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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April 22, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne in months!

Cons:

it's a diuretic or water pill

Listen up folks! You want to hear a fairy tale ending? Here it goes. Started in August 08 - went through an adjustment period. Virtually clear by October. Want to talk perfect skin? No pimples today, glowing, clear rosy beautiful skin by April. Want to know more secrets? Drink water, exercise, Retin-A micro sparingly, Glycolic face wash 2x a day, Duac on problem areas. Double up on your medication a week before your period and during. Good luck and hit me up for any questions.
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April 21, 2009

Pros:

less oil, smoother complexion

Cons:

fatigue, increased urination, light headedness when getting up too quick

I have tried pretty much everything but Accutane and haven't found anything that has worked as well as spironolactone. It was either the spiro or accutane and my derm suggested trying the spiro and if that didn't work then i might get accutane. I noticed within the first 2 weeks a decrease in my oil production. My hair is not as oily as well. I have been on it for about a month now and have only had one really bad pimple that I got about a week into my treatment. I would certainly recommend it for anyone that feels their acne is hormonal.
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April 19, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my hormonal acne when nothing else would work

Cons:

can't be used during pregnancy or breast feeding; decreased libido; decreased energy

After going to several dermatologists over the years and trying many different medications that didn't help with my painful acne, I tried a new dermatologist and they recommended spironolactone. It took about 3 months to start seeing consistent results but it has completely cleared up my acne and has been working great for over a year now. Unfortunately the medication cannot be taken during pregnancy or breast feeding. Also, I have noticed decreased libido and energy, which I didn't attribute to the medication until recently when my obgyn mentioned that the hormonal effects of the medication could cause these side effects. Has anyone else noticed these side effects?
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April 18, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne beautifully, inexpensive, few side effects.

Cons:

Fatigue and dizziness associated with lowering of blood pressure, only works while taking the pills.

I am 22 and have struggled with moderate/severe acne since 12 years old. I took a course of Accutane which permanently cleared my back acne, but it returned on my face. A second course of accutane cleared me for a while, but again the acne returned. After trying everything I turned to hormonal treatment at 19. I started Yasmin 28 (different from Yaz!) and after six months my acne was reduced about 60%. It regulated my breakouts to the point where I would be perfectly clear for the first two weeks of the pack and break out moderately for the week of PMS and the week of my period. Seeing such a strong hormonal link, I asked my derm for spironolactone and he prescribed 100mg a day (50mg taken twice a day). It took two months to fully kick in, but I made it through my last period with 100% clarity. This combination (both yasmin and spiro) has been my miracle. Please don't give up...if you're at the end of your rope give this regimen a try. Hormones are often the culprit!
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April 18, 2009

Pros:

99.9% Clear skin after 3 months, Much less oil Production, Boobs bigger?

Cons:

May screw up your periods. Did take roughly two months to clear everything up--patience is a virtue.

I was taking 100 mgs daily with Yasmin, I saw remarkable results in just 2 months. I had no initial breakout. I am 29 years old and in the last three years was stricken with moderate acne. I had acne as a teen and was on accutane twice (16 and 20), along with a laundry list of everything else my Derm would prescribe me. My acne cleared and did not come back till I was almost 27. I tried everything short of accutane this time (my Derm would not give Accutane, this was a different Derm from my teen years). Expensive facials, blue light therapy, Murad, Obagi, Proactive, all the Antibiotics know to man...also the rx topicals. Nothing was even touching the acne..it was beyond frustrating. I would sit in my derm's office and cry and he never once mentioned spiro. I stumbled across this site and asked him for it and he said that he has not prescribed it for 20 years and it does not work. I went to my OBGYN and asked for it, she gave it to me finally. It has been my miracle drug!
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

MUCH clearer skin... less oil!!! beautiful results

Cons:

some dryness, irregular periods, fatigue, drink lots of water ladies!!

i started spiro about 6 months ago, and although it took a few months to clear everything up, i've loved the skin results... HOWEVER, as soon as i started this medication (100mg), i have been getting my period twice a month! it's awful. i never had any problems before and i really hoped it would balance itself out, but it's not happenin... just visited my derm this week, and she recommended adding BCP. little wary of this... i've been reading soo many reviews that seem to show TONS MORE problems than having acne itself! don't know what to do! anyone have any input?
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

skin has completely cleared up, worked fast, affordable

Cons:

no side effects!

I had really bad hormonal acne when I went off birth control last year, spironolactone cleared my face up quickly and now I have no more acne. I am on 100mg as 50 mg didn't quite do the trick. It truly feels like a "magic pill", so glad my doctor introduced me to it!
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

seems to make the pimples/cysts i get come to a head faster, less oily hair in between washes. mild weight loss (from the diuretic effect of the pills)

Cons:

Excessive thirst ans more frequent periods

I have only been on this medication 3 wks and have not really noticed a difference in my skin, altho I know it takes 2-3 months for improvements to show. I am a 25 year old who suffers with a moderate case of polycystic ovaries (all my andregen levels such as DHEA and testosterone are elevated) I have suffered with acne since I was 13 years old, it is mainly along my jaw line and overall my complexion which permanently looks clogged and I have open pores, I have previously been on the BC pills Dianette, Yasmin & various antibiotics over the years which really did nothing for my acne and the BC pills made me depressed & caused weight gain. since starting Spiro my skin has become slightly worse but this seems common when starting new treatments so i hope its only temporary. I did get 2 periods 2 wks apart since starting it also which never happens to me, (as my cycles are longer than normal due to PCOS) & i did find it a con.Im just waiting in hope now and will report back in a month!!!
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

skin is less oily, breakouts have almost completely cleared, inexpensive, easy to swallow pills

Cons:

increased frequency of urination, some stomach cramping and nausea initially, more frequent thirst

my face doesn't hurt anymore! I have been on oral birth control for 16 years, and it has never really helped my acne. The problem started to get really bad about three years ago when I turned 30. In desperation, I turned to a dermatologist, even though my insurance is very cost prohibitive. I am so glad I did! She recommended this medication along with two topical prescription medicines, because Accutane is not an option for me due to high cholesterol, specifically high triglycerides. It is like a miracle drug! Within one month, I was seeing results in the form of less breakouts and existing blemishes healing. I have used it for about six months now, and I love it. The side effects are minimal, in my opinion, and totally worth it to have a pain-free face. The only thing that worries me are the long-term side effects, such as its possible carcinogenic effects. My dermatologist is going to start to "wean" me off the drug starting this fall, though, in about six more months.
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

I cleared my acne right away almost! I still have a little bit of scaring but It has definitely has done the job!

Cons:

Im usually always tired and It has made me a little more worn out but I just keep on going! But besides that every thing is all good!;)

Well I started getting acne after my tubal with my third son! I think my hormones got all messed up and It started breaking my face out. I also use rentin a on my face that has really helped with my oily skin and control my acne too. The wierd thing is I havent started my period yet has this happend to anyone else? I wouldn't call it a bad thing though.
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