What Is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a medication that’s tricky to pronounce—but figuring out what it’s used for is even trickier! This medication has become known for helping with certain symptoms of hormonal imbalance. But, that’s not what it was originally used for. So, don’t be surprised if a quick Google search about spironolactone leaves you with a lot of questions!

Spironolactone was originally developed for conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. So, how has it become a go-to option for treating hormonal acne and hair loss for women? We’re here to talk about just that. Read on as we discuss spironolactone for acne and hair loss, how this medication works, its potential side effects, and more.

What is spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a generic version of the medication Aldactone. It’s classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps the body get rid of excess water and salt while keeping potassium levels stable. Spironolactone is FDA-approved to help treat (1):

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Fluid retention (edema)

One way that spironolactone helps treat these health conditions is by blocking a hormone called aldosterone. Blocking aldosterone creates knock-on effects in your body. Specifically, it lowers your androgen hormone levels—or “male hormone” levels like testosterone. Lowering your androgen levels is how spironolactone can help with acne, hair loss, and body hair growth or hirsutism (2). While we all have androgen hormones in different amounts, keeping your hormones balanced can help avoid these unwanted symptoms.

What is spironolactone used for?

Now that we know a bit more about how this medication works, let’s get clear on another common question: what is spironolactone used for, exactly?

Spironolactone is still used as a diuretic to help with blood pressure and heart conditions. But, it has expanded into off-label uses in dermatology and hormonal health for women. An off-label use is when a healthcare provider prescribes a medication for a purpose that hasn’t yet received FDA approval.

Common spironolactone uses for women include:

• Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne is usually located around the jawline, cheeks, and chin. It’s often caused by too much sebum or oil production, which is often the result of high androgen hormone levels (3). Spironolactone has been used to combat the imbalance that causes this kind of acne.
• Hair loss: The hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can cause hair loss, while PCOS can cause hair loss or alopecia. Spironolactone has been used to help treat hair loss in women (4).
• Hirsutism: While high androgen levels may cause the hair on your head to thin, it can also cause your body hair to grow—called hirsutism. Spironolactone has been used in treating hirsutism (2).
• PCOS: If you have PCOS, you may be experiencing one—or all three—of the symptoms mentioned above. Spironolactone can help lower your androgen levels, which may help relieve these symptoms (5).

What is hormonal acne?

Ah, acne. It can be annoying, painful, and wayyy too hard to get rid of. And while many folks think it only affects teenagers, you can deal with acne at any age.

There are plenty of products out there that promise clear skin. Figuring out what works for your skin takes some patience, and possibly some trial and error. So, it can be helpful to know what’s causing your acne so you can treat it effectively.

Hormonal imbalance—specifically high androgen levels—is often the cause of acne in adult women. Characteristics of hormonal acne include (7):

• Acne on the jawline, lower cheeks, and side of the neck
• Deep and inflamed papules
• Tenderness of the affected area

If you’re dealing with acne and think your hormones are to blame, you might consider talking with a healthcare provider to see if spironolactone can help.

Spironolactone for acne

So, how does spironolactone for acne work? Well, hormonal acne happens when excess androgens trigger oil glands to produce more sebum—the oil on your skin. And when you have too much sebum, it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts (7).

Spironolactone works by blocking androgen receptors, which then reduces the amount of sebum your skin produces. And when your sebum production is under control? You can see improvements in your acne. In fact, one study showed that women who used 100-200mg of spironolactone daily saw their acne improve by 50 to 100 percent (7)!

Wondering how long it takes to see results? While you might notice less sebum and fewer breakouts within several weeks, it can take three months to see results (7). As with all skincare, consistency and patience are key.

Spironolactone for hair loss

As your estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, androgen hormones become more prominent. This change in hormone levels can cause the hair on your scalp to thin.

Luckily, spironolactone can help! How? By reducing sebum production and helping hair follicles maintain their size. Studies have looked at the effectiveness of spironolactone for hair loss and found women experienced (4):

• Improved hair density
• Reduced hair loss
• No significant adverse effects

If you’re dealing with menopause-related hair loss, consider speaking with a healthcare provider to see if spironolactone can help.

Spironolactone side effects

Spironolactone is generally safe and well-tolerated. But, everyone reacts differently to medication, so it’s important to know what to watch out for! Spironolactone side effects can depend on the dose you’re taking and may deal with its anti-androgen effects.

Possible spironolactone side effects include (4):

• Irregular periods
• Breast tenderness
• Lower libido
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Excessive urination
• Fatigue

So, does spironolactone make you lose your period? Not necessarily, but it might make your cycle less predictable. An estimated 15 to 30 percent of women taking this medication experience irregular periods, making menstrual irregularity the most common spironolactone side effect (8).

If you’re concerned about menstrual irregularity while taking spironolactone, you may consider taking hormonal birth control pills to help manage your cycle. Spironolactone and most birth control pills can work well together, as they can both help to improve acne and PCOS symptoms (9).

Is spironolactone right for me?

Persistent acne, hair loss, and body hair growth probably aren’t the most welcome symptoms of hormonal imbalance. But, spironolactone is a powerful option with proven benefits for treating these pesky conditions! With the right guidance and treatment plan, spironolactone might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

And, now that you understand what spironolactone is used for, you might be wondering if this medication is right for you. Like always, the decision to start taking a new medication is personal! Talking with a healthcare provider can help you figure out if spironolactone is safe and appropriate for your unique situation. Ready to get started? Reach out to a Wisp provider to discuss your options today.