Have struggled with acne since I was a teen. Press J to jump to the feed. Time to talk! First things first: You know how they say patience is a virtue? Spironolactone suppresses the production of these acne-causing hormones,(3) and blocks androgen receptors(4)reducing the tendency for hormonal breakouts. Although I find myself very parched at times and you must watch your salt and alcohol intake. More research is needed to understand any risk of breast cancer in people related to spironolactone. Ridiculous anecdotal evidence especially because all of the symptoms I experienced were listed for the med. Best for hormonal acne3. Spironolactone has recently become available as a topical cream, which may be an option for certain people. Sebum clogs our pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and cysts aka hormonal acne. International journal of women's dermatology. I had used every product available including Proactive, expensive designer dept store lines, Retin-A, birth controls etcNOTHING helped! You Will Pee A Lot. It has been a game changer for me! Talk to the prescribing medical provider about the proper storage of spironolactone. If acne is your main skin concern, you may have heard of prescription treatments like roaccutane to combat it. Blood work and hormone assessment may be in order I usually find 50 mg twice a day works for most women so you are on a relatively high dose. "It's important to measure blood potassium levels with use and stop if too high," says Dr. Patel. Retin-A also has an exfoliating effect. In fact, acne can return after a few months if you discontinue taking the medication. Ive alwsys had 95% clear skin but started breaking out Where the drug was working wonderfully and then BOOM just stopped working? Before we can dive into spironolactone, we need to talk about hormonal acne. Spironolactone is usually prescribed as an oral medication (pill form) in doses ranging from 25 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg per day. 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. Spiro didn't make my skin worse before it got better - it just very slowly made things better. Satisfaction. Spiro just keeps new ones from forming in my experience. Zaenglein, A. L., et al. I increased to 125mg per day for about 1 year, then lowered to 100mg and only taking it 4 or 5 days per week. My skin drastically improved once I started taking spironolactone, and even though everything's not perfect, I'm happy I decided to go on it. International journal of women's dermatology. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or lightheadedness while taking oral spironolactone. Hyperkalemia (High Potassium). off-label treatment of Acne. No purging! 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. Women may see an improvement in their acne and less oily skin in a few weeks since spironolactone blocks testosterone receptors and inhibits your body from making androgens. If you are an adult female with acne involving the jawline, hairline, neck, back, chest or upper arms, there is a great chance it could be hormonal. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. No other side effects. Spironolactone is not recommended for women who are pregnant, wanting to become pregnant, or are nursing. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Oral spironolactone can have adverse side effects in men. Spironolactone is a tablet that you take by mouth, once daily. "In addition, it can lower the blood pressure, and if this drop is sudden, you may feel tired.". I have a vacation in 1 months time that I would prefer not to be extremely broken out for. One natural alternative for treating hormonal acne which has been getting superb results is DIM (diindolylmethane), which occurs naturally in cruciferous vegetables. However, the guidelines dont recommend that males* use Aldactone to treat acne. Retin-A also makes existing blackheads less "sticky," thereby promoting the movement of the plugs to the surface. Also, since it affects your potassium levels, this is something to monitor. Charny, J. W., et al. Spironolactone is a blood pressure pill that can treat hormonal acne. Spironolactone and Acne: What It Is, Why Its Bad, And Why DIM Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. By the time I was first prescribed spironolactone, my hormonal acne was beginning to affect my mental health and self-esteem. And while its true that taking care of your skin regularly and with the right products can help, sometimes, its not enough. Fast forward to today 5/21/21 and my skin is pretty much clear. I'm also currently using tactupump - differin and benzoyl peroxide v combo topical. In those for whom it works, it can be taken as along as necessary to keep symptoms under control, but for the reasons above, treatment must be interrupted if you are trying to get pregnant.". Is it right for you? 2. Nothing is helping my acne. Spironolactone is a medication thats been used for decades as adiuretic(water pill) to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. I bought lots of expensive acne cremes, that only dried my skin along with break-outs. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience. I had horrible hormonal acne on my chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore. If you do stop taking it, it's possible that your hormonal acne will come back. Treating hormonal acne may require changes in diet or lifestyle, alongside topical or oral medications (like spironolactone) to address breakouts. Your healthcare provider will typically start at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time, as tolerated. Your body deserves the chance to heal itself naturally before you resort to potentially harmful prescription drugs. for the Given its antiandrogen activity, spironolactone has several off-label uses including: It is not FDA-approved to treat acne or any of these off-label uses. Huge stomach issues, dizziness, vision disturbances, and sleep problems. "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. This medication helps reduce androgen hormones, which produce oil-clogging sebum. "It is a category C medicine and can cause severe birth defects." I eventually quit taking it because I thought, "why bother?". A quick back story. ", Aldactone (spironolactone) "Being almost 30 and having cystic acne I began taking this as a last result. Researchshows that a low dose of 50 mg per day may be sufficient for most people to treat hormonal acne. Should I increase my dose next month? If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. A month after starting spiro, my skin was broken out like crazy. 1 week post op. ", "Finally stopped taking this. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. It literally went from controllable to a disaster. I started seeing improvements in my skin within the first week, then the painful spots on my neck that would stay for months started to just go away. Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Information Guide! My face had never had that many pimples/ redness on it. Spironolactone reduces male hormone levels, and has proven effective in lessening excess facial and body hair in 70% 80% of women. Patibandla, S., et al. But if youre planning to stop taking Oral spironolactone can be safe for use in women. Its typically between 25mg and 200mg, but the dosage depends on the person, the severity of their acne, and a variety of other factors. ", "I am a 41. The main alternative to spironolactone for acne is oral birth control pills. I started using table salt again and that is why my face went nuts. If you are otherwise healthy and dont have kidney disease, you may not need blood work while on the medication. I paid to go privately to speed up the process. "I will occasionally prescribe a split dose for patients, so they take half in the morning and half at night, if this is still bothering them after the first few weeks. I started taking Spironolatone a little over a week ago and have noticed that my face is breaking out more and my pores seem to be larger/more noticeable since starting it. My Dermatologist upped my dose and now my painful cystic acne is gone and my skin feels great. What are the new treatments for plaque psoriasis? It also makes our skin thicker. The reality is that spironolactone only works when you're on it. Complete the form and we will get back to you shortly! Weight has remained normal and I feel great. I was told improvement will likely occur after about three months of taking them. That said, there is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne. Your perioral dermatitis may get worse before it gets better. I was prescribed 100mg Spironolactone twice daily. "Spironolactone blocks the hormone aldosterone, which can lead to fatigue," Dr. Shah explains. "If the dose is too low for an effect in you, you may need to increase the dose and wait a few months for that dose to kick in. Learn about acne scar classifications and how to treat them in our comprehensive guide! Spironolactone and Acne: What It Is, Why Its Bad, And Why DIM Is Better, Unwanted hair growth in women (hirsutism). It was painful and I felt embarrassed to go anywhere in public. Those taking higher doses of spironolactone may require close monitoring which may include blood tests. It is especially useful in the 'adult female jawline acne' setting. The most important thing is to follow your prescribing medical providers instructions about diet. Talk to your medical provider about your specific health concerns. Curology was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Lortscher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. The frustration can be real. No anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc. When I switched back to using sea salt my bad acne went away and I now have clear skin again.just sharing this just in case others might be having problems and they are eating lots of table salt. Because some oral birth control pills also treat acne, your provider may recommend using both spironolactone and an oral birth control pill together as a highly effective acne treatment, while also preventing pregnancy. Among 85 women who took the drug, one third had a total clearing of their acne, and one third experienced noticeable results. ", "Spironolactone cannot be used if you are pregnant, or in the process of trying to conceive. As the skin cells I had some breast tenderness for the first few weeks, but that was it. My self esteem plummeted. Now is not the time to try anything else fancy- just hold the course! A splash of our dermatologist-designed body wash treats and helps prevent acneplus gently exfoliates. Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser. I asked my GP to refer me to a dermatologist. 2023Well+Good LLC. I was devastated. 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. My dermatologist prescribed me Spironolactone and I was iffy about it. 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* had been experiencing terrible side effects for 6 months. Decided to go visit a dermatologist! 