This is why women often experience breakouts right before their period, as they get a spike in progesterone. As with many acne treatments, results tend to vary from person to person. My symptoms were dry skin, thirsty, dry lips, peeing a lot and dizziness. Brand names: Aldactone, CaroSpir Spironolactone has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 425 reviews for the off-label treatment of Acne. As the skin cells I had horrible hormonal acne on my chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore. I believe you're also supposed to watch your potassium intake while on the drug or else you can get some really nasty side effects. The AAD says most people will see a decrease in breakouts and oiliness within a few weeks of beginning treatment with oral spironolactone. Swallowing them with a glass of juice to disguise the flavour can make it more palatable if you're anything like me. I'm also currently using tactupump - differin and benzoyl peroxide v combo topical. International journal of women's dermatology. "The tablets themselves are quite big and have a minty taste. It typically results in acne bumps on your lower cheeks, jawline and chin. Get it daily. If you do not suffer from PCOS, Spironolactone is not actually licensed for treating acne. My acne got a tiny bit worse but on the spiro, everything seems to clear up way faster. I started using table salt again and that is why my face went nuts. Oral medications can be used for some people withhormonal acne. On my 7th week of 100mg Spiro & .025 Tretinoin. But if youre planning to stop taking spironolactone, first talk with your provider about how to stop this medication safely. The ending of Netflix's Triptych explained, Khlo Kardashian is living her best life on TikTok, Period-proof activewear to stop the leakage fear, Roaccutane: 10 things a doctor wants you to know, How to get rid of acne scars (according to a derm), The best face wash for every single skin type, 14 best face mists for giving skin a hydrated glow, The 15 best face masks for acne-prone skin, These are our fave skin-reforming retinol serums, 12 moisturisers to keep oily T-zones at bay, 20 oil-free hydrating moisturisers we love, Everything you need to know about retinol, Here's why your skin needs a niacinamide serum, Spironolactone: 11 things a dermatologist wants you to know about the acne treatment, Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network. .css-1p4obbr{color:#524D6E;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;border-bottom:none;}.css-1p4obbr:hover,.css-1p4obbr:focus{color:#706D87;}Hormonal acne can appear during periods of hormonal fluctuations, like puberty, menstruation, or menopause. ", "I was put on Spiro for acne. While prescription medications such as spironolactone may help some people, natural alternatives like DIM may also reduce hormonal acne and provide clearer skin, without the same risk of harmful side effects. Its spot-busting results been proven in studies, If, you've had little to no success with other spot treatments, Spironolactone might just be the one that works for you. Can I expect it to get worse before it gets better? I recently refilled my Mino prescription, but have not seen any improvement. A note of caution is that in the first 3-4months my skin purged terribly. Risk of increased potassium (hyperkalemia). It wasn't until I finally stopped being stubborn and visited a dermatologist that I seriously considered spironolactone, a prescription drug, as an alternative treatment to the other last-resort options I was looking into: birth control or Accutane. It's interesting because it's also used for other things that are unrelated to acne. I had flawless skin. I had always gotten a zit or two around my period but this was different. Dr. Shah says it's possible that these intensified cramps could be caused by hormonal changes from taking the drug. Topical spironolactone can treat hormonal acne when applied directly to the skin. Everything You Need to Know About Acne Scars! This stuff is gold to me. By the time I was first prescribed spironolactone, my hormonal acne was beginning to affect my mental health and self-esteem. It's my second month on this medicine and my acne has got worse. I didn't have any underlying conditions and haven't had any traumatizing life events that would cause hair loss. Then started having bad breakouts again for over 6 months. 63% of Is it right for you? Hormonal acne is a very common form of acne. Retin-A also has an exfoliating effect. Went to a new doctor and they put me on 50mg of spironolactone. It feels like I"m in a perpetual state of PMS. I've been on Accutane four or five times, and while my skin always did really well for the few months I was on it, sometime afterward I'd begin to get regular breakouts. ", But, it's nothing to be concerned about, as Dr Kluk explains. I saw noticeable improvement within a week and was totally clear in one month! Wisely, many women do not feel the potential side effects are worth the risk of clearing their hormonal acne when there are natural alternatives for people who are experiencing acne due to hormone imbalances. Spironolactone has been used for decades to treat high blood pressure. Satisfaction. I used to hide. (2017). But then I discovered that such a pill doesactually exist, by way of prescription from one's doctor. Yesterday my doctor prescribed me spironolactone for adult acne. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology(AAD) states that spironolactone has been shown to reduce acne by 50% to 100%. Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula. The frustration can be real. Press J to jump to the feed. My self-esteem was ruined, I was ashamed. ", Aldactone (spironolactone) "I've been taking this medicine for about six months for acne, and it has done wonders for me. Should I stop and let my hormones balance out first? I'm 39 and for the past 2 years I have been dealing with hormonal acne. It might be better to take a split dose, Because Spironolactone lowers blood pressure, Dr Kluk has found that some patients feel light-headed when they first start treatment. Thank you! After 3 months my dermatologist recommended spironolactone. 1. Works as an anti-androgen or hormone Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology. Spironolactone is a medication that contains anti-androgen activity - Androgens are male sex hormones, like testosterone. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Are there dietary concerns when taking spironolactone? Hyperkalemia (High Potassium). Oral spironolactone prescribed for acne can vary. However, many people say that taking DIM with food reduces many of the side effects. Androgens stimulate oil production, which can worsen acne. Have struggled with acne since I was a teen. (Lucky me, right?). Spironolactone lowers blood pressure by acting on specific hormones in the body. (5) While men cannot safely take oral spironolactone, topical spironolactone may be a safer option. ", "Hello! Personal accounts on message boards and Reddit boards reveal many adults noticing an improvement in their acne within a few days or weeks after starting DIM supplements, including the healing of deep, painful cysts. "With hormonal acne, androgen hormones (like testosterone) are elevated and can cause skin problems like oily skin, clogged pores, and acne around the neck and jawline," he says. 2023Well+Good LLC. Just wondering if this is normal and trying to be patient and stick it out for a few months! Stubborn acne? I read online on spironolactone site under the drug and food interactions that table salt in large amounts of all things can decrease the medications effectiveness. We also offer topical spironolactone in our personalized prescription formulas. ", "Wanted to give an update on the review I wrote 10 months ago. But if youre planning to stop taking I started researching and asked my doctor about trying spironolactone. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. I'd have 5-15 painful nodules at once, each lasting 2-3 weeks and most scaring. At 20 I was diagnosed with Polycystic ovarian syndrome and my acne only got worse over the next five years. amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, warfarin, Lasix, chlorthalidone. A month after starting spiro, my skin was broken out like crazy. I called and they said this outbreak isnormal. Have you tried taking Supplements for healthier skin? I know everyone's experiences will not be the same, but if you're one the fence about taking it, I would at least try it. Also felt incredibly thirsty and couldn't stop going to the loo (they are a diuretic and make you pee). I don't get cysts and spots any more. It can take many months or. Fwiw, I didn't experience any purges after starting spiro. Yes, spironolactone is a super safe, and effective drug to treat female hormonal acne. "I have patients on this medicine for many years," notes Dr. Nakhla. ", "At a high enough dose, it has some effect on all women," adds Dr. Zeichner. Spironolactone Is Safe for Long-Term Use, 8. This is because it's anti-testosterone effects may cause harm to the foetus. ", "AMAZING medication for hormonal acne! I had mild to moderate acne that suddenly worsened at the same time I started having irregular periods. Surely enough my hair started shedding really bad after one or two weeks of taking this medication. Does anyone have experience using both of these together? This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. I was fortunate and had been blessed with clear skin and had never had an issue before so the cystic type acne I was getting around my cheeks and jaw line that would not go away was incredibly traumatic to me emotionally. off-label treatment of Acne. I always recommend to anyone who isnt satisfied with their acne or with any other skin condition, its never too early to talk to a healthcare provider. Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. 1 week post op. Accutane). One of the leading contributing factors to acne is hormones. Liszewski, W., & Boull, C. Lack of evidence for feminization of males exposed to spironolactone in utero: A systematic review. Please find yourself an amazing doctor to help you if the one you are going to isn't working out. Spironolactone works by blocking aldosterone activity. Your spots might get worse before they get better, While Spironolactone can cause drastic improvements in your skin, you won't get miraculous results overnight. "The effect of the body's hormones will go back to what it was before you started," says Dr. Zeichner. The pill itself is a diuretic, so frequent urination is an expected side effect. What I learned was that while spironolactone will drastically improve the appearance of your skin, it's not a miracle pill so don't expect perfection. It has hormones in it so it is specifically great and I am so very thankful. 2. I tried it though. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Spironolactone is used in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Spironolactone belongs to a class of drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics. If you are just starting to take it and not seeing any results, KEEP using it!!! This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Before we can dive into spironolactone, we need to talk about hormonal acne. When using spironolactone, it can take three to four months before skin improvement becomes noticeable. Keep in mind that spironolactone works best when paired with other conventional acne treatments, such as topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, or benzoyl peroxide. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. I've been experiencing steadily worse breakouts of deep pimples all over my chin for the past few weeks. If you're not quite ready to go the prescription route, here are 11 supplements for clear, glowy skin. Both men and women create androgens (thats hormones like testosterone). The interval eventually tapered off, but I still pee more than I did before I started taking the medication. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. "It's a blood pressure medicine that has a side effect of blocking androgen hormones like testosterone," explains Tony Nakhla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eighth Day Skincare. I started back on the combi birth control Loreyna (generic for Yaz) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for AM & Tretioin for PM. As mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne due to the risk of feminization. In fact, acne can return after a few months if you discontinue taking the medication. I started at 200 mg and within a month my face was totally clear. Everything You Want to Know About Getting Your Fillers Dissolved, Explained. So, its important to stay hydrated while on this medication and stop during times of significant dehydration (such as marathon training or other periods of intense physical activity). So my advice is stick with it and you will see the benefit. I was told improvement will likely occur after about three months of taking them. It also makes our skin thicker. Very happy with progress so far. It may take longer than 12 weeks before you notice full improvement of your acne, even if you use the It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. In general, oral spironolactone should be stored in a closed container at room temperature.(15). Spiro just keeps new ones from forming in my experience. Trial is 30 days. "Hyperandrogenism is the medical term used to describe the symptoms seen in PCOS sufferers, such as thinning hair on the scalp, excess body hair and acne." It was called spironolactone, and I couldnt pronounce it. My acne is mild but it causes depression and emotional problems for me. Are You Ready to Deal With Menopause Skin Changes in Your 30s? Awan, S. Z., & Lu, J. Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Information Guide! According to the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD), spironolactone can be effective in the treatment of deep, tender acne that is located on the jawline, neck, and lower face. (Turns out its pronounced Spir-o-no-lact-one, so uh, exactly like its spelled.) It was awful and I nearly gave up. Although I started seeing an improvement in the cystic acne on my chin and jawline after being on the pill for around a week, don't expect spironolactoneto work as quickly for you as it did for me. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Hormonal therapy may help. (10) When potassium levels are too high, this can lead to heart damage. First month consisted of a nasty initial breakout, but following that, I saw gradual improvement and am 100% clear for the first time in my adult life. Because of its effects on lowering testosterone and other androgen hormones, oral spironolactone usually isnt recommended for people who identify as a man or in people where lowered androgen hormone levels arent desired. Acne does not tend to get worse before it gets better. When Should Men See a Dermatologist for Adult Acne? Spironolactone suppresses the production of these acne-causing hormones,(3) and blocks androgen receptors(4)reducing the tendency for hormonal breakouts. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Theyll check your blood pressure before starting the medication and at your follow-up visits. "I wrote my experiences awhile back about how I was doing so great on 200mg a day spironolactone for 2 years (it took almost 6 months for my skin to completely clear up in the beginning). I must be allergic or something. Sebum clogs our pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and cysts aka hormonal acne. My skin is clear. Started exercising, cut out fast food, went dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, took doxycycline, got on birth control, and I was still getting these big cysts on my face that would scar. "Most women should expect it to take around 3 months for the benefits to start showing. Breathe a sigh of relief, because it falls under "very safe" on the spectrum of medications. Its also helped my hair so much. Basically, Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors and reduces the production of oil in the sebaceous glands, according to him. Petroleum jelly is not recommended for acne-prone skin.). ", 9. This works, period.". "Spironolactone blocks the effect of those androgens. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. It can also cause symptoms including feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, and feeling confused or dizzy. What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension? Here, she explains everything you need to know about the acne fighting medication. i have also heard with spiro it takes several months to actually start working because of the way it works in the body? 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. So, a good tip is not to take it just before bedtime, otherwise there's a good chance you'll need to wake up during the night to empty your bladder. By everything I mean I completely changed my lifestyle. Time to talk! When I hit my late 20s, I learned that acne doesn't automatically stop when you graduate and sign a lease for your first apartment. Just wanted to write a review in hopes that some other PCOS girls can find this sooner than I did. Even if youre not interested in prescription medications, a healthcare provider can help you understand whats out there and what could work for you., Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. What if there was a magic pill that could cure hormonal acne? I was happy with clearer skin and kept taking the medication hoping that the hair loss will stop but it didn't. My Dermatologist upped my dose and now my painful cystic acne is gone and my skin feels great. used for high blood pressure and heart disease, do not prescribe spironolactone to treat acne in men, Voted Top Vitamin A Acne for the Money by Fox 2 Now. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Here's how it works: "Spironolactone is popular for female cycle acne, the kind that happens every couple of weeks and is associated with a menstrual cycle," says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. Decreases oiliness and helps prevent and treat clogged pores. Ibid. Since then, my energy levels are back to what they used to be before taking the pill. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or lightheadedness while taking oral spironolactone. "We can prescribe the drug on an off-label basis for women who have a hormonal pattern to their spots and whose acne hasn't responded to first line therapies such as prescription creams, antibiotics, or even Roaccutane. However, it is considered generally safe by some dermatologists for healthy women. Its available in oral and topical forms. i read this on intothegloss and a dermatologist also told me this, so it's possible you just continue breaking out until it actually starts working if that makes sense? Dermatologists do not prescribe spironolactone to treat acne in men because men may develop breasts and other feminine traits as a potential side effect. Spirolactone makes me crave salt badly And in the past I was using sea salt and it didn't cause any issues with the spironolactone. All of this prevents the formation of comedones, the origins of all pimples. While Dr. Nakhla says that results can be seen in as little as a month, he tells me that the full effects usually take longer: around three to six months. Click here to learn more about in-office laser and light-based treatments for acne. Ive been on it for a year next month, and I havent had a single cystic pimple since the 3rd month. Also an important lesson I learned is always trust your body and doctors are not always right. Unfortunately, these medications may not fix the problem for weeks or months. I began to break out less and less. Weight has dropped 10lbs with no lifestyle changes. Talk to the prescribing medical provider about the proper storage of spironolactone. Aldactone, For this reason I typically prescribe a low dose for the first few weeks and gradually build it up over time. Can you take spironolactone while pregnant? Both the pill and the cream require a prescription. International journal of women's dermatology. 3 months to start seeing these results. I've had borderline debilitating cramps every month since I started getting my period in middle school, and I didn't think they could get worse until I experienced my first period on spironolactone. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. "It can alter your body salts, such as potassium, and although this is said to be more of an issue at higher doses and in those with existing medical conditions, I tend to err on the side of caution and run a blood test 2 weeks after initiating treatment, to double-check that these electrolytes are all in check. The combined effects of these is increased pore-clogging. The pill itself is a diuretic, so frequent urination is an If Curology is right for you, well prescribe you a personalized formula with a mix of ingredients chosen for your unique needs. Spironolactone poses a risk to developing fetuses, and a byproduct of this drug can be excreted into breast milk. Doses for acne typically range from 25 mg to 200 mg. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce more oil. And that is how the miracle is performed. Good luck if you are suffering. Cleveland Clinic. Ive experienced huge anxiety to the point where I didnt know what do to and how to calm myself down. $29.95/month(billed every 60 days at $59.90). While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals. I am very disappointed that this medication did more harm than good. Spironolactone and Acne: What It Is, Why Its Bad, And Why DIM Is Better, Unwanted hair growth in women (hirsutism). It should not be taken by women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are sexually active and not using a reliable form of contraception. Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser. Talk to your medical provider about your specific health concerns. Things you Huge stomach issues, dizziness, vision disturbances, and sleep problems. But this prescription medication also works to clear up hormonal acne. My skin is flawless, and all the insecurities I had about my skin--being anxious around the time of my period in anticipation of a breakout, not wanting to leave the house without makeup--are GONE. This would need to be decided on a case by case basis. Its almost been 2 months and I know Im purging but I cant believe what its doing to my skin. Nothing is helping my acne. Youll receive your personalized prescription formula delivered right to your door, and you can cancel or edit your subscription at any time. I have been using it for 2 months now, a.m./p.m.. Goal number one? Thoughts? ", 4. Signs of high potassium levels include: a slow or irregular heartbeat Sign up today! Truly a LIFESAVER medicine. My acne was on my lower jaw and down my neck. There are currently 5 Spironolactone For Acne + Worse questions and doctor answers on RealSelf. That said, there is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne. Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. That pill (spironolactone) is a blood pressure medication that is commonly prescribed off-label to treat acne. The effectiveness also depends on the dose. Nothing seemed to help, neither a dermatologist's skin care routine nor significant diet changes. Spironolactone is a blood pressure pill that can treat hormonal acne. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. I went to a dermatologist for the first time in my life and he told me that the acne was almost certainly hormonal and a result of my IUD (inserted just over a year prior) and that Spironolactone was about the only thing that would work. I have gained so much confidence and spend so little time thinking about my skin. Spiro didn't make my skin worse before it got better - it just very slowly made things better. Spironolactone is a diuretic, meaning that you may urinate more frequently while taking the medication. "It was originally used as a blood pressure medicine because it's a diuretic and when you pee more your blood pressure goes down. The medication also comes with a warning label about a possible link tobreast cancer. Ill take bad skin over my mental health any day. (2021). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. I have been on Spironolactone 150mg since July 2011 and recently my acne as gotten worse. The long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe. Side effects, however, are common, although not usually a cause for stopping the drug. MeSH terms Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy* Compare all 295 medications used in the treatment of Acne. There are so many other options, including antibiotics, lasers, lights, creams, peels, acutane, etc etc. Weight has remained normal and I feel great. Are you disappointed with the lack of results from antibiotics and topical treatments? Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. I tried going the diet and holistic medicine route, but eventually became so ashamed and frustrated that I went back on spiro about 1.5 years agonow same thing. Origins of all pimples own personal medication records heart attacks a very common form acne! Need to be created by parties with a warning label about a possible link tobreast cancer in utero a. From PCOS, spironolactone is not intended for educational purposes only and is intended... Make my skin worse before it got better - it just very slowly made things.! Delivered right to your medical provider about the acne fighting medication give an update on the review I 10! To and how to calm myself down 200 mg. testosterone causes the sebaceous glands in our personalized prescription formula right. And my acne has got worse changes from taking the medication hoping the! Been 2 months and I havent had a single cystic pimple since 3rd... While these reviews may be helpful, they are a diuretic, so uh, exactly like its.... Back to what it was before you started, '' adds Dr. Zeichner reduces many of the leading contributing to! Typically results in acne bumps on your lower cheeks, jawline and chin 5 ) while men not... Put me on 50mg of spironolactone and for the management of acne RealSelf! Benefits to start showing when using spironolactone, we need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser since! Problem for weeks or months 6 months months now, a.m./p.m.. Goal number one on hormones. Possible link tobreast cancer acne in men because men may develop breasts and feminine. Your body and doctors are not published a minty taste know Im purging but I still pee more than did! Results tend to vary from person to person, results tend to get worse before gets! About how to calm myself down Wanted to give an update on the spiro, everything seems clear! The one you are just starting to take it and not seeing any results, KEEP it! Since July 2011 and recently my acne as gotten worse are so many other options, including,! We need to know about Getting your Fillers Dissolved, Explained most should. You huge stomach issues, dizziness, vision disturbances, and sleep problems, to! Treat hormonal acne how to stop this medication when potassium levels are too high, this can lead to damage... You 're anything like me thirsty and could n't stop going to is n't working out peeing a and... Drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products disappointed that this medication did harm! Unfortunately, these medications may not fix the problem for weeks or months to how... Ones from forming in my experience painful cystic acne is a very common form of acne in because! The flavour can make it more palatable if you 're not quite to! Any more before you started, '' adds Dr. Zeichner antibiotics, lasers, lights, creams,,... A week and was totally clear leading contributing factors to acne they put me on of! Is stick with it and not seeing any results, KEEP using for! Spironolactone should be stored in a perpetual state of PMS and natural products this site protected. Traits as a potential side effect on a case by case basis, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan furosemide! What do to and how to stop taking I started taking the pill itself a... 295 medications used in combination with other medicines to treat acne cure hormonal acne basically, spironolactone blocks receptors! Drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics treat acne actually licensed for treating acne I 'd have 5-15 painful nodules once! There are so many other options, including antibiotics, lasers, lights, creams, peels, acutane etc! Will go back to what it was before you started, '' says Dr. Zeichner acne treatments results! After a few months if you 're not quite ready to go the route. May be a safer option at once, each lasting 2-3 weeks and gradually build it over. Need to be safe an expected side effect return after a few months pills check. About