Acne.org Products
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.
Used Spironolactone? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 15, 2010
Cons:
Made my acne unbearably horrible (every pore seemed to have enlarged and be clogged), hair thinned and dryed out, thirsty & peeing constantly, since the begining of starting it went into a depression (not normal for me), more frequent periods and spotting, I swear my face looked puffier while on it, and this is probably the worst side effect I had, about 3 months into it my skin complexion started to turn yellowish!
I know these side effects I had sound extreme and I do not think they are typical at all. I seem to definitly be the exception here. I still do not know but I think I may have had almost like a allergic reaction to this medication. What I also suspect is my liver was already not in good shape and the diuretic effect of this medication was really dehydrating me causing my liver & kidneys to not expel toxins from my body (total speculation..I really have no idea for sure). The yellow skin was really wierd, my mom noticed it first. I always had pale ivory skin with rosy cheeks which was totally taken from my face. I had no glow I just looked sick. I can't even beleive I hung in there as long as I did (5 months)!! Since being off of it for a month, my skin has dramatically cleared and Im feeling so much better! If anyone starts having these odd side effects I had, puffy & yellowish skin, it will not get better! Be smarter than I was and stop taking it immedietly!
December 17, 2009
Pros:
Works fairly quickly, doesn't upset my stomach, no more oil slicks on my face!!! :)
Cons:
Heart palpitations from time to time (but diminished after a little time), dizziness, leg cramps (haven't experienced these in quite some time now).
I've battled acne for 25 years. Went to the Dr. begging not to prescribe me another expensive topical or antibiotic. She started me on 25 mg and it started to work then I started having outbreaks. Bumped it up to 50 mg and the same thing. I started to get discouraged (again) but went back for a follow up and bumped up to 75 mg. A bit scary but it seems to be doing the trick. I have noticed a couple of side affects such as tender breasts not only during menstruation (which was normal) but during ovulation as well and severe leg cramps but only on one or two occasions. I figure as long as I have my potassium levels checked and keep appts. it should work out well for me. I find myself picking at my face as a force of habit only to find there is nothing to pick! I'm loving it!!!
December 5, 2009
Pros:
Clears up hormonal acne
Cons:
None :)
I have been taking Spironolactone for 10 days and am experiencing significant improvements. I take 25mg daily and doxycycline as well. I have never had an acne problem until I turned 40 this past October. My dermotologist diagnosed me with hormonal acne. It appeared around my mouth and chin area. I had tried SEVERAL oral antibiotics, as well as topical creams/ointments; nothing worked until now! I am thrilled with the results in such a short amount of time. Please be patient and consistent with the medication. It does work!!
November 21, 2009
Pros:
It really has changed my life and relationship with my face, lifted depreshion, so nice to just wake up in the AM and look clear and healthy. :)
Cons:
My eyes and mouth were dry so have to drink more watter. My skin has switched from oily to dryish so now I use a moisturizer / lip balm all the time.
Like so many on here, I had moderate acne for 20 years! At 33 I'm so happy to have a solution and have the disappointment and embarrassment of bad / sensitive / unpredictable skin behind me. I had a very bad initial inflammatory acne flare up for first two weeks. My oily skin cleared up right away which was great. Then slow but steady clearing over the first 8 months. After two years my skin is (and has been) reliably clear and smooth and my scars have faded. Hallelujah! I use to wear makeup and use expensive soaps and do mud masks, but now I can use any old soap and no makeup and my skin is always beautiful.
Try is and be patent.
I hope it helps!
October 25, 2009
Pros:
Spironolactone stopped my hormonal eruptions and really
worked better than any oral medicine I have ever tried. Currently using Jan Marini Transitions topically the same concept but topical.
Cons:
After 6 months I started experiencing severe muscle weakness, heavy leg syndrome, tingling in feet and muscle spasms all over.. I had to stop using it after 6 months.
I think Spironolactone is great solution for hormomal acne.
The only problem is too many side effects and risks taking it orally.
Jan Marini's Transitions topical lotion does a good job without the
risks and side effects.. If interested in contacting me about my experience contact [link removed] The only problem is
transitions costs $80.00.
October 23, 2009
Pros:
EASY! I just take a pill, wake up with clear skin and I can end the day without a breakout. The best part is I can finally use a simple wash (cetaphil) and a simple moisturizer (oil of olay) and that's it!! And bigger boobs which is fantastic!
Cons:
It did make me dizzy so I had to stop taking it in the morning/afternoon and started taking it at night but don't find that I have to wake up to pee a lot as others complained about. It also made me a little more emotional for the first couple months
I'm very pleased with the results of this medication. I'm in my mid-20's and have suffered moderately severe acne/cystic acne since I was 14 and have tried EVERYTHING! I've been on 50mg. for about 4 months now and have finally started seeing results (it does take a while to kick in) I'm very hesitant about increasing my dosage and can't take birth control because it makes my emotions go haywire but did need something else to go along with it so my doctor put me on retin-A (the non-drying form) once a day which is amazing as well. Sooooo....bottom line- give it time!
October 19, 2009
Pros:
It will clear up your female hormonal acne and yes, your boobs get more full. My mood is elevated.
Cons:
light-headed occasionally due to lower blood pressure (stand up slowly and take care of yourself-pretty simple)
I began taking spironolactone at the beginning of 2009 along with birth control. My face cleared up within a month and I enjoyed nice skin until this summer when I stopped taking after I lost my health insurance. Went to see a P.A. at my University and told her I wanted spironolactone and YAZ because the combination is very effective for me. Back on 50 mg of spironolactone along with YAZ as of the beginning of this month. Guess what? SKIN IS CLEAR AGAIN! This works-it is the only think that has worked for my hormonal acne. Yes, the first week is tough with adjusting to the BC and Spiro-you are moody and tired but realize that the meds are not making you crazy. Your hormones are balancing which EQUALS CLEAR SKIN!! Good luck everyone.
October 5, 2009
Pros:
Nothing like it! No cysts, little facial hair, and weight loss to boot.
Cons:
Occassional dizziness.
Past menopause, mid-fifties, was still battling cysts, despite many rounds of accutane, dairy reduction. Really works for me.
October 3, 2009
Pros:
Works very well.
Cons:
Blood tests every 6 months to monitor potassium level. Had to see an endocrinologist for the script.
Hi everyone. This is my 2 year update. I don't use any topicals anymore. I never break out either. My skin is now super dry. In fact, I'm thinking of reducing the dosage to balance out the dryness. I never guessed it would have worked so well. I had extremely oily skin, so don't think it's just for mild cases of acne. I have 2 previous posts on here, so if you want to see my spiro progression, just scroll back. Best of luck. By the way, I'm on 200 mg. daily, but about to drop to 150 mg. or possibly 100 mg. It's very effective over time.
August 10, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up my acne when NOTHING else worked. Skin is noticeable less oily.
Cons:
None. I have no side effects.
This has done wonders for my skin. I am 26 and have struggled with acne since I was 12. I have tried everything, including 3 courses of accutane.I thought I would never find a solution for my horrible skin. I had numerous painful cysts, mostly around my chin and jawline. It took a couple months to see full results, but it was well worth it. Im on 100mg daily.
Pros:
Thinner from loosing water weight and slightly larger breasts