PART 1:
Having acne is stressful, having hormonal acne is excruciating! It’s a vicious never-ending cycle, you try new products, or get a peel, or take antibiotics, it works for a few months, then out of nowhere, you’re hit with a cascade of breakouts, and the cycle begins again. Anyone who has struggled with hormonal acne can relate, it is a vicious cycle. Although I have managed to control my acne, I still have periods of heightened breakouts, at any time I can have 6-7 active acne lesions on my face.
As you know by now, I have PCOS, with one of my symptoms being hormonal acne, I’ve struggled with it for years, with the most severe breakouts during my final year of Uni and right after NYSC ( National Youth Service Corp). I first read about Spironolactone five years ago but was skeptical due to the drug primary mode of usage.
WHAT IS SPIRONOLACTONE? HOW DOES IT HELP TREAT HORMONAL ACNE?
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing drug that is traditionally considered a “cardiovascular drug. It prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting low, it is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, or low potassium levels”, (Dr. Hadley King). A side effect was that it had an anti-androgen effect.
To add to this, Spiro also works by inhibiting the production of hormones like testosterone, the medication reduces oil production and thus lowers the frequency of clogged pores.
WHO CAN USE SPIRONOLACTONE TO TREAT ACNE?
Specifically, Spiro treats hormonal acne in women, which means the ideal candidate is an adult female dealing with a hormonal imbalance, such as PCOS. Spiro should not be taken if you’re pregnant or about to get pregnant (Dr. Linkner), it should also be avoided if you have been diagnosed with abnormal uterine bleeding, estrogen dominