PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for February, 2003: Re: What should I know about Spironolactone?

Re: What should I know about Spironolactone?

From: SusieQ (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 11 Feb 2003 09:36:39 -0600 (CST)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: melissa: "Using Spironolactone: when to begin laser hr?"
Previous message: Amy: "What should I know about Spironolactone?"
In reply to: Amy: "What should I know about Spironolactone?"
Next in thread: anonymous: "Re: What should I know about Spironolactone?"
Reply: anonymous: "Re: What should I know about Spironolactone?"

Hi Amy,

I have been on spironolactone for two years, and am not TTC. Spiro is extremely dangerous to a fetus, and you should not take it for three months before trying to TTC. It slowly builds up in your system and slowly fades away...it usually takes 4 to 6 months before you see siginificant improvement.

There is no known increased risk for breast cancer with spiro, and it is not an anti-androgen. It is actually a blood pressure medication, not heart meds. It has some anti-androgen properties, but does not directly affect your hormone levels. One of the side effects, that older men received from this medication, is increased hair growth -- a reduction of their male pattern baldness. So, this medication has now been applied to women with the same condition. It does work on acne and hair loss in women, but it takes a loooonnng time. You will have to be patient. It is usually Rxed with metformin for the best results.

The prescription for blood pressure is much higher, and women PCOSers can go up to 100mgs. 2x day. I will never go off the Spiro. I tried to quit a few months back and my acne and started up again. The acne returned after only one week.

If you are not TTC, it's a good option. And there are no uncomfortable side effects. Atleast, I have not had any. You could search the forum and read previous answers for more information.

luck, SusieQ

>
>Hi all,
>
>I begged my dermotologist to put me on an antiandrogen drug to help with
>my unbeleiveably oily face, acne, dandruff, and excess hair. He
>prescribed Spiro and now I'm wondering what I should know about it. He
>recommended going off of it before I try to get pregnant (about 6-7
>months from now, hopefully). I am only taking 25mg a day. Does this
>dose seem low? Also, he said that in research with rats this drug has
>caused breast cancer. I have a strong family history of breast cancer,
>so I wonder if this is something to be concerned about. I just want to
>have a clean, clear face. I also have heard Spiro is a drug used for
>heart patients! How could it help heart patients and people with cacne
>at the same time? Amazing. Any info about this drug or your experience
>with it would be greatly appreciated. Also, let me just say I fortunate
>I feel to have found this board and to access to the advice of so many
>wise women who have gone before me. It makes PCOS a little less scary
>and depressing. Bless the internet and you all!

Next message: melissa: "Using Spironolactone: when to begin laser hr?"
Previous message: Amy: "What should I know about Spironolactone?"
In reply to: Amy: "What should I know about Spironolactone?"
Next in thread: anonymous: "Re: What should I know about Spironolactone?"
Reply: anonymous: "Re: What should I know about Spironolactone?"

use when must restrict search to only the pcos medication forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: