Hair Loss

Spironolactone is generally prescribed as an "off label" acne treatment for women. This drug when intended to help people with heart problems not zit problems, reduces the production of the hormone androgen. Promotes androgen excess facial oil secretion.

Less oil secretion limits the possibility of clogged pores and acne flare-ups.

Spironolactone works as an androgen receptor blocker. The drug decreases androgen production in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Side effects of spironolactone breast tenderness and menstrual irregularities.

For this reason, doctors usually add oral contraceptives like Ortho Tri-cycles and Estrostephave compliment acne treatments and ease potential spironolactone side effects. Ironically, however, spironolactone is recommended for women. No candidates for oral contraceptives

How should a woman over 35 with acne go with spironolactone? According to the American College of Physicians, the answer is "No".

In May 2004 / June issue of the American College of Physicians (ACP) published a medical review of studies that tested the effectiveness of spironolactone for controlling hirsutism, acne, or both in fertile or postmenopausal women. The ACP review found insufficient evidence to recommend spironolactone as an acne treatment.

Nevertheless, Dr. Diane Thiboutot of Pennsylvania State University, Hershey uses spironolactone for female patients with acne accompanied by a suspected endocrine disorder.

For example, if a woman has a sudden onset of severe acne or acne that is related to facial excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, increased libido, dark patches on the skin, deepening of the voice, insulin resistance and hair loss, spironolactone May be helpful.

Dr. Thiboutot noted that spironolactone "seems to control quite well the cystic-type nodes that they [women] are. Onto her lower face and chin"

However, Dr. Julie C Harper Dr. Harper of the department of dermatology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham does not recommend spironolactone so easily. Only if neither current nor retinoids antibiotics have not worked for a woman, the case of acne would Dr. Harper then suggest using spironolactone for women over 35 years.

Author of the book "Acne Messages", Naweko San Joyz, says: "A woman in response to androgens is so varied, that does not guarantee the limit of an androgen blockers like spironolactone certainly a cure, or even a quick treatment . "

San Joyz adds that an overproduction of androgens is only one step in a series of potential events that could lead to acne. Instead of hormonal manipulation with drugs, San Joyz suggests women with acne regulate this conditional using food, stress, and greater awareness of potential acne triggers like environmental estrogens.

Women with acne have numerous treatments options. If a woman does decide to go with spironolactone, it is best to get her prescription filled with her gynecologist rather that her general practitioner.