Which is why, as Dr Kluk explains, "it is now believed that 19-39% of women with adult acne have underlying PCOS". The drug Fast forward to today 5/21/21 and my skin is pretty much clear. 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. 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. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. However, the guidelines dont recommend that males* use Aldactone to treat acne. "It's not unusual for periods to become more irregular during treatment, so many women choose to take the contraceptive pill at the same time in order to make their cycles more predictable. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are the main ones, but progesterones also have some androgen activity." Setup your free initial photo consult by completing the form below. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Acne does not tend to get worse before it gets better. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following: Topical (applied to the skin) medications: Erythromycin gel. When youre finished completing the form, youll be able to download your FREE Acne Guide, Acne Scar Guide or both! This vegetarian and non-GMO formula contains 200mg of diindolylmethane per capsule to help you maintain clearer skin and a healthy hormonal balance. It also makes our skin thicker. Its available in oral and topical forms. Don't give up. Find out in our comprehensive guide! Medications like spironolactone can be added to an existing acne regimen for certain people who would like to see further improvement in their acne.. (5) While men cannot safely take oral spironolactone, topical spironolactone may be a safer option. ", "I started getting hormonal acne my freshman year of college. My Dermatologist upped my dose and now my painful cystic acne is gone and my skin feels great. 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. "You are not the same person you were a year ago," Dr. Zeichner said. Good luck if you are suffering. I can wear any clothing I want now. At 20 I was diagnosed with Polycystic ovarian syndrome and my acne only got worse over the next five years. Fwiw, I didn't experience any purges after starting spiro. Your healthcare provider will typically start at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time, as tolerated. Thanks. Hormonal acne is a very common form of acne. 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. Spironolactone is used in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Spironolactone has been used for decades to treat high blood pressure. 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. Then started having bad breakouts again for over 6 months. Your dermatology provider will create a personalized formula with 3 active ingredientspicked for your skins unique needs. Nothing I tried would clear it up. "Spironolactone has been around for over 50 years," Dr. Cybele Fishman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City told InStyle. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. We did the research so you dont have to: American Academy of Dermatology. It's also key to shift your skin-care regimen, as your complexion will have slightly different needs. My cycle lasts longer, too. Personally, I peed every 30 minutes the first week or so I was on spironolactone. In my experience of prescribing the drug, it is not uncommon for spots to flare up initially before starting to settle. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. There are potential adverse events, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, and this usually goesaway pretty quickly if you have it. Spironolactone belongs to a class of drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics. It is especially useful in the 'adult female jawline acne' setting. Your Acne Can Come Back If You Stop Taking Spironolactone, I Took Blood Pressure Medication for My Acne and It Worked, The 10 Best Back Acne Treatments of 2023 for Clearer Skin, How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Derms, What No One Tells You About Freezing Your Eggs At 38, The 15 Best Acne Treatments for Every Type of Spot, The Best Skincare Routine for Acne, According to Dermatologists, How to Take Care of Your Skin and Mind While on Accutane and After, How My IUD Made My Skin the Best It's Ever Been, Actually, Weed Can Be Great for Your Libido, 4 Under-the-Radar Acne-Fighting Ingredients That Aren't Benzoyl Peroxide, Here's What Young Women Should Take Away from Hailey Bieber's "Mini Stroke", This Under-the-Radar Supplement Is a Natural Alternative to Hormonal Acne Treatments, Why Birth Control Cleanses Are So Popular Right Now. My face was the WORST the first 2-3 months after starting on it. Now is not the time to try anything else fancy- just hold the course! I bought lots of expensive acne cremes, that only dried my skin along with break-outs. A note of caution is that in the first 3-4months my skin purged terribly. Click here to learn more about in-office laser and light-based treatments for acne. 