pill every few days. when i first started i took 500mg twice a day but sometimes they will write it for 500mg 3x a day. if the acne gets really really bad they can give a script for prednisone too just to calm everything down but its gotta be really bad for them to even think about doing that.

i used the generic of keflex called cephalexin its a lot cheaper so check into that. yeah my derm did not want to write me the script since i had been on doxycycline, zithromax and then erythromycin but i begged her to try one last thing before i started the accutane so thank goodness it worked. i had nodules that were so hard and were there for months that were gone so fast with that stuff my only regret is that i didnt ask for it sooner i could have saved my skin from more scarring.

spiro is so awesme though i dont have to be crazy about my diet or anything and i dont get any breakouts like i used to before my period.

That sounds nice. Being able to eat whatever you want. I HATE my diet restrictions. I wouldn't mind it nearly as much if I could tell it was making a noticeable difference in my skin but I don't feel like it has. I am ready to drop it all together. It's expensive and is a lot of work since I have 4 other people to cook for that won't eat paleo. I hate that I can't or don't eat a piece of cake at a party or shower for fear of it being the cause of another cyst the next day. And I am dying for a big bowl of chocolate ice cream. Yes, there are paleo alternatives to some sweets and and breads but most I've tried are not very good. I am no longer fooled when reviewed recipes say some sort of dessert is awesome. Lol.

i totally hear ya there i did the whole crazy diet thing for over a year and then i realized it didnt make one bit of difference so i just stopped. i tried everything too i stopped drinking alcohol and caffeine and only consumed water and then i went gluten free and stopped eating sugar and all forms of dairy and you know what none of it worked. i had the worst acne of my entire life doing that diet so i know now 100% that diet doesnt work for me because i tried it all. i was so stressed out about the lack of things i couldn't eat that i got down to 111 pounds and i am 5' 5" 3/4 tall so that was very thin for me. the amount of cash i would spend on food was insane too and i feel that it's just impossible to do it long term. i still try to eat healthy now but i like my pizza and pasta and brownies -ha!! it just makes it all so much easier especially when you go out to eat.

So I've dropped Paleo the last few days. I have binged on chocolate, gluten, coffee and even had some icecream. It was glorious. And my face has been clearer the last 2 days than it has in weeks! Praying I am turning a corner here with the meds. I don't want to jinx myself but I dont have anything active on my face at the moment just some spots that are healing. The best I've been in weeks. Every other day or so I am having random small clogged pores come to a whitehead and clear out within 24 hours, some which I feel would've normally turned into cysts. I do have 4 cysts under my jawline which still sucks but at least they are in somewhat of a hidden spot where they aren't very noticeable. Anyway, just an update in case anyone is interested.

That's awesome! I too had gluten and alcohol this weekend and it felt so good to indulge and not feel so restricted. I am nearing 2 months this week and have the same thing going on pretty much. No actives, but every other day a clogged pore turns into a whitehead. I am counting down those suckers until they are all gone. I wish I could speed it up but we shall see. Got some Paula's choice 2% gel coming in the mail to try to help. Have you done anything specifically to try and help move that final purge along?

I've done so much! I am using Ziana which is a retinoid and Dan's BP. I was using PC's CLEAR Extra Strength BHA too but I stopped and went back to Dan's AHA lotion which I think is a better fit for my skin. I do use the bha for spot treatment occasionally on clogged pores. I really think the Ziana is helping my scars.

Oh and I have a little group of online friends that many of us have ordered PC stuff and at least 3 of them cleared up their mild cystic hormonal acne because of the BHA. I definite think it can help. I never felt like it's done miracles for me though.

so glad you are both doing better and those clogged pores will clear out in time so just keep using the AHA and in a bit they will all be gone. aben that is awesome that you were able to enjoy yourself with some good food this weekend.. i say keep enjoying yourself and don't go too crazy with the diet. it will only cause more stress down the road. just try to eat sensibly and workout and you will be fine. you should get those cysts you have injected or are they too small. that might make you feel better once those suckers are gone.

Today is a rough day for me, think I am really picking on myself. I feel like my skin texture just plain old sucks right now. My PC hasn;t showed up yet, kinda bummed, but started using SA again and have a new Murad Exfloiating cleanser with /AHA/BHA in it that I am going to start rotating in a few days a week. And the saga continues. Would love to hear how you are doing!?

I've done so much! I am using Ziana which is a retinoid and Dan's BP. I was using PC's CLEAR Extra Strength BHA too but I stopped and went back to Dan's AHA lotion which I think is a better fit for my skin. I do use the bha for spot treatment occasionally on clogged pores. I really think the Ziana is helping my scars.

 

Oh and I have a little group of online friends that many of us have ordered PC stuff and at least 3 of them cleared up their mild cystic hormonal acne because of the BHA. I definite think it can help. I never felt like it's done miracles for me though.

Thanks for the encouragement Tracy. I dont know if my derm does injections. He has never once mentioned them but I havent asked. The cysts I have are pretty small but large enough to itch and irritate me.

so glad you are both doing better and those clogged pores will clear out in time so just keep using the AHA and in a bit they will all be gone. aben that is awesome that you were able to enjoy yourself with some good food this weekend.. i say keep enjoying yourself and don't go too crazy with the diet. it will only cause more stress down the road. just try to eat sensibly and workout and you will be fine. you should get those cysts you have injected or are they too small. that might make you feel better once those suckers are gone.

I am so happy to hear you are seeing a change in your skin. I too am clear on my forehead and upper cheeks, its just around my mouth that has clogged pores that you can't see unless under the right light...ticking time bombs. I've got one blind spot that is just sitting there and bugging me. Oh well, all I can do is wait for it to go down. My PIH is fading a lot faster lately. The DDF Glycolic toner and PCA Acne Gel (SA and Azelic) seems to be helping. I just started using Murad Exfoliating cleanser last night and my skin really liked it. Thought it might overdry it, but so far so good. Another day in our battle towards clearing completely. Hope your weekend brings you even more progress. I will be officially 2 months Spiro Sunday and Yasmin 1 month 1 week. Can't wait for March to be here as I enter the 3rd month and really start seeing even better clearing.

Thanks for the encouragement Tracy. I dont know if my derm does injections. He has never once mentioned them but I havent asked. The cysts I have are pretty small but large enough to itch and irritate me.

so glad you are both doing better and those clogged pores will clear out in time so just keep using the AHA and in a bit they will all be gone. aben that is awesome that you were able to enjoy yourself with some good food this weekend.. i say keep enjoying yourself and don't go too crazy with the diet. it will only cause more stress down the road. just try to eat sensibly and workout and you will be fine. you should get those cysts you have injected or are they too small. that might make you feel better once those suckers are gone.

So sorry Carpe. I know the feeling! Even though I seem to be clearing my scarring looks like a 5 o'clock shadow because its all around my mouth and jaw line, where facial hair would grow if I was a man! Make up helps but doesnt really do much for ice pick scars. My cheeks and forehead are pretty much clear so i have an acne/scar beard/stache! I have a small cyst on my cheek where I never break out that came up yesterday but by this morning it looks like it is coming to a head quickly and will hopefully clear out without much drama. My skin just seems much less irritated and inflamed. I can't explain it, but I just feel like its different. The spots I still have or the ones coming up arent hanging around like they were with the exception of the cluster under my jaw that wont.go.away.for.anything. I am due for my period this week too. Usually I clear up when it starts though so I dont know if I am just at a good point in my cycle or what. My cycle has been so wonky that I can't really tell and I dont know if I've been on the birth control long enough to regulate me yet as I've had some breakthrough bleeding earlier in the month.

>

Today is a rough day for me, think I am really picking on myself. I feel like my skin texture just plain old sucks right now. My PC hasn;t showed up yet, kinda bummed, but started using SA again and have a new Murad Exfloiating cleanser with /AHA/BHA in it that I am going to start rotating in a few days a week. And the saga continues. Would love to hear how you are doing!?

I've done so much! I am using Ziana which is a retinoid and Dan's BP. I was using PC's CLEAR Extra Strength BHA too but I stopped and went back to Dan's AHA lotion which I think is a better fit for my skin. I do use the bha for spot treatment occasionally on clogged pores. I really think the Ziana is helping my scars.

 

Oh and I have a little group of online friends that many of us have ordered PC stuff and at least 3 of them cleared up their mild cystic hormonal acne because of the BHA. I definite think it can help. I never felt like it's done miracles for me though.

I had a small breakout yesterday. Not terrible but enough to make me discouraged. I guess it's two steps forward and one step back. I have to keep reminding myself that it's at least better than it was a few months ago & that I am making progress although it feels painfully slow!