Spironolactone for acne

Acne is a skin condition that shows up in the form of itchiness, reddening of skin as well as formation of bumps. This can occur at any age group, but younger people are more vulnerable. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that may occur during the time of reproduction. Women with PCOS have irregular periods. Research attributes these to an excessive presence of androgen in your system. Medications like spironolactone are commonly prescribed. But, what does spironolactone do for PCOS? It is essential to have needful inputs on this.

Spironolactone is a medication cleared by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a few medical problems. The conditions spironolactone can treat are edema caused by renal dysfunction, cardiac problems, PCOS, a few skin conditions like acne, etc.

Spironolactone is chiefly a diuretic med. Its main property is to discharge the salts such as sodium as well as liquids from your body. Extra liquids and salts are usually excreted via urine. Essential items present in spironolactone can inhibit a hormone known as aldosterone. This process enables well-regulated blood pressure and facilitates better blood circulation.

Spironolactone for acne

One of the off-label applications of spironolactone is its use in the treatment of acne. It is used for milder to severe episodes of acne. A hormone called androgen is identified as a key reason why your body makes too much oil on skin. But, no two individuals with acne are given the same medication plan. Your dosage strength depends on severity of acne, age, earlier ailments, etc. Starting dose is generally at a lesser strength in between 25 – 50 mg. If acne persists for long, strength is enhanced to 100 mg.

What does spironolactone do for PCOS?

Among those living with PCOS, smaller sacs bearing liquids tend to show up on the outer edges of your ovaries. In clinical parlance these are labelled as cysts. These cysts house eggs that are underdeveloped or immature. These are also known as follicles, and they fail in releasing eggs in a timely manner. The causes for this ovarian condition remain largely unknown. Diagnosing it at an early stage, coupled with treatment for weight reduction, can prevent risks of cardiac conditions and type 2 form of diabetes mellitus.

Spironolactone does not have the needful approval of the FDA for treating PCOS. But, it is used as an off-label mode for this treatment. High level of androgen coupled with erratic menstrual cycles are the typical signs of PCOS. Women with this ovarian condition may also have a sizable level of insulin-resistance. If left unattended, it soon may turn into diabetes. Owing to obesity, people with PCOS may also have elevated BP and high level of blood cholesterol.

Spironolactone works as a blocker of androgen-receptors. This drug blocks receptor-cells inside your follicles as well. As a result, this med is effective in reducing the presence of androgen. As a lateral effect, spironolactone also blocks another hormone called testosterone. Owing to this, hirsutism-triggering effects of testosterone are blocked among people living with PCOS; hirsutism is a condition where women develop man-like hair on their palate or cheeks.

In this light, you need to know the max dose of spironolactone for PCOS. Typical dosage of spironolactone for treating PCOS hovers in between 25 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg. Overdose can cause migraines, spells of dehydration, softening of breasts, discharge of loose stools, etc. Risks also include a spike in potassium level; a high level can hinder the functioning of the heart. It hence becomes necessary to understand the level of potassium prior to using this medicine.

As this is not an over the counter drug i.e., OTC-med, you need to take it as per the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner. You can know about spironolactone dose for PCOS by consulting with your treating doctor and / or pharmacist.\

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.