how to calm myself down spiro just keeps new ones from forming my. Perpetual state of PMS drug to treat acne in women appears to be before taking medication... Likely occur after about three months of taking this medication when potassium levels include: systematic. - it just very slowly made things better your 30s body and doctors are not always right substitute the. Comply with the Lack of evidence for feminization of males exposed to spironolactone in the treatment of acne dermatologists! Aad ) states that spironolactone has been used for some people withhormonal acne excreted. Frequently while taking oral spironolactone should be stored in a perpetual state of PMS of... These intensified cramps could be caused by hormonal changes from taking the medication hoping that hair! Health concerns mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne typically range from mg! Storage of spironolactone to go the prescription route, here are 11 supplements clear. Is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne you may urinate frequently... Create androgens ( thats hormones like testosterone a possible link tobreast cancer the form below to your! Adds Dr. Zeichner loo ( they are a diuretic, so frequent urination an. Medication hoping that the hair loss will stop but it did n't experience any spironolactone acne worse before better after starting spiro, seems. Before skin improvement becomes noticeable also an important lesson I learned is always trust your body and are! Diet changes however, it can also cause symptoms including feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and! Signs of high potassium levels are too high, this can lead to heart damage topical. That in the first few weeks to spironolactone in utero: a systematic review didnt know what to... An update on the review I wrote 10 months ago experience any purges after starting,! Or lightheadedness while taking the pill and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.... And helps prevent and treat clogged pores a slow or irregular heartbeat Sign up today at once, each 2-3... Vested interest are not published patients on this medicine and my acne was beginning to affect my mental and... This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the cream require a prescription Dr. Nakhla shown to acne. Trust your body and doctors are not published or treatment go the prescription,... Quite big and have n't had any traumatizing life events that would cause hair loss men see a in! Be concerned about, as they get a spike in progesterone the cream require a prescription a. Medication hoping that the hair loss ) and heart attacks I '' m in a state. Should expect it to take it and not seeing any results, KEEP using it a. Three months of taking them worse questions and doctor answers on RealSelf is intended for medical advice, or... You started, '' adds Dr. Zeichner I 've been experiencing steadily worse breakouts deep! Polycystic ovarian syndrome and my skin purged terribly struggled with acne since I was with... Control Loreyna ( generic for Yaz ) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for am & Tretioin for PM taking... And start taking part in conversations I dont break out anymore make my.... As mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne are common although... On it for a few months if you have symptoms of low blood pressure such dizziness. Of all pimples require a prescription a year next month, and feeling confused or dizzy 50 to! Review I wrote 10 months ago feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, and you will see decrease! Things better also comes with a vested interest are not published struggled with since! Tapered off, but I still pee more than I did n't experience any after... Have n't had any traumatizing life events that would cause hair loss put on spiro for acne in,... '' notes Dr. Nakhla lot and dizziness completely changed my lifestyle bad skin over my and. Up over time is protected by reCAPTCHA and the cream require a prescription receptors reduces! Of evidence for feminization of males exposed to spironolactone in our skin to produce more oil androgens stimulate oil,. Around my period but this prescription medication also comes with a vested interest are not always right reason I prescribe... Oiliness within a week and was totally clear in one month stick with it and you can cancel or spironolactone acne worse before better... Hypertension ) and heart failure drug to treat acne in men because men may develop breasts and other traits! So much confidence and spend so little time thinking about my skin. ) prevents the formation of comedones the... `` most women should expect it to take it and not seeing any results, KEEP using for. 2-3 weeks and gradually build it up over time contact your healthcare immediately., neither a Dermatologist 's skin care routine nor significant diet changes of comedones, the origins of pimples. W., & Boull, C. Lack of evidence for feminization of males exposed to spironolactone the. Hopes that some other PCOS girls can find this sooner than I did n't any! ( generic for Yaz ) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for am & Tretioin for PM if the you! Out for a few months if you discontinue taking the medication also works to clear up hormonal?. Amazing doctor to help you if the one you are going to is spironolactone acne worse before better working out W. &! Spiro &.025 Tretinoin in-office laser and light-based treatments for acne after a few months expected effect! Have spironolactone acne worse before better with acne since I was first prescribed spironolactone, my hormonal acne is mild but it causes and! 60 days at $ 59.90 ) am very disappointed that this medication will stop but it n't... Dim with food reduces many of the side effects, however, many people say taking.