Avoid a diet high in salt. Spironolactone: 11 things a dermatologist wants you to know about the acne treatment, Roaccutane: 10 things a doctor wants you to know, Rachel's waterfall updo is perfect for holiday. Individual results vary. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. It's actually a prescription drug used for fluid retention, high blood pressure, etc. Medications like spironolactone can be added to an existing acne regimen for certain people who would like to see further improvement in their acne.. Physicians say Spironolactone works by regulating oil production, blocking acne-causing androgen receptors, and reducing the intensity and lifespan of hormonal breakouts. (2012). In general, dermatologists tend to recommend Spironolactone to women with persistent hormonal acne or women who have been resistant to other acne treatments in the past. Spironolactone suppresses the production of these acne-causing hormones,(3) and blocks androgen receptors(4)reducing the tendency for hormonal breakouts. (2021). Another study offered similar results, demonstrating that acne of all severity responded to Spironolactone. "The effect of the body's hormones will go back to what it was before you started," says Dr. Zeichner. But this prescription medication also works to clear up hormonal acne. 1996-2023 The American Acne Association. She covers all facets of beauty for the site. Does spironolactone get rid of acne forever? Here, she explains everything you need to know about the acne fighting medication. Oral spironolactone can cause high potassium in your blood, especially if you have kidney disease. Hyperkalemia can be due to spironolactone alone or a synergistic side effect from multiple medications such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers that clinicians often prescribe to patients for indications such as hypertension or heart failure. However, many people say that taking DIM with food reduces many of the side effects. Dr. Ricotti points out that spironolactone is just one of many medications dermatologists and dermatology providers use on daily basis to treat acne. Periods of hormonal fluctuation (especially testosterone changes) can cause an increase in our skins oil production, which creates an overproduction of sebum that can clog pores and lead to pimples. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. 2012 May (Acne suppl). My mom died at 87 and her skin was still oily, so not a lot of hope for mine decreasing anytime soon on its own! Spironolactone can only be obtained through a prescription from a licensed medical provider (including your Curology dermatology provider!). Do you struggle with acne along your jawline, lower face, neck, or body? ago. All rights reserved. Female pattern hair loss: Current treatment concepts. After briefly discussing how spironolactone works and its potential side effects, he sent me off with a prescription for the oral drug. Spironolactone is known as a diuretic (a pill to expel water) and is frequently referred to as a potassium-sparing drug because it causes the body to retain potassium while excreting sodium. Loss of electrolytes can occur due to its diuretic function. (Lucky me, right?). Its primary function is to remove excess fluids from the body. ", But, it's nothing to be concerned about, as Dr Kluk explains. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: heart or blood pressure medicine (especially another diuretic); NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. "Theoretically it can cause birth defects, so you should use contraception if you are on it," says Dr. Zeichner. Although doctors have known of its skin-clearing effects for the last few decades, the medication is only now gaining recognition as an effective treatment for hormonal acne in women. In my experience of prescribing the drug, it is not uncommon for spots to flare up initially before starting to settle. Kim GK, Del Rosso JQ. This list is not complete. The reason spironolactone is still fairly unheard of by acne sufferers is likely due to its main use: treating high blood pressure and heart failure. How Do I Know What Blood Thinner Is Right for Me? Spironolactone is often considered for women who are experiencing cyclical acne or moderate to severe acne that hasnt improved with other treatments such as oral contraceptives or antibiotics. "In women with hormonal acne, androgens appear to have a strong impact on sebaceous gland activity," explains Dr. Fishman. An in-person medical provider may be your best bet for obtaining higher doses of spironolactone. Other drugs may interact with spironolactone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. (10) When potassium levels are too high, this can lead to heart damage. (5) While men cannot safely take oral spironolactone, topical spironolactone may be a safer option. "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. If you haveacne,you already know there are about a zillion products out there that claim to fix it. I stopped attacking my every flaw and held my head a little higher while walking down the street. Since Spironolactone blocks certain hormones, the medication can cause acne to get worse at times. If that is not enough, 50 mg of spironolactone with 40 Hidradenitis suppurativa: Management contraceptive drugs prior to initiating therapy. International journal of women's dermatology. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body. Talk to the prescribing medical provider about the proper storage of spironolactone. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. "It was originally used as a blood pressure medicine because it's a diuretic and when you pee more your blood pressure goes down. 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. Some reported side effects of DIM include mild symptoms of fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, or darker urine. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. Health science reports. *Cancel anytime. The half life is about 3.5-4 hours. For the long test, correction of hypokalemia and hypertension provides presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism. Hormones, Blood Clots and COVID-19: Should You Be Worried? Dermatologist, Dr Justine Kluk saw first hand the benefits of spironolactone (spiro for short), when she started taking it in her early thirties for acne caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (a hormone disorder causing excess male hormones in women). i also have a problem with fluid retention heh. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce . Your doctor should decide whether you take spironolactone if you are pregnant. 25 to 200 mg orally per day in single or divided doses Spironolactone for the treatment of acne in women, a retrospective study of 110 patients. Liszewski, W., & Boull, C. Lack of evidence for feminization of males exposed to spironolactone in utero: A systematic review. Essentially, spironolactone helps reduce the effects of DHT by competitively blocking the attachment to its receptor, helping prevent miniaturization of the hair follicles. One treatment you may have not heard of however, is spironolactone. Spironolactone is prescribed to be taken daily and can be safely taken for many years, if necessary. Curology was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Lortscher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Ibid. When we have high amounts of androgens in our body, it can lead to an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance in our skin glands. But what I haven't dealt with is spotting, which is a common side effect of spironolactone. Now, it's not regularly used to lower blood pressure, but to treat hormonal acne, female pattern hair loss, and PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome] due to its anti-androgen activity.". 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Spironolactone is one treatment for hormonal acne in women, but how effective is it, and are the side effects as bad as some people say? I finally found out the reason I started breaking out again. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use spironolactone only for the indication prescribed. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone. Oral medications can be used for some people withhormonal acne. Int J Womens Dermatol. PCOS)," explains Dr. Sejal Shah, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York City "It is also often used in women whose acne is resistant to conventional therapies. Dermatol World. Dinh, QQ, et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Spironolactone is used to reduce swelling from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome. Spironolactone lowers blood pressure by acting on specific hormones in the body. Your healthcare provider will typically start at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time, as tolerated. Let's look at the details: Nodules, pustules, whiteheads, and more. Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). She currently lives in Milwaukee and is working on a book of essays about sound. She started at 50 mg, before increasing to 100 mg then 150 mg but ultimately, she decided to work her way back down. (2017). This is why women often experience breakouts right before their period, as they get a spike in progesterone. I took the 75 mg for three weeks with no problems, but then began to have some lightheadedness and dizziness. Spironolactone is a medication thats been used for decades as adiuretic(water pill) to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. As Dr Kluk explains, "The reason that Sprionolactone works in acne is twofold. In patients with severe heart failure, monitor potassium and creatinine one week after initiation or a dose increase, monthly for the first 3 months, then quarterly for a year, and then every 6 months. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce more oil. Sudden spot? A place for anyone on a spironolactone journey to ask questions, share their story, and discuss anything spiro. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. So, Im going to stay with itprobably forever. However, Consultant Dermatologists, like Dr Kluk, are able to prescribe it to non PCOS patients on an off-label basis (where a medication is being used in a different way than described on its license). Even my hair, which I can now . Alternatively, your provider may recommend a different acne treatment if you have underlying health issues. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Because oral spironolactone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, it may lead to lowered blood pressure. Long-term maintenance therapy for patients deemed unsuitable for surgery or those with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. You should use spironolactone with caution if you have kidney problems, high levels of potassium in your blood, Addison's disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are also taking eplerenone. Short-term preoperative treatment of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. Colbert recommends that patients stay well-hydrated and carry a water bottle while taking Spironolactone to minimize dehydration from the diuretic effect. Orslugging. 1. Spironolactone is a diuretic medication that is typically prescribed to treat disorders such as hyperaldosteronism, heart failure, high blood pressure and edema by reducing fluid buildup in the body This oral medication is also prescribed for women with moderate-to-severe hormonal acne I was tired of the disappointment and expense. Also hair has started falling out fast again. Potential side effects include by are not limited to: Enlargement of breast tissue in men and women.(9). Find a dosage that works for YOU, and stick with it. A dermatologist can tell you what can help clear your stubborn acne. For the short test, increased serum potassium with this drug and a decrease upon discontinuation provide presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Charny JW, et al. A systematic review in 2017 found that there is not enough high-quality evidence of the potential effectiveness of spironolactone at present. 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