PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for February, 2003: Re: what I should know about spiro?

Hi. I have been on spiro 7 months and am not ttc. Spiro is dangerous to the fetus because it may cause feminization of the male fetus. It is rarely used during pregnancy. I have only seen it used for very short periods in women with pregnancy induced hypertension. Spiro has anti-androgen properties, but that is not its principle use. It s a potassium sparing diuretic used in heart failure and other cardiac conditions. Because it is a diuretic, it also lowers the blood pressure. The breast cancer connection is unclear and unproven in humans. My doctor claims he has followed women for decades on the drug with no complications. It may lower your testosterone level and/or how your body responds to testosterone. Older men may experience gynecomastia-enlarged breast tissue-while on this med as well as sexual dysfunction. I began taking spiro for acne...I didn't really see results within a few months and so I also decided to start accutane-which has cleared my skin-I am almost done with my accutane treatmment and my doc told me some women need the combo of both drugs while accutane is only temporary and spiro you remain on to remain clear. I hope I have these results after my accutane is stopped. Accutane is generally not recommened for women with pcos because the underlying problem of the hormone levels is not affected that is why spiro is combined with accutane in the therapy. I am on 200mg of spiro which is the max dose for pcos patients. I have had no side effects from the med, but many people do. If you are ttc soon, I do not know if I would go on spiro since it takes awhile to work and you may have to stop taking it when you begin to try to get pregnant before you even experience the results. I also have a strong history of breast CA in my family, however, I still chose to stay on spiro as my skin causes me so much stress, not being on it and having terrible skin-that stress could contribute to cancer more than spiro could as high stress levels can contribute to tumor growth. Plus only 10% of breast cancer has a genetic link. Anyways-good luck with everything-Rosey RN

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