Antiandrogen
Reviews
4.1
1330 Reviews
Antiandrogen
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Antiandrogen
Side Effects
High
Antiandrogen
Acne.org’s Real World Take
“Spiro” has been shown to work in a real and noticeable way most of the time. However, messing with hormones is messing with hormones and it’s best to proceed with caution.
Antiandrogen
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
51%
4
28%
3
10.1%
2
4.9%
1
6.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 7, 2007

Pros:

Cured cystic acne completely

Cons:

loss of sexual desire

Because of the severity of the acne I will still take it even though I no longer have a healthy sex drive. It sucks but I cannot go back to how my skin was before.
October 17, 2006

Pros:

It' scheap and easy to use.

Cons:

I've been on it for almost 3 months with no change in sight... :(

How long does this take to work???
October 13, 2006

Pros:

Few side effects, amazing results!

Cons:

I'm afraid it'll stop working!
Diuretic affect in combo with yasmin sucks, but it's manageable and diminishes with time.

Spiro saved my skin! After a half-course of accutane (side effects made me stop), countless prescription/over the counter meds, and increasingly terrible cystic acne, research led me to discover spiro. My acne started at age 21 when I went from high-hormone bc pills/no period for 4 yrs to lower hormone pills and started having my period. Yasmin by itself did nothing for me, unfortunately, but when the doc added 100mg spiro/day to the regimen, in combination with benzaclin morning and tazorac/benzaclin pm, my skin cleared perfectly. Now people ask why my skin's so clear! I still get blackheads/zits, but overall it's amazing how the cysts and pimples vanished within less than two months (it's been a year now).
May 19, 2013

Cons:

acnes worse

have been using spironolactone along with doxycyxline and clymadicin topical gel for 2 months exactly, and my acne has worsened. Used to only have acne on my forehead and the occasional chin spot, and now i seem to have a lot more on my chin area and the forehead remains the same as before if not a little worse, none of the treatments seem t have worked. Think spiro may have prevented the antibiotic from working, as im concerned my acne is not hormonal, or at least not caused by excess androgens. when i went on dianette earlier this year, i was on it for 3 months and it also significantly worsened my skin and caused severe bloating and mood swings. Does anyone know if the spironolactone is the cause for worsened acne/ lack of effectiveness of the antibiotic (i previously took tetracycline which cleared my skin after about 2 and a half months, and have used zineryt , both which seemed to clear it previously)
August 12, 2010

Pros:

The promises of less oily skin and less acne sounded nice....also adding a possible weight loss.

Cons:

Unfortunately, I had SEVERE side effects on day 2 and stopped! I had an episode of severe cramping, followed by several trips to the bathroom (diarrhea)....worst of it all is that after I started getting very light headed and my blood pressure plummeted! And this is not including my "fatigue" associated with this med....

I was previously on accutane and had been cystic acne free for 2 years. However, I started getting 3-4 bumps under my chin every month. My dermatologist recommended this medicine. I will call her first thing in the morning to suggest something new. Have you read the side effects....and its "tumogeneric" which means it might cause tumors!!!
October 11, 2009

Pros:

It took about 2-3 months, but my face looks better than it has in a very long time.

Cons:

none

I am 39 years old and have suffered from adult acne since I quit taking birth control pills 2 years ago. I truly recommend this product. I was really oily and have cyst acne, now I am no longer oily and my acne has nearly cleared up. This is really affordable, at about $8 a month. Which is great compared to the topical treatment I was using at $200. I do not have any side effects from this medicine. Highly recommended!
October 10, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, bigger breasts, no menstual pain, lost 10 lbs

Cons:

none?

best thing ever!
October 5, 2009

Pros:

Reduction in inflammatory cysts, much clearer skin, not as oily,less inflammation, and it helped to reduce bloating also!

Cons:

Fatigue-went away after several weeks. I drank plenty of water, which seemed to help. Increased trips to the bathroom, when I first starting taking. Effects on Potassium.

I tried this after my derm recommended. He wanted to prescribe Accutane, but I was against it, b/c of side effects. He then recommended Spiro as a last resort before Accutane. Within several weeks, I noticed a huge difference. Less inflamed cysts, clearer skin, not as oily, even less bloating. I did have some side effects, (fatigue, increased urination) which went away after several weeks. I am also taking Yasmin, and Aczone, a topical, which also works very well.
September 21, 2009

Pros:

Cheap, effective

Cons:

Thirst

I am 27, and I have been taking spironolactone at 50 mg twice a day for 6 months, and my skin has completely cleared. I will occasionally get a single pimple before my period, but otherwise, this has worked like gangbusters. My only side effect has been increased thirst. I am using a benzoil peroxide wash and trentinoin cream as well. The trentinoin seems to really be helping my scarring.
August 19, 2009

Pros:

treats hormonal acne and leg edema

Cons:

TBD

Just started Spiro yesterday @ 25 mg twice daily (morning and lunch time). I have hormonal leg edema and acne - I had to plead with my derm to give this to me, but he finally gave in. Hope to see wonderful results as those listed here.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.