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:

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December 23, 2007

Pros:

Complete absence of cystic acne! Much improved skin texture, less oiliness all around, pore shrinkage.

Cons:

None to mention

After struggling with cystic acne for 10 or 12 years (Im 27), and trying every antibiotic (tetracycline, dioxicycline, minocycline, zithromycin), topical (Retin A, sulfa drugs, benzoyl peroxine, salicylic acid), gimmicky concoction known to man (jojoba oil, egg masks etc)I am now acne free! I even took Accutane with limited results. Now that is a scary drug! It cleared me up but it came back right away. It took about 1 or 2 months to see major progress and complete clearning in 6 months. I also changed dosages to the highest level. I am also on Yasmin to futher help with hormonal stability. I can't tell you enough how much I recommend this drug. I cannot think of a downside except for daily pill taking which is a SMALL price to pay.
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October 24, 2007

Pros:

Clearer skin!

Cons:

Headaches if I don't drink enough water

I am on my 9th day of taking 100mg and I think my skin looks good- I have only had 2 small pimples pop up (this could be due to me picking- ew sorry- and that time of the month). They have gone away quickly. I am also on Ortho Cyclen (sprintec) so I am hoping this will help in addition to the spiro. I was really expecting to break out REALLY badly because of the other reviews on this site, and I am happy to say this is not the case. I also have not had to make any extra bathroom trips (water usually runs quickly through me anyway). One thing I have not read about though is my fingernails today all of a sudden feel a lot smoother and stronger- could this be because of the spiro?? Not a bad thing...
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October 9, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my cystic acne
no side effects
not expensive

Cons:

none

I have been taking Spironolactone for approx 3 years. Used to suffer from hormonal cystic acne that left really bad scars (primarily on chin). I am happy to say that I can't remember the last breakout that I had. My skin has been clear and the cystic stuff non existent. I take 75mg per day.
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September 26, 2007

Pros:

So far so good. I'm hoping it helps me lose weight in addition to managing my acne. Hey, every little bit helps.

Cons:

Whiteheads by the bunch within a few days of taking first dose. After one week, these are slowing down.

Excellent so far. Quick results. I had several deep acne spots. They cleared up almost overnight - no kidding. Very impressive. I take oracea and use topical creams (finecea and metrogel) too just in case. Probably going to try to use less of the topical creams as time goes on. Very pleased after one week. I will post again after one month.
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July 20, 2007

Pros:

No more cystic acne!!!

Cons:

Hyperpigmentation, chest pains, took a long time to work

I never had the first pimple until I turned 28. Then my face went crazy. I tried over the counter topical agents and antibiotics. I tried differen, but it dried out my skin to bad. Then my derm put me on spiro 100mg. It took 4 months to work, but I love it. My face doesn't get any more cystic acne, but I still get pimples before my period. I have been taking it for 7 months and have started getting chest pain and hyperpigmentation on my upper lip and forehead. I had to get cream for that, but I am going to stay on the spiro b/c it works so well. I guess to side effects are a small price to pay.
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March 9, 2007

Pros:

Inexpensive, few side effects, anti-bloating, effective

Cons:

Takes a few months to see results.
Increased urination at 100 mg a day, breast tenderness that subsided after a month; drowsy and tired during first week of 200 mg a day

I was diagnosed with hormonal cystic acne last fall at the age of 33. Started Spiro in mid-December. 50 mg twice a day. Within 4 weeks noticed marked decrease in oil production. No more oily spots, don't ever have to touch up my powder during the day. VERY NICE. At 6 weeks, noticed some improvement in cystic breakouts, only appearing prior to cycle rather than throughout month. At 2 month visit, Dr. increased dosage to 100 mg twice a day. Have been very drowsy this week. May back off my dosage to 75 mg twice a day and ease into the higher dosage. Added bonus: What I call "hag hair," i.e. crazy long, random hair on my jawline and chin has decreased. :-) And my pores have gotten smaller since oil production has decreased.
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January 22, 2019
ONLY THING THAT WORKED

Please see my gallery for before and after photos 

I'm 23 and had been suffering with hormonal acne since 19 (just come off BC pill and skin went crazy). I would have 7-12 cystic pimples on my face at any time, plus small pimples. They were very painful and deep and I cried often. I was extremely self conscious and always had makeup on. I tried for 2 years to cure my acne naturally (supplements, skincare, dermatologists, Chinese herbal medicine, change in diet) and absolutely nothing worked and I wasted thousands of dollars. I went back on BC pill at 21, but still no improvements. 

I came across Spiro online and did months of research and read thru every single acne.org review on Spiro. It convinced me to try it. I asked my GP and she said yes. I started Spiro in May 2018.

 I started at 25mg for a week and had no side effects. Then bumped myself up to 50mg for 6 weeks. Then 75mg for 4 months. I believe I did not get an initial breakout thankfully. I also don't have any bad side effects like other women experience. First few months I had a few heart palpitations but not serious. Only thing I can think of is a touch dizzy when I stand up now and then. I do not pee all the time and don't have excessive thirst.

I started seeing positive results in first week on 25mg. Although I was still breaking out there was improvements every week. Less and less acne. Deep cysts went away faster. On 75mg my skin still wasn't 100% so I asked my GP to bump up to 100mg. I take 1x 100mg pill every morning at 8am. I always take with food. 

I have now been on 100mg for approx. 2 months and can honestly say my skin is 98% clear. PLEASE LOOK AT MY PHOTOS FOR PROOF. I am beyond happy with my skin. I now have confidence and go out often without makeup. It is a dream to wake up and not see new pimples every morning. I do still get an occasional pimple but it's small and goes away quickly. Rarely I can feel a cyst under my skin but it goes away in one day and never comes to surface. It has honestly chaged my life. I now look in the mirror and see my face and not just acne!!! I recommend Spiro so much!!!!

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January 26, 2019

wow!! congratulations, you must be ecstatic about the change.. so happy it worked for you :)

February 6, 2018
Dont give up!!!
Started getting acne at age 14/15, tried everything (aczone, doxycycline, tazorac, facials, changing pillow cases, cutting out dairy). Even went on Accutane. It got so bad that I stopped going out, would always try to cover my face when talking to people, etc. Finally I broke down to my dermatologist and she prescribed me spironolactone (50/mg). Two, three, four weeks in I didn't notice any improvement but acne also did not get worse like others have mentioned. Finally after 7 weeks its COMPLETELY CLEAR, after a decade of acne. Heres my regimen : wash face nightly with Cetaphil gentle cleanser, take spironolactone, drink tons and tons of water. I do not have any side effects from the medication that I have noticed. Im still dairy free just because I feel better that way! Short story: don't give up, I wanted to quit after 3 weeks but don't. You will get there!
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October 7, 2017
16 and tired
It has been 1 month and it just looks the same. I think ima give it more time but man i hate my face...
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February 8, 2017
Still unsure!
I have been using spironolactone for nearly 2.5 months now. I start in Nov. 2016 and have been taking 100mg per day before going to bed. I have not experienced drastic side effects like some people luckily, so I've tolerated the medication well. I haven't not seen an improvement yet :/ I am sticking it out for 3 months though before my next check up with the Dermatologist. I know it takes time for it to build up in your system, but when I talked to my dermatologist the other week she felt that there should be SOME sort of improvements by now even if they are small. This is so hard to measure though unless you're taking pictures. Hoping that this is the solution though and sticking it out is worth it!
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April 24, 2017
Have you seen any results since then ?? I've been on it for a little over a month and I have not seen that much improvement so far.

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.