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 13, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my moderate acne; plumped my face a bit, almost as if I were using cosmetic injectable line-fillers. Also increased breast size, if that's a plus for you (I'm enjoying being one cup up).

Cons:

Decreased stamina and endurance for exercise. Breast tenderness at first, as they grow like magic!

I would strongly recommend this drug for perimenopausal women in their 40s like me. My acne started late in life and was linked to hormonal changes; this drug addressed the root cause and has worked very well for me on a low dosage (50mg/day). It also "refreshes" the face generally -- as I noted above, it can help counteract the facial gauntness that comes in the 40s. The main drawback is that I poop out halfway through my usual exercise routine. I am starting to rebuild stamina in this area, but it was notable.
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April 9, 2009

Pros:

so far just makes my pimples come to a head faster

Cons:

dryness, especially around the mouth. Flaky skin.
A lot of bathroom breaks!
I've also expirienced fatigue.

I've been on 50 mg per day, for about 3 weeks and havent noticed any improvements so far. I had a horrible initial breakout. Does anyone know how long it takes to start noticing some improvements?
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April 8, 2009

Pros:

It works!
Cheap.
Side effects aren't awful.

Cons:

It does seem to impact exercise performance. I don't experience the tiredness per se if I take it during the day. But I have noticed that I don't have the endurance and "oomph" that I normally have with my cardio and lifting workout.

I have a pituitary tumor that hinders the production of my estrogen, progesterone & thyroid hormones, but for some reason has my DHEA at a very high level. My doc prescribed 50 mg/day of spiro to reduce the androgens associated with the high DHEA. (But I upped the dosage to 75 based on what I read here.) My skin definitely got worse when I first started taking it. But I don't know whether my low estrogen levels and other hormone replacement therapy had anything to do with that. Then about 2-1/2 weeks into taking Spiro, my skin dramatically began to clear up. The red "angry" skin went away, the cystic pimples along my chin & jaw went away, my skin became softer & the pimples I had cleared up much faster. I'm still getting an occasional cyst & I'm contemplating upping my dosage to 100 or 150/day but I'm afraid I'll have to go through another bad breakout. Does anyone know if that's how this works?
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

I've been using this for six months. I still get small pimples but nothing like that painful red cysts that plagued my chin and cheeks. I have not had a bad pimple since December and now it is April.

Cons:

My nails have become very weak and splitting, and my gums are more sensitive. I tried lowering the dose to 25mg but I started to break out again, so I am back up to 50.

Great for cystic acne. I am having side effects but I would rather have weak nails than painful lumps on my face! Anyone else experiencing the nail thing?
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

Less oil, got rid of hormonal acne around the mouth.

Cons:

Fatigue

Absolutey a savior for hormonal acne!!
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

i never get big pimples any more and my skin is a lot smoother

Cons:

i have to go to the bathrom more but i haven't noticed any other side effects

this has helped my acne a lot but my skin still isn't perfect. i still get pimples and while they don't get as large, they take longer to heal. i have a lot of red marks where pimples used to be that have not faded yet. i have been taking 100mg/day and since i have responded well to the treatment, my doctor has increased it to 150mg/day. i hope it works!
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April 5, 2009

Pros:

This is the only thing which works consistently. I take 200mg daily and have forgotten about spots!!

Cons:

Thirsty - I have to drink more fluids as this is a diuretic

:)
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Much clearer skin, less oily- couldn't believe how good my skin was

Cons:

Stomach craps, mood swings, tired, frequently need to empty bladder- the night is the worse, no periods.

I am now 33 and suffered with acne since I was 10 years old. I have tried everything possibly available from the over the counter, herbal remedies, prescribed medication to expensive products but nothing worked. I have taken Spirolactone for a year which was absolutely fantastic- clearer skin like I never seen it before. I have stopped 2 months ago with the recommendation of my GP due to the possible side effects this could have on long term use. My skin has now become much oiler and the dreaded outbreaks of horrible spots on my face/ chest and back as before. I am considering going back onto Spirolactone despite the risk associated such as ovarian cancer.
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March 29, 2009

Pros:

mild weight loss, higher potassium so i can work out harder, skin is smoother and less oily.

Cons:

Horrible cravings personally for sweets, frequent urination, drowsiness initially, and upset stomach/acid reflux, no period.

I have been on 50mg of Spiro for almost a month. I am giving it some time to work though. I have previously tried almost everything except accutane for my cystic acne. The Spiro seems to help by causing cysts that do appear to heal faster or even come to a head faster. i am a bad habit pimple picker :( When i go in to have my blood tests performed i might ask her about raising my dose and the possibility of taking it at night since it does seem to make me drowsy shortly after i take it. I am also going to see about taking it with a low dose bc pill since i havent had my period at all for this month and i know that i am not pregnant. Otherwise the side effects are generally mild. I'm sure other people would have less side effects than I do because i seem to be very sensitive to medication overall. I am thinking of starting a blog abaout my experience with Spiro.
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March 28, 2009

Pros:

Some improvement.

Cons:

More periods.

I've been on spiro for almost 6 months and even though I see 'some' improvements I am not as happy as everybody else on here. I have been on 100mg/day since day one. Had a severe initial breakout (I looked like I had chickenpox all over my body: face, neck, shoulders, back, you name it). After about 1.5 months I noticed a big improvement but I started having my period every other week, each lasting for 7 days. This means I am on my period roughly 14 days out of a month, which causes breakouts constantly (mainly the 'before period' breakouts). They are all over my face and sometimes my shoulders. Am I the only one with not so happy results? I would hate to increase the dosage because then I would probably have my period for a full month every month, and I don't want to be on the pill. HELP! Any suggestion would be helpful!
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website