Spironolactone

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Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present...

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females that lead to more acne, and spironolactone helps reduce androgens.

It is usually taken once or twice a day, around the same time(s), preferably with a meal.

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John Baker7

September 14, 2010

Pros:

Significantly reduced breakouts.

Cons:

Some fatigue throughout the day; dry skin.

Spironolactone works.Try it, especially if you're at your wits end. It takes a few months to kick in. For me it took about four to five months to work. I did have an initial breakout in the first six weeks, but it slowed down to just a few pimples here and there once it began working. Now, if I get a pimple, it heals in just a few days. Before Spironolactone, I would get several cysts at one time, and they would take weeks to heal... And then leave that horrible hyperpigentation. Now I'm just working on fading those scars!

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Caroline

August 24, 2010

Pros:

With spironolactone, my face is the clearest it has been in almost 25 years (I am now 40)
I was always a terrible "picker," but I no longer do this as there is nothing to pick at!

Cons:

Felt very tired for the first few days taking it, but as with many medications, your body must get used to it, so after a few days I no longer felt fatigued
Give your body a chance to get used to it--it is well worth taking

I am 40 years old and have had moderate (but persistent) acne since puberty. I was on antibiotics off and on for years. My face would break out before that time of month and then take a couple weeks to clear up and I'd have only a few days of clearer skin before the whole cycle started over again. When surveys ask, "How many days a month do you have blemishes?" I thought it was a joke. For me it would have been better to ask, "How many days a month do you NOT have blemishes?" Answer: Not many! I became an expert in concealing blemishes. Within 2 days of starting to take 50mg of Spironolactone a day, my skin cleared up 95% !!! I hate to think of all the money I've spent over the years on cleansers, lotions, medications, dermatologist appts, etc.--but no more !!! I'm just glad that I won't be wasting any more money on products that don't work for me. In addition to the 50mg per day of Spironolactone, my dermatologist also prescribed Aczone (which I had never heard of), Retin-A, SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser and SkinCeuticals Daily Moisturizer. The cleanser has a pleasant, light scent and is not too drying and the moisturizer is not too heavy (most of my life I have not needed to use any moisturizer). I also use Olay Complete Defense UV protection for my face--I use it every day to prevent sun damage. It does not make my face feel oily. Am also using GLO minerals foundation and their redness reducing powder (I bought these at my dermatologist). The redness reducing powder has a yellow tint and does a great job of covering redness so you don't need to use a heavy layer of foundation. I have used many birth control pills over the years and I recently switched to Jolessa (generic Seasonale). I have had migraine headaches since the 3rd grade. Since I have switched to this pill, I have had only 1 headache in 2 months! For me, amazing! Thanks to everyone who commented on this website! I had never heard of spiron

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Isabella M.9

August 16, 2010

Pros:

-I almost never get acne anymore
-I never get cystic acne anymore
-Lighter body hair
-Lost water weight
-Less oily skin / hair

Cons:

-More light-headedness when I stand up quickly
-Some doctors require that you get your blood drawn regularly to check electrolyte levels (I have only had to do this once in 1.5 years)

I first heard about this in Elle magazine, and I am so glad I asked my doctor about it (though she had to look it up, as she'd never heard of it being used this way). I have been taking 50mg/day for about 1.5 years with no problems and consistent results. Though I've never had terrible acne, I always got it hormonally. And whenever I got acne, I would pick at it (check out [link removed] for more info). This would create a vicious cycle in which picking would lead to more acne, etc. When my skin was bad, I'd get depressed, become a recluse, and buy ridiculous, expensive skin products in hopes that they'd save my skin. Spironolactone is the only thing that has helped me break that cycle (and I've tried everything from OTC washes to extreme diet changes, only to realize that my acne is completely hormonal). My skin is now beautiful all of the time. I no longer wear makeup to bed with my boyfriend, and I don't have to hide in shadows when I walk down the street. I don't dread stores with fluorescent lighting. The list goes on! Why not give it a try? Give yourself a chance to start living your life fully. For $20-$30/3 months, it's well worth it.

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Finally Happy

August 16, 2010

Pros:

clears up skin, no more cysts, weight loss, cheap

Cons:

dehydration, no period

I've been on spironolactone for about 1.5 years and absolutely love it! I tried everything but accutane, and this was the one product that worked. It does make you more vulnerable to dehydration, but you become used to just drinking more water. Another issue is that I don't get my period, which my doctors were concerned about. I had blood tests done though and everything was fine. I went on the pill to start getting my period again but it made my skin worse (tried both Yaz and Ortho-Tri-Cyclen) so I have now stopped it. I continue to take 75mg of spironolactone a day. Topically I am now using adapalene (differin) to get rid of scars and aczone for redness. DON'T USE EPIDUO! Everyone may react differently but myself and my friend both got rashes, extreme dry skin and burning sensations from epiduo. One last recommendation for people who get cysts- as soon as you feel it forming apply the Proactiv Sulfur Mask onto it and let it sit overnight, and continue to use it until the cyst is gone. The stuff works miracles on the cysts and decreases the swelling.