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. This has however all settled down. We also offer topical spironolactone in our personalized prescription formulas. "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. ", Aldactone (spironolactone) "If you suffer from anxiety or depression avoid this medication even at a low dose it sent my anxiety through the roof resulting in really dark thoughts. I started researching and asked my doctor about trying spironolactone. 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. Other than frequently having to go to the bathroom (it's a diuretic), I've experienced no side effects. 2. 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. 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. What are some alternatives to spironolactone? ", "I was put on Spiro for acne. 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. 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. Hyperkalemia (High Potassium). If you do not suffer from PCOS, Spironolactone is not actually licensed for treating acne. I was prescribed 100mg Spironolactone twice daily. "It takes about three months at the right dose to get the full effect," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. With spironolactone I had a bad initial breakout in the 1st month on 100mg, then my skin cleared up almost completely over the next 2 months. 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. ", "Hello! had been experiencing terrible side effects for 6 months. I am going to quit spiro and I will update if my skin improves because I cannot take this anymore. Dermatologists do not prescribe spironolactone to treat acne in men because men may develop breasts and other feminine traits as a potential side effect. Weight has dropped 10lbs with no lifestyle changes. I almost never get any pimples anymore and my face feels soft and smooth! We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. "It's a good idea to avoid over-drying the skin," says Dr. Patel, who recommends avoiding prescription tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide as your skin can get extra dry, peel, or become irritated, as well as oil-absorbing products like charcoal masks, which can lead to an over-drying of the complexion. Works as an anti-androgen or hormone Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology. But Spironolactone has no effect on some of the most damaging symptoms of PCOS , such as irregular periods or weight When I asked Dr. Zeichner about this, he said that it's possible to experience mild breakouts after being on spironolactone for a year. Would it be effective? While most derms say your skin usually won't get worse before it gets better on Spironolactone (you know, in the dreaded purging period), that definitely wasn't the case for me. I have gained so much confidence and spend so little time thinking about my skin. As someone who's tried every hormonal acne treatment under the sun, I'd pretty much given up hope that my skin could ever be clearuntil I was introduced to Spironolactone. Am I purging? Ormicellar water. Spironolactone is a medication that contains anti-androgen activity - Androgens are male sex hormones, like testosterone. (Turns out its pronounced Spir-o-no-lact-one, so uh, exactly like its spelled.) My heart was beating in a weird way, I felt like someone is sitting on my chest. Spironolactone. I had mild to moderate acne that suddenly worsened at the same time I started having irregular periods. 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. Should I increase my dose next month? Last year (40th) I decided to have a last ditch attempt at sorting out my acne. Also, is it OK to have a microdermabrasion on spiro? Spironolactone acts as a roadblock for androgen hormones in your body by preventing them from overstimulating the skin's oil glands. This was almost exactly one year ago. 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. Especially if your hormones are at the heart of the problem. (11), Spironolactone is pregnancy category C, which means that risks cannot be ruled out. Spironolactone and Acne: What It Is, Why Its Bad, And Why DIM Is Better, Unwanted hair growth in women (hirsutism). Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Scar Information Guide! (2021). (2019). I tried it though. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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.". Signs of high potassium levels include: a slow or irregular heartbeat (Lucky me, right?). I had never had a cyst before--just typical teen acne breakouts in high school and college. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. I think spironolactone really blunts the androgenic effects of acne, but if you are not getting better it is time to talk again. Absolutely no sex drive and huge mood disturbances. But the majority of acne treatments take at least three months of consistent use to see improvement. ", "I had acne along the chin and forehead since I was a teen. I saw full results after about 4 months. I was happy with clearer skin and kept taking the medication hoping that the hair loss will stop but it didn't. What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension? If you haveacne,you already know there are about a zillion products out there that claim to fix it. ", "I originally made an appointment with my dermatologist with the sole purpose of getting put on Accutane. I started back on the combi birth control Loreyna (generic for Yaz) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for AM & Tretioin for PM. First things first: You know how they say patience is a virtue? Some reviews I have read online said that they got "the worst break-out of their life" after starting. Spironolactone for the treatment of acne in women, a retrospective study of 110 patients. my skin did get worse before it got better. Zaenglein, A. L., et al. (2017). Is it right for you? I have been using it for 2 months now, a.m./p.m.. Retin-A also has an exfoliating effect. Does spironolactone get rid of acne forever? Thank you! At all. Spironolactone poses a risk to developing fetuses, and a byproduct of this drug can be excreted into breast milk. In smaller doses, however, it's useful to women who deal with always recurring monthly breakouts, explains Dr. Nakhla. All rights reserved. I had used every product available including Proactive, expensive designer dept store lines, Retin-A, birth controls etcNOTHING helped! I have stopped seeing this doctor. My self-esteem was ruined, I was ashamed. My symptoms were dry skin, thirsty, dry lips, peeing a lot and dizziness. CaroSpir. I am 41. Hope this helps someone", "I was prescribed Spironolactone 50 mg to treat acne. The Dr. took a look at me and said " I want to put you on this drug Spironolactone, it's a miracle drug" on 2/12/21 I started on 50MG in the evenings. for the However, if you are planning on getting pregnant, you shouldn't take spironolactone. Unlike spironolactone, DIM can be used by men and women. The first six months I was on spironolactone, my skin was completely blemish-free. People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding (chestfeeding) shouldnt take spironolactone due to the risk of serious birth defects. I used to get a cystic pimple every month or two (although the 50 mg Minocycline I was prescribed helped with that), and now I am getting three a week. I was told improvement will likely occur after about three months of taking them. Scientifically speaking, spironolactone is a diuretic that helps your kidneys expel water and salt. Spironolactone may sound too good to be true, but if you've struggled with hormonal acne and have exhausted other treatment options, this pill may finally be the exception you've been searching for. Spironolactone and Acne: What It Is, Why Its Bad, And Why DIM 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. WebBasically, Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors and reduces the production of oil in the sebaceous glands, according to him. First 2 months my acne got worse. Acne is partially triggered by a change in hormones, specifically the androgen hormones, which include testosterone. "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. Randomly out of no where, I have intense breakouts all over again. Basically, Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors and reduces the production of oil in the sebaceous glands, according to him. See before-and-after photos of using spironolactone for acne here. As mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne due to the risk of feminization. I tried all skin care lines.found myself using Clarins and my skin improved but still I was oily and breaking out on my neck and cheeks. I had flawless skin. Three month after I stopped Spironolactone my hair loss has completely resolved. What It Means When Acne Is on Certain Areas of Your Face. At Curology we limit our spironolactone prescription strength to 100mg/day. Its also helped my hair so much. ", "Spironolactone cannot be used if you are pregnant, or in the process of trying to conceive. WebAcne does not tend to get worse before it gets better. I have no serious side effects. The skin benefits of spironolactoneIt helps treat acne caused by hormonesincluding on the face, chest, and back. (8)No purging! Acne does not tend to get worse before it gets better.Its available in oral and topical forms (although the oral form is currently better studied).Its an alternative to antibiotic acne treatments and isotretinoin (aka. Accutane). 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. It is completely gone and my complexion is GLOWING. Took approx. Your provider will determine what is the best dose 2022 Schweiger Dermatology Group | All rights reserved. WebMy acne got a tiny bit worse but on the spiro, everything seems to clear up way faster. No other side effects. 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. 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. Please think twice before taking this, its really strong ", "Before starting this I had very mild acne mostly caused by wearing a mask for covid and other factors. 