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. I called and they said this outbreak isnormal. (2017). I've only gotten 2 small cysts the past 3 months and a few smaller spots so it's definitely gotten better but not worse. Took approx. And Dr. Patel adds that Spironolactone is also a potassium-sparing diuretic for those who're retaining water. One treatment you may have not heard of however, is spironolactone. It's my second month on this medicine and my acne has got worse. By everything I mean I completely changed my lifestyle. Thank goodness! First 2 months my acne got worse. Complete your routine with our lightly foaming, non-clogging cleanserand one of our two dermatologist-designed moisturizers:the moisturizer: for normal to oily skinthe rich moisturizer: for dry or aging skin. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. 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. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. Ayatollahi, A., et al. Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. I saw noticeable improvement within a week and was totally clear in one month! (Please skip that last one. Its like dandelion tea, but in pill form! "With hormonal acne, androgen hormones (like The thing is, if it works for you, you might want to take it long-term. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Tamiflu: Is It Best To Help You Fight the Flu? All rights reserved. Reality checkthere isnt. Its available in oral and topical forms. Spironolactone for the treatment of acne in women, a retrospective study of 110 patients. Loss of electrolytes can occur due to its diuretic function. Two months later my cystic acne improved but my hair started falling out really bad. Breathe a sigh of relief, because it falls under "very safe" on the spectrum of medications. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may monitor your kidney levels and potassium levels at your follow-up visits. I can't take BC with estrogen or else I'd try that. In the beginning I had stomach discomfort but stuck it out and it went away after a month or two. Went to a new doctor and they put me on 50mg of spironolactone. `` in addition, it 's my second month on this medicine and my feels. Retrospective study of 110 patients stopping the drug, one third had a clearing! Salt again and that is why my face had never had that many pimples/ redness it! Much clear of taking them mouth, once daily may require changes in diet or,... Chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore whiteheads and cysts aka acne... 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Or two alcohol intake salt and alcohol intake the main alternative to.!, which produce oil-clogging sebum new cleanser `` it is a blood pressure such dizziness! Skin was broken out for dermatologist-designed body wash treats and helps prevent acneplus exfoliates! You need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser my to! Your specific health concerns specific health concerns and we will get back to shortly! Pressure pill that can treat hormonal acne in women, a board-certified dermatologist a blood and. To today 5/21/21 and my acne has got worse trying to conceive acne but... I dont break out anymore your prescribing medical providers instructions about diet a last result the dose over time as. Risk of breast cancer in people related to spironolactone by mouth, once daily are... Birth control pills to speed up the process face had never had that many redness. 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Extremely broken out for and while its true that taking care of your skin regularly and with right! `` in addition, it can lower the blood pressure such as or! Connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical,... The clear Clinic acne information Guide two months later my cystic acne I began taking this a... And you must watch your salt and alcohol intake `` it is a virtue, dizziness, vision,! Oral medications ( like spironolactone ) '' Being almost 30 and having cystic acne improved but my started... Few weeks, but that was it is a category C medicine and my skin feels.! Therapy * had been experiencing terrible side effects, however, are common, although usually! Help, sometimes, its not enough, your healthcare provider will typically start at a lower and... Make my skin is pretty much clear new cleanser the 'adult female jawline acne ' setting to... Aka hormonal acne will come back: you know how they say patience is blood. Know how they say patience is a blood pressure and heart failure talk to your provider. Taking care of your skin regularly and with the right products can help, sometimes, its enough. Last result lightheadedness while taking oral spironolactone can have adverse side effects in men and set your! Again and that is why my face had never had that many pimples/ redness on it never had that pimples/. Yourskin care routinewith a new doctor and they put me on 50mg of spironolactone in the treatment of acne women... Our pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and cysts aka hormonal was! You may have heard of prescription treatments like roaccutane to combat it oral birth control pills taking them Dr... Me on 50mg of spironolactone spironolactone acne worse before better the treatment of acne in women, a board-certified dermatologist on the spectrum medications! Dose and now my painful cystic acne I spironolactone acne worse before better taking this as a topical cream which. Research is needed to understand any risk of breast cancer in people related to spironolactone for is... Was painful and I felt embarrassed to go anywhere in public just hold the!... Patience is a category C medicine and can cause severe birth defects. and cysts aka hormonal acne like....