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Original poster

Spironolactone experiences

34 replies

LaRevolution · 20/03/2024 18:15

I have very sensitive skin that's always been "difficult" - acne since the age of about 12, but never severe enough to get me put on Accutane (and a family member had a very bad experience so maybe I didn't shout loud enough for it anyway).

I still don't know why causes my acne - FWIW my skin was clear and glowing whilst pregnant and generally improves in the week before my period, which I think is contrary to the science around hormonal acne!

I was diagnosed with a PPD allergy a few years ago, which cleared up dramatically.when I stopped dying my hair. However the spots I still have now (years later) are a bit like that, albeit much fewer, so I'm still not unconvinced it isn't an intolerance/allergy to something else.

Does Spironolactone just work on hormonal acne? Is there a definitive way to know what's hormonal acne and what isn't?! I avoid diary as I do think that makes it worse, but I don't think it's caused by a straight dairy allergy or intolerance, even though it might be a factor.

The spots are mainly on the sides of my neck although I get the odd few on my.forehead or cheeks sometimes.

Any thoughts on Spiro much appreciated!

OP posts:
Original poster
LaRevolution · 26/03/2024 15:59

SayWhaaat · 26/03/2024 09:04

Hi OP, I've just yesterday paid to see a dermatologist and been prescribed it, our acne journeys sound very similar as have also just come off Lymecycline which did nothing for me (as did all other antibiotics over the years).

I had a course of Roaccutane in my 20's (now in 40's) and was half expecting to be prescribed that again yesterday (with some dread!), so was very happy when he suggested Spiro.

My consultation was £185 and prescription from local pharmacy was about £37 for 50mg six month supply (with option to increase dose to 100mg if not seeing results). I probably spend that on expensive serums I try in desperation to be honest! He said to use Epiduo about twice a week too (already have this from GP) and recommended the Cerave SA range alongside this.

Nice to hear it has worked well for others, I just hope this cracks it for me as I am so done with my skin! Good luck with yours.

That's great @SayWhaaat , I really hope it works for you! Great to know too re the private prices - I'd pay those fees no problem, on the same basis as you - drop in the bloody ocean when you spend so much time and money researching solutions 😱

OP posts:
Original poster
LaRevolution · 26/03/2024 16:01

Xiaoxiong · 26/03/2024 09:10

I took it for a bit (private prescription from a dermatologist) but for my hair which all fell out after the second lockdown. I don't know how much it did for my hair - I stopped taking it for similar reasons as @TreesWelliesKnees - really sore tender boobs that just freaked me out. So maybe I didn't take it long enough for my hair to fully sort itself out, but I haven't had a cystic spot in the 18 months since I stopped, which I used to get regularly along my jawline.

Thanks @Xiaoxiong- a bit worrying re the side effects, will ask my GP about that but am prepared to be told she doesn't know anything about Spiro for acne tbh! Interesting that it's had such a positive effect on you though even so long after you've stopped taking it.

OP posts:
Glonty · 26/03/2024 16:02

TreesWelliesKnees · 21/03/2024 08:27

I took it for a while and it was great for my skin (and hair). I had side effects that spooked me (lumpy boobs) so I stopped, but it was very effective at a fairly low dose (50). It was prescribed off licence by my GP, but I did have to do some convincing them and I do have a history of thirty years of various acne treatments for them to see on their screen!

You would probably have to drink 100 cups of spearmint tea daily to get the same effect.

2 cups per day had an effect on me after a couple of months.

Good effects, and bad.

Low testosterone can actually cause hair loss on head, and I did get this, as well as less muscle tone.

Op, see a dermatologist privately..... not sure whether you are in the SE but if so I can recommend one.

Rainbowsunnysky · 29/08/2026 12:30

SayWhaaat · 26/03/2024 09:04

Hi OP, I've just yesterday paid to see a dermatologist and been prescribed it, our acne journeys sound very similar as have also just come off Lymecycline which did nothing for me (as did all other antibiotics over the years).

I had a course of Roaccutane in my 20's (now in 40's) and was half expecting to be prescribed that again yesterday (with some dread!), so was very happy when he suggested Spiro.

My consultation was £185 and prescription from local pharmacy was about £37 for 50mg six month supply (with option to increase dose to 100mg if not seeing results). I probably spend that on expensive serums I try in desperation to be honest! He said to use Epiduo about twice a week too (already have this from GP) and recommended the Cerave SA range alongside this.

Nice to hear it has worked well for others, I just hope this cracks it for me as I am so done with my skin! Good luck with yours.

Hi OP, any update on this. How did it go? how long you took it for?

I am considering it for DD15. She sort of keep it under control with creams, vitamins, diet; but would be good to have something more Permanent, not sure she can have the acne creams forever. She also has back acne. And because of the creams she has to be very careful and use suntan lotion everyday.

Rainbowsunnysky · 29/08/2026 12:35

Glonty · 26/03/2024 16:02

2 cups per day had an effect on me after a couple of months.

Good effects, and bad.

Low testosterone can actually cause hair loss on head, and I did get this, as well as less muscle tone.

Op, see a dermatologist privately..... not sure whether you are in the SE but if so I can recommend one.

Show quote history

Hi OP, did you get this from Spirolactane?

Low testosterone can actually cause hair loss on head, and I did get this, as well as less muscle tone.

And which spearmint tea did you take?

Glonty · 29/08/2026 15:05

Rainbowsunnysky · 29/08/2026 12:35

Hi OP, did you get this from Spirolactane?

Low testosterone can actually cause hair loss on head, and I did get this, as well as less muscle tone.

And which spearmint tea did you take?

Edited
Show quote history

Yes, also with spiro.
i went off it in the end because my body went horrible with no muscles ans a poy belly x

Rainbowsunnysky · 30/08/2026 15:02

Glonty · 29/08/2026 15:05

Yes, also with spiro.
i went off it in the end because my body went horrible with no muscles ans a poy belly x

Show quote history

Thank you. No drugs is without risk I guess. How long did you take it for? Did you recover after you stop it?

seems like the less risky is Avi clear

Rainbowsunnysky · 30/08/2026 15:09

How long do you need to take this drug for? DD is 15 only. She keeps her face acne under control with creams, vitamins; but it is not a permanent solution and doesn’t help her back acne. She took antibiotics for 6 months 2 years ago and it did improve; but don’t want to do another course as it impacts her gut bacteria.

SayWhaaat · 20/09/2026 14:18

Rainbowsunnysky · 29/08/2026 12:30

Hi OP, any update on this. How did it go? how long you took it for?

I am considering it for DD15. She sort of keep it under control with creams, vitamins, diet; but would be good to have something more Permanent, not sure she can have the acne creams forever. She also has back acne. And because of the creams she has to be very careful and use suntan lotion everyday.

Edited
Show quote history

Yes - great success actually! Been on for about 2.5 years now and my skin has never been so good. My skin (and hair!) is no longer greasy - I don’t ever want to come off it!

No side effects either and my GP seems happy for me to stay on it.

i doubt it will work for everyone as think there are different causes, but having been down the antibiotics and roaccutane routes without long term success over many years, it was the right treatment for me.

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