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Kristianne9

July 26, 2010

Pros:

-greatly reduces oily skin and hair
-reduces acne (for me, acne was eliminated)
-reduce cysts (for me, cysts were eliminated)
-pores look smaller, less noticable
-reduces body hair
-unlike Accutane, you can take it long term
-with health insurance, it can be very cheap

Cons:

-not for pregnant women (it can feminize male fetuses)
-not for men (sorry guys!)
-tastes bad
-it might be hard for some woen to swallow the 100 mg pills as they're about the size of a dime (the 25,50 mg pills are smaller)

I had severe acne compounded with rosacea for several years, (it started out mild in junior high and became progressively worse over the years). I went on Accutane twice to clear my skin (it also helped with my rosacea) but I knew my oily, inflamed skin would return as it always did. I also had moderate hirsuitism and had done a few electrolysis sessions to get rid of the hair that bothered me most, but even that didn't work to get rid of the hairs. Although my hormone levels were normal (I had them checked), my endocronologist told me that I was most likely sensitive to androgens, and that was why I had such oily skin and hirsuitism. I was prescribed 200 mg Spironolactone 8 months ago and it cleared up my skin within a few months after taking it regularly. It reduced my oil production tremendously, and gave me back my self-esteem. My hair is beautiful now and I only need to shampoo it every three days instead of every day like I used to. I have more of a problem with my skin being too dry now than being too oily. Spironolactone has also reduced my body hair by about half - the hairs grow back slower, are less thick, and are not as dark. You don't have to get it proscribed by a derm-you can also get it prescribed by your OBGYN or endocronologist if you have one. For me, it's only $5 every month because I have health insurance (I'm not sure how muh it woud be without it). I would definately reccomend this drug to women who have a hormonal inbalance or have had trouble clearing their skin with Accutane or antibiotics. Good luck!

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demi w

July 20, 2010

Pros:

WORKS WONDERS!!! 95% Better on breakouts.

Cons:

Once you get it in your system you must keep taking the med or the acne will come back worse than before. Did not work for the hair growth on my face, this may be due to the low dosage.

I've had hormonal acne for over 20yrs (40yr female) and have seen doctor after doctor, been put on so many different pills, antibiotics, creams and washes. Even gave the ones on tv a chance. Some may have worked for a minute, but none gave the results that I've seen with Spironolactone. This October will be 1yr that I've been taking it (25mg twice a day) and unless some major health issue presents from using it, my plan is to continue. Works great for me, hope it does for you!!! Would advise you keep to as low of a dosage as possible.

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Ethan L.

July 7, 2010

Pros:

Inexpensive
Works REALLY well

Cons:

Worry about potassium levels
Worry about heart problems
I peed a lot at first (lol)

I've had cystic/pustular acne since I was about 10. I've tried (along with the regimen) a whole slew of pills, creams and medications, everything short of Accutane. This was my last shot before Accutane, which I really didn't want to go on. I am SO glad I found Spiro. It has worked absolute MIRACLES for my skin, which is so incredibly resistant and stubborn to everything else. My dermatologist and I talked about taking it after we realized my testosterone levels were a bit high (I recommend you get those checked out ladies) along with starting Tri-Sprintec, and I've been using it a bit over a month. Usually in any given day I have several nodules and pustules. Today? I have one minor nodule. Two days ago I had absolutely nothing for the first time in so, so long. Now if I could just erase my scars, it would be perfect :) I HIGHLY recommend Spiro to people who are at their wits end and about to jump on Accutane, it's done so, so much for me and I'm incredibly grateful.

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hockeygal

June 10, 2010

Pros:

less oily
smooth skin
loose some weight
1 pill a day = 100mg

Cons:

initial breakout
takes about 3 months to see results

This is the best thing I ever took...l was getting severe large painful cystic acne around my chin. which is mainly hormonal. I've tried everything on the market and nothing seemed to work. I don't use any benzol peroxide or any salycic acid on my face...Just use a mild cleanser now with an oil free moisterizer day and night..It did take 3 months to see a significant improvement but it was worth it. I too was discouraged by the results at first but the postings on this site kept me going..Please do not give up...I have been on 100mg a day now for 4 1/2 months and rarely have any breakout even during that time of the month...

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rose

June 7, 2010

Pros:

skin less oily, hair less oily. better overall tone to skin. spots less severe.weight loss

Cons:

slight cramping
fatigue

ive been on this for about 2 weeks and already i like it. ive been on accutane, antibiotics, and every topical soap, gel, cream you can think of and i still get pretty annoying breakouts. after going through a horrible reaction to an antibiotic that made me think i was dying, i knew i had to try something else. being afraid of the severe breakout that accutane causes, my doc recommended spiro. my skin is so much better, and if i do get a spot it is very small, surface and goes quickly. ive even lost about 5 pounds so far! i will say that i had some odd cramping for about 2 days that has gone away and some light spotting. im assuming my body is just adjusting to the difference in hormones. at the moment im better. my second week i was extremely fatigued. however, as someone who has dealt with acne for almost 10 years......im willing to deal with a lot for normal looking skin. im looking forward to the next month.

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Alice

May 28, 2010

Pros:

I started three days ago and my face is no longer oily.

Cons:

Frequent visits to the bathroom.

I have had horrible acne since the tender age of eleven. I have very sensitive skin so finding the right treatment has been a challenge. I am 19 now and my derm recomended Accutane, but I declined. Now i am on 50mg 2x a day as well as monocyline 2x a day, YAZ, and I must use Acanya at night. So far so good my face is no longer oily, my complextion is no longer fire engine red. I just began these treatments, so it is too early to tell if they will work or not. I pray they do beacuse I don't want to go the Accutane route. I will update latter, for those like me who have to deal with this. You have my deepest sympathy, and if this pill as well as the other things work I will say something so that others can be helped.

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