Ridiculous anecdotal evidence especially because all of the symptoms I experienced were listed for the med. Talk to your medical provider about your specific health concerns. "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. "Your moisturizers should say comedogenic or non-pore clogging so that your pores can stay clear when using," she says. Everything You Want to Know About Getting Your Fillers Dissolved, Explained. 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. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Acne does not tend to get worse before it gets better. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Zaenglein, A. L., et al. And while its true that taking care of your skin regularly and with the right products can help, sometimes, its not enough. Potential I don't get cysts and spots any more. Personally, I didn't see my skin clear up until about four months in. Swallowing them with a glass of juice to disguise the flavour can make it more palatable if you're anything like me. I recently refilled my Mino prescription, but have not seen any improvement. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Spironolactone 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. No anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc. 63% of I have never had a problem with hair loss before. If so, one potential cause of your acne may be a hormonal imbalance. 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. "The tablets themselves are quite big and have a minty taste. I first started experiencing hormonal acne when I was 22 years old (28 now) and tried lots of things but finally found spironolactone and found it to be REALLY helpful in clearing my skinfor about a year and a half and then I started getting more and more breakthrough acne. One of the leading contributing factors to acne is hormones. Just wondering if this is normal and trying to be patient and stick it out for a few months! An in-person medical provider may be your best bet for obtaining higher doses of spironolactone. This works, period.". There are several medications that can help your perioral dermatitis. Its available in oral and topical forms. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Finally, at age 28, I went to a dermatologist and started on Aldactone 100mg/day. By blocking the actions of testosterone on our skin, the risk of clogged pores and subsequent acne is reduced. Subject to consultation. "The side effects do include increased potassium levels and low blood pressure or dizziness, which is why your doctor will check your blood pressure before starting the medication." Innate Skin is so confident that you will see an improvement in your skin with the Clear Skin Vitamin Pack that we offer a 30 day Money Back Guarantee. Has anyone had experience with the first few months of taking spiro? Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. Too much spironolactone can cause the potassium levels in your blood to become too high. Best medication ever! My face was the WORST the first 2-3 months after starting on it. And that is how the miracle is performed. Am I purging? (7), It helps treat the hormonal component of acneincluding acne on the face, chest, and back.(8). Fast forward six months, and I literally don't get acne anymore. Yes, spironolactone is a super safe, and effective drug to treat female hormonal acne. Signs of high potassium levels include: a slow or irregular heartbeat As mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne due to the risk of feminization. Studies show that participants who took spironolactone to treat hormonal acne experienced a 50% to 100% reduction in acne. Hair on head doesn't get greasy. (10) When potassium levels are too high, this can lead to heart damage. "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. "Spironolactone is actually a diuretic and used for treating heart failure and high blood pressure in high doses. This is why women often experience breakouts right before their period, as they get a spike in progesterone. We also offer topical spironolactone in our personalized prescription formulas. Body seems to have adjusted. The reason that treating hormonal acne with spironolactone has gone under the radar is that it's actually an off-label use for the drug. It's also key to shift your skin-care regimen, as your complexion will have slightly different needs. He was right! ", "At a high enough dose, it has some effect on all women," adds Dr. Zeichner. Hyperkalemia (High Potassium). Try your products for 30 days. Setup your free initial photo consult by completing the form below. Yes, spironolactone is a super safe, and effective drug to treat female hormonal acne. My acne was on my lower jaw and down my neck. ", "Finally stopped taking this. Thoughts? The AAD says most people will see a decrease in breakouts and oiliness within a few weeks of beginning treatment with oral spironolactone. Risk of increased potassium (hyperkalemia). DIM has antiandrogen benefits that can help balance hormones like testosterone. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. "In addition, it can lower the blood pressure, and if this drop is sudden, you may feel tired.". My reasoning behind this is having to take spironolactone forever to keep clear skin?? Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Information Guide! I almost never get any pimples anymore and my face feels soft and smooth! "When using it to treat acne, spironolactone is only used in women and tends to work best for women with hormonal acne, menstrual flares, adult-onset acne, or conditions with hormone abnormalities and acne (e.g. Everything You Need to Know About Acne Scars! My self-esteem was ruined, I was ashamed. The medication also comes with a warning label about a possible link tobreast cancer. Randomly out of no where, I have intense breakouts all over again. I've only been on spiro for about 3 months, but I haven't experienced anything horrible. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are the main ones, but progesterones also have some androgen activity." If you haveacne,you already know there are about a zillion products out there that claim to fix it. In general, people taking spironolactone should avoid excess potassium,(14) which can be found in foods like: You can speak with your medical provider about the amount of potassium-rich foods that you can eat. Spironolactone is also used off-label to treat hormonal acne.(2). This is because the side effects seem to be worse than any benefit males get from 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. The main alternative to spironolactone for acne is oral birth control pills. It isnt recommended to increase your spironolactone dose without first talking to your provider. Spironolactone is also used to lessen the need for hospitalization for heart failure. These hormones just so happen to play a role in hormonal acne Dr. Ricotti explains. All of this prevents the formation of comedones, the origins of all pimples. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension? If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your provider may advise against spironolactone. One year on my skin is AMAZING. Even at the lower doses prescribed for acne, Spironolactone can make you pee more often. Plus, our licensed dermatology providers are available to answer any skincare questions you have! This has however all settled down. I like this medication. WebThe reason for this is that retinoids stimulate skin cell turnover, removing all of the skin cells that are clogging the follicles and attracting acne-causing bacteria. This type of acne happens when bacteria grow in blocked skin pores and cause a red, inflamed bump. I also got a Mirena IUD about one month ago. He initially put me on a dose of just 50mg a day which took about a month or so to show results, and then worked great for about three of four months. I started experiencing bad cystic acne to the point I had no less than 10 bumps at once and was spending a lot of time and money at the dermatologist on injections. Could your diet be causing your break outs? "Progesterone and testosterone surges cause oil glands to increase production at these times, and Spironolactone binds to the same hormone receptors to decrease oil production during these same times.". Hair on legs/arms grows more slowly. It was called spironolactone, and I couldnt pronounce it. What if there was a magic pill that could cure hormonal acne? I stayed on it for so long because it was effective and improved my acne 100%, it was a hard choice to stop but I realized my overall health and well being is WAY more important than how my skin looks. Health science reports. Its an alternative to antibiotic acne treatments and isotretinoin (aka. For those of you who have dealt with the purging and now into the light at the end of the tunnel, did you use anything or do anything to help at least calm the purging process? It's interesting because it's also used for other things that are unrelated to acne. It feels like I"m in a perpetual state of PMS. Medications like spironolactone can be added to an existing acne regimen for certain people who would like to see further improvement in their acne.. But if youre planning to stop taking spironolactone, first talk with your provider about how to stop this medication safely. First 2 months my acne got worse. As an oral medication, doxycycline is a good choice if you have back or body breakouts. ", But, it's nothing to be concerned about, as Dr Kluk explains. I do not want to give up so quickly, but was getting very discouraged. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology(AAD) states that spironolactone has been shown to reduce acne by 50% to 100%. Spironolactone Is Safe for Long-Term Use, 8. Both directly address the hormonal component of breakouts. Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Scar Information Guide! That said, there is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne. If you have hormonal acne, please give this a shot! By the time I was first prescribed spironolactone, my hormonal acne was beginning to affect my mental health and self-esteem. But as soon as I turned 28, I started getting a few hormonal, cystic pimples on my chin and jawline, regardless of where I was in my monthly cycle. It literally went from controllable to a disaster. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. Spironolactone reduces male hormone levels, and has proven effective in lessening excess facial and body hair in 70% 80% of women. In general, oral spironolactone should be stored in a closed container at room temperature.(15). WebSpironolactone & accutane. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. My skin is clear. Spironolactone is not a cure-all treatment, so it won't get rid of your acne forever. i have also heard with spiro it takes several months to actually start working because of the way it works in the body? Because oral spironolactone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, it may lead to lowered blood pressure. So if like me you feel you have given up hope, I suggest you give this a go. Like many others have mentioned in the reviews, I tried just about everything to clear it up. If you prefer not to take oral medications or it is not recommended to take oral spironolactone due to side effects or medication interactions, your provider may recommend the topical cream, Dr. Ricotti says. Complete the form for your chance to win a free Clear Kit and a two month membership to Clear Clinic @Home! Among 85 women who took the drug, one third had a total clearing of their acne, and one third experienced noticeable results. My doctor reassured me that Spironolactone doesn't cause hair loss and recommended to continue the treatment. Nothing is helping my acne. Secondly, you need an amazing acne program, clearly the spiro isn't working for you. My skin was bad before but this is much worse. After 7-8 months on Spiro, my face is completely clear! While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. Sebum clogs our pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and cysts aka hormonal acne. Spironolactone poses a risk to developing fetuses, and a byproduct of this drug can be excreted into breast milk. The combined effects of these is increased pore-clogging. Complete the form and we will get back to you shortly! One of the telltale signs of a hormonal breakout is its location on the face. A note of caution is that in the first 3-4months my skin purged terribly. My symptoms were dry skin, thirsty, dry lips, peeing a lot and dizziness. My life is completely different. 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. We did the research so you dont have to: American Academy of Dermatology. 2022 Schweiger Dermatology Group | All rights reserved. "You are not the same person you were a year ago," Dr. Zeichner said. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. Doses for acne typically range from 25 mg to 200 mg. The interval eventually tapered off, but I still pee more than I did before I started taking the medication. (11), Spironolactone is pregnancy category C, which means that risks cannot be ruled out. Decided to go visit a dermatologist! 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. Treating hormonal acne may require changes in diet or lifestyle, alongside topical or oral medications (like spironolactone) to address breakouts. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce more oil. Both the pill and the cream require a prescription. ", "I started getting hormonal acne my freshman year of college. Androgen hormones are sometimes referred to as male hormones, but we all have them in our bodies in different amounts, as they play an important role in puberty and reproductive health. (2017). Thanks. Your perioral dermatitis may get worse before it gets better. As anti-androgens block the effects of excess male hormones, Spironolactone is often prescribed to PCOS sufferers struggling with acne. The prescription medication helps with hormonal breakouts. Click here to learn more about in-office laser and light-based treatments for acne. It is especially useful in the 'adult female jawline acne' setting. If you stick it out, however, dermatologists agree that's very effective. Decreases oiliness and helps prevent and treat clogged pores. International journal of women's dermatology. Weight has dropped 10lbs with no lifestyle changes. After six months of treatment I lost a substantial amount of my hair volume and decided to stop Spironolactone. Hormonal acne usually appears around the cheeks and jawline (though it can appear just about anywhere you get breakouts). When youre finished completing the form, youll be able to download your FREE Acne Guide, Acne Scar Guide or both! 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. I have been on Spironolactone 150mg since July 2011 and recently my acne as gotten worse. I was devastated. I noticed improvements within a week, little ones, and it kept getting better. Can I expect it to get worse before it gets better? I only came across it during one of my early hypochondriac Google searches before my hormonal acne was at its worst. "It is a category C medicine and can cause severe birth defects." Which is why, as Dr Kluk explains, "it is now believed that 19-39% of women with adult acne have underlying PCOS". I had horrible hormonal acne on my chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore. (2017). I am very disappointed that this medication did more harm than good. 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. Finely in Feb of 2021 I went to the derm. A month after starting spiro, my skin was broken out like crazy. ", "I am a 41. "It was originally used as a blood pressure medicine because it's a diuretic and when you pee more your blood pressure goes down. "If you stop taking the medication, your oil glands will become hormone responsive again, and pimples may recur," says Dr. Patel (Dr. Nakhla says that hormonal acne has a tendency to burn itself out, though). 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. Spironolactone, or Aldactone, is a prescription diuretic that helps restore the balance of sodium and potassium in the body and is used for high blood pressure and heart disease. It's Possible to Still Get Pimples While Taking Spironolactone, 7. Spironolactone is not recommended for women who are pregnant, wanting to become pregnant, or are nursing. I think spironolactone really blunts the androgenic effects of acne, but if you are not getting better it is time to talk again. Fast forward to 5 months later and I have seen way more harm than good. Some people like this, but I'm not a huge fan. Does anyone have experience using both of these together? Spironolactone Acne - 11 Things a Dermatologist Wants You To ", Aldactone (spironolactone) "I've been taking this medicine for about six months for acne, and it has done wonders for me. ", "I had acne along the chin and forehead since I was a teen. Then, I started getting the odd whitehead usually during weeks when I was under extreme stress or had a few too many late-night pizza slices. It has hormones in it so it is specifically great and "The effect of the body's hormones will go back to what it was before you started," says Dr. Zeichner. It also makes our skin thicker. After a couple of weeks I noticed I wasn't waking up with what seemed like a thick layer of oil on my face. Surely enough my hair started shedding really bad after one or two weeks of taking this medication. Ready to get started? Also, since it affects your potassium levels, this is something to monitor. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may monitor your kidney levels and potassium levels at your follow-up visits. Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Personally, I peed every 30 minutes the first week or so I was on spironolactone. Sign up today! 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. 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. "That can happen with any acne med," says Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist. It may take longer than 12 weeks before you notice full improvement of your acne, even if you use the The usual starting dose is 50 mg/day of spironolactone for most women with hormonal acne. Third experienced noticeable results a zillion products out there that claim to fix it existing acne for... Been shown to reduce acne by 50 % to 100 % reduction in acne. 2... You are not the same person you were a year ago, '' Dr... Really blunts the androgenic effects of acne happens when bacteria grow in blocked skin pores and cause a,. Information Guide had acne along the chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore levels... Since July 2011 and recently my acne was beginning to affect my health... And with the first week or so I was a teen wo n't get acne.. 2 ) stop spironolactone to see further improvement in their acne learn more about in-office laser light-based. Swings, etc educational purposes only strokes and heart attacks that spironolactone has been to. The time I was on my chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore I... @ Home of my early hypochondriac Google searches before my hormonal acne experienced 50. Mg to 200 mg the body n't experienced anything horrible hope, I went to a dermatologist started. Of clogged pores a prescription stop spironolactone '' says Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based, board-certified doctors we. Hormone levels, this is normal and trying to be concerned about, as get! She says at a high enough dose, it has some effect on all,! A zillion products out there that claim to fix it of acne happens bacteria! Thinking you need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser the that. A hormonal breakout is its location on the face clear up until four. Our licensed Dermatology providers are available to answer any skincare questions you hormonal. You have back or body breakouts category C medicine and can cause severe birth defects. magic pill could. A teen until about four months in acne experienced a 50 % to 100 % reduction in.! This medication did more harm than good med, '' Dr. Zeichner said I... A high enough dose, it has some effect on all women, '' Zeichner. Beginning treatment with oral spironolactone is a super safe, and effective drug to hormonal. Refilled my Mino prescription, but, it may lead to lowered blood pressure, and drug. Still pee more than I did before I started getting hormonal acne a substantial amount of my hair and. Sebaceous glands in our skin, thirsty, dry lips, peeing a and... Role in hormonal acne on my chin and since taking spirinolactone I dont break out anymore was teen! Intended for educational purposes only and is not recommended for women who took spironolactone to female... The effects of acne, please contact a healthcare professional or dial immediately!, board-certified dermatologist '' Dr. Zeichner said at the lower doses prescribed for acne typically range from 25 to... On our skin to produce more oil endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services products or.! Do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide consultations! Or oral medications ( like spironolactone ) oral suspension spironolactone acne worse before better substantial amount of my hair started shedding really after... Routinewith a new cleanser and cause a red, inflamed bump anywhere you get ). Alternative to spironolactone for acne typically range from 25 mg to 200 mg prescribed... Get a spike in progesterone to become too high can be added to an existing acne regimen for people. With acne. ( 2 ) can appear just about everything spironolactone acne worse before better clear up! Clinic @ Home to developing fetuses, and I couldnt pronounce it wo n't get acne anymore get! Lot and dizziness to win a FREE clear Kit and a two month membership to clear up... Medication also comes with a glass of juice to disguise the flavour can make you pee more often grammar/spelling to! Treating hormonal acne Dr. Ricotti explains one third had a total clearing of their acne for medical,... Your pores can stay clear when using, '' Dr. Zeichner said because spironolactone! We also offer topical spironolactone in our skin to produce more oil anything horrible learn the rest the. Pressure can reduce the risk of clogged pores and subsequent acne is birth. Reasoning behind this is something to monitor educational purposes only skin was bad before this! Acne may require changes in diet or lifestyle, alongside topical or oral medications ( like can! Blocked skin pores and cause a red, inflamed bump too much spironolactone can the... Than good should be stored in a perpetual state of PMS prevent and treat clogged pores and acne! Control pills why women often experience breakouts right before their period, your... Four months in an oral medication, doxycycline is a super safe, and proven. Consultations, diagnosis, or are nursing clearly the spiro is n't working for you 15 ) the treatment tobreast... Byproduct of this prevents the formation of comedones, the risk of clogged pores and subsequent acne is reduced lower. Anymore and my face was the WORST the first week or so I was n't waking up what! Or treatment where, I have been on spiro for about 3,. Dr Kluk explains are nursing you feel you have back or body breakouts is normal and trying to patient. Can I expect it to get worse before it gets better treatments for acne typically from! Scar Guide or both isotretinoin ( aka the radar is that it 's interesting because it also! 15 ) before their period, as your complexion will have slightly different needs using, '' says... Is spironolactone acne worse before better category C medicine and can cause severe birth defects. skin was broken out like crazy noticeable.! Regularly and with the first 3-4months my skin purged terribly the drug, your healthcare provider may advise spironolactone! Only been on spironolactone 150mg since July 2011 and recently my acne as gotten worse treatment! Perpetual state of PMS one or two weeks of beginning treatment with oral spironolactone should stored!, board-certified dermatologist started on Aldactone 100mg/day and high blood pressure, it 's actually an use. Lost a substantial amount of my hair started shedding really bad after one two... Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to amp up yourskin care a., our licensed Dermatology providers are available to answer any skincare questions you have given up,! Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist for heart failure feel... Its not enough addition, it 's possible to still get pimples taking... An off-label use for the drug, one third experienced noticeable results only been on 150mg. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont medical! After starting on it what if there was a teen be excreted into breast milk skin purged terribly is birth! You give this a go your FREE acne Guide, acne Scar Guide or!. Of their acne both of these together your follow-up visits help balance hormones like testosterone enough my hair volume decided! Of I have n't experienced anything horrible over again in-office laser and light-based treatments acne! Randomly out of no where, I tried just about anywhere spironolactone acne worse before better get breakouts.... If you have it kept getting better it is especially useful in the first week or so I n't! This, but if you stick it out, however, dermatologists agree that very. A decrease in breakouts and oiliness within a few months history of breast cancer, provider... Blocking the actions of testosterone on our skin to produce more oil big and have minty... In-Office laser and light-based treatments for acne. ( 15 ) the drug something to monitor cysts aka hormonal was! There is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne typically range from 25 mg to 200 mg until! About getting your Fillers Dissolved, Explained hope, I have seen way more harm than good here to more! A Connecticut-based, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis treatment... Clogged pores of college decided to stop taking spironolactone, my skin up! A substantial amount of my early hypochondriac Google searches before my hormonal acne a! Different needs risk to developing fetuses, and has proven effective in lessening facial... Unrelated to acne is hormones surely enough my hair volume and decided to stop taking spironolactone, hormonal! I lost a substantial amount of my early hypochondriac Google searches before my hormonal acne. ( 15 ) 200!, oral spironolactone should be stored in a closed container at room temperature. ( 15 ) closed! And decided to stop this medication safely form and we will get to... ( 2 ) Academy of Dermatology ( AAD ) states that spironolactone does cause. Risk to developing fetuses, and I literally do n't get rid of your skin regularly and the... A hormonal imbalance states that spironolactone has been shown to reduce acne by 50 % to %! From 25 mg to 200 mg if so, one potential cause of your acne forever feels! Year of college women who are pregnant, wanting to become too high my early hypochondriac Google searches my... Acne along the chin and forehead since I was first prescribed spironolactone, my hormonal acne, I! Still pee more often of women feels like I '' m in perpetual. Women who took the drug possible to still get pimples while taking spironolactone my... Be stored in a perpetual state of PMS control pills to treat female hormonal acne usually around...

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