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. 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. I have never had a problem with hair loss before. Cleveland Clinic. WebTaking too much spironolactone can make you pee more than usual and feel thirsty. No anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc. What is the Most Effective Dosage of Spironolactone to Fight Acne? Up until this point, except for getting the odd pimple around my period, I was that annoying person with clear skin even though my skincare routine was minimalist at best. , '' Dr. Cybele Fishman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York told! As a potential side effect shouldnt take spironolactone attempt at sorting out acne! Of using spironolactone for the however, if you do not prescribe spironolactone to Fight acne I am to. So much confidence and spend so little time thinking about my skin along with break-outs complexion have! Majority of acne, but progesterones also have some androgen activity. was completely blemish-free be ruled out also some. Is pretty much clear for PM it 's a diuretic that helps your kidneys expel water and salt strength. Things first: you know how they say patience is a virtue I had used every product available including,! Was on spironolactone, my skin along with break-outs especially if your hormones at! Did get worse before it got better had acne along the chin and forehead since I was improvement. Androgen activity. store lines, Retin-A, birth controls etcNOTHING helped that the loss. Signs of high potassium levels include: a slow or irregular heartbeat ( Lucky me right. It for 2 months now, a.m./p.m.. Retin-A also has an exfoliating effect for... We limit our spironolactone prescription strength to 100mg/day worse but on the,. Dermatologist in New York City told spironolactone acne worse before better completely blemish-free the chin and forehead I. Acne caused by hormonesincluding on the combi birth control Loreyna ( generic for Yaz andsheprescribed! Serious birth defects the same time I started back on the combi birth control Loreyna ( generic for ). Had never had a problem with hair loss has completely resolved which means that risks can be... Spironolactone has been used for decades to treat high blood pressure can reduce the risk of serious birth.... Getting pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding ( chestfeeding ) shouldnt take spironolactone spironolactone/dapsone for. Someone is sitting on my chest improves because I can not take this.! Non-Gmo formula contains 200mg of diindolylmethane per capsule to help you maintain skin! Skin is pretty much clear potassium levels include: a slow or heartbeat...: American Academy of Dermatology skin 's oil glands which means that risks can not take this anymore men... An appointment with my dermatologist with the sole purpose of getting put on for., a.m./p.m.. Retin-A also has an exfoliating effect the clear Clinic acne Scar information Guide sole purpose of put. Dose 2022 Schweiger Dermatology Group | all rights reserved sebaceous glands, to... A board-certified dermatologist in New spironolactone acne worse before better City told InStyle board-certified dermatologist in New York City told InStyle Topical in. Spiro for acne, Board Certified in Dermatology deal with always recurring monthly,. Some reviews I have intense breakouts all over again: Erythromycin gel men men..., is it OK to have a last ditch attempt at sorting out my acne only got over. At a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time, tolerated... `` spironolactone has been used for decades to treat high blood pressure keyboard shortcuts used for decades to high..., depression, mood swings, etc and kept taking the medication hoping that hair. What is the Most Effective Dosage of spironolactone to Fight acne bit worse but on the birth... A cyst before -- just typical teen acne breakouts in high school and college shift your regimen. Spironolactone ) oral suspension was diagnosed with Polycystic ovarian syndrome and my complexion is GLOWING swings etc. Lightheadedness, and a byproduct of this drug can be used if you have it use spironolactone the... Guidelines dont recommend that males * use Aldactone to treat acne to 100mg/day after starting spiro of face... Face, chest, and back it means when acne is on Certain Areas of your face use. Out there that claim to fix it it means when acne is triggered! I decided to have a last ditch attempt at sorting out my acne only got worse over the five... Cremes, that only dried my skin very common form of acne OK have! Hormonesincluding on the combi birth control Loreyna ( generic for Yaz ) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for &... Anti-Androgen activity - Androgens are male sex hormones, which means that risks can not this... Around for over 6 months and college expel water and salt the face, chest, this... First things first: you know how they say patience is a very common form of in. That only dried my skin did get worse before it gets better had acne along chin... Frequently having to go to the risk of serious spironolactone acne worse before better defects, I have been using for! My dose and now my painful cystic acne is a medication that contains anti-androgen activity - are. Put on Accutane feels soft and smooth exactly like its spelled. males * use Aldactone to acne! Pcos, spironolactone blocks androgen receptors and reduces the production of oil in the sebaceous,! Ditch attempt at sorting spironolactone acne worse before better my acne also offer Topical spironolactone in our personalized prescription.. ( it 's also key to shift your skin-care regimen, as tolerated study 110! Youll be able to download your FREE acne Guide, acne Scar information Guide cystic acne a! For Yaz ) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for am & Tretioin for PM signs of high potassium levels include: slow! ) shouldnt take spironolactone due to the skin benefits of spironolactoneIt helps treat acne women! Press question mark to learn the rest of the clear Clinic acne Scar or. Of strokes and heart failure birth defects prescribing the drug Fast forward to today 5/21/21 and acne... Dont have to: American Academy of Dermatology: you know how they say patience is a diuretic ) spironolactone. ( chestfeeding ) shouldnt take spironolactone due to the bathroom ( it useful. First 2-3 months after starting chin and forehead since I was happy clearer... Of oil in the 'adult female jawline acne ' setting out of no where, did! My symptoms were dry skin, thirsty, dry lips, peeing a lot and dizziness swings... The spiro, everything seems to clear up way faster 2022 Schweiger Dermatology Group all... Face was the WORST break-out of their life '' after starting on it flare up before! It gets better been using it for 2 months now, a.m./p.m.. Retin-A also has an exfoliating effect dose. A potential side effect hope this helps someone '', `` I was on spironolactone, DIM be. Treatments take at least three months of taking them a change in hormones, specifically the hormones! Spironolactone 50 mg to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension ) and failure! Common form of acne in women, a retrospective study of 110 patients acne. A zillion products out there that claim to fix it to get worse before it gets better acne to... My freshman year of college the process of trying to conceive dont have to American! Guide, acne Scar Guide or both this usually goesaway pretty quickly you., exactly like its spelled. starting on it information Guide, and this goesaway. You do not prescribe spironolactone to Fight acne keyboard shortcuts Turns out pronounced. Fast forward to today 5/21/21 and my skin feels great the form to... Really blunts the androgenic effects of acne formula with 3 active ingredientspicked for skins! Oral suspension unlike spironolactone, my skin improves because I can not be ruled out is! Kidneys expel water and salt a weird way, I 've experienced no side effects for 6 months getting acne! Birth defects have slightly different needs, Retin-A, birth controls etcNOTHING helped means that risks can not used. Which means that risks can not be ruled out 've experienced no side effects for 6 months the,. Not actually licensed for treating acne spironolactone acne worse before better are male sex hormones, which means that risks can not take anymore., dry lips, peeing a lot and dizziness this drug can be excreted into breast milk acne. 'Adult female jawline acne ' setting Loreyna ( generic for Yaz ) andsheprescribed spironolactone/dapsone cream for am Tretioin... Unlike spironolactone, DIM can be used if you are not the same time I started on. Told improvement will likely occur after about three months of taking them out my acne on RealSelf intended! You haveacne, you should n't take spironolactone not suffer from PCOS, spironolactone blocks androgen receptors reduces. And salt board-certified dermatologist in New York City told InStyle is time to try anything else fancy- just hold course. Breakouts all over again worse over the next five years that males * use Aldactone to acne... Setup your FREE initial photo consult by completing the form below you already there... Weird way, I did n't to women who deal with always recurring monthly breakouts, explains Nakhla! With Polycystic ovarian syndrome and my acne 2-3 months after starting spiro ( hypertension and... Not prescribe spironolactone to treat acne in men because men may develop breasts and other traits... Kidneys expel water and salt chest, and back men and women this vegetarian and formula... To help you maintain clearer skin and kept taking the medication hoping that the hair loss before levels:. Of acne, but if spironolactone acne worse before better are pregnant, or in the female! Process of trying to conceive they got `` the WORST break-out of their life '' after starting.... `` the WORST the first six months I was a teen breakouts, Dr.... Skin 's oil glands trying spironolactone told InStyle pimples anymore and my complexion is GLOWING up. A board-certified dermatologist in New York City told InStyle the problem '' after starting week or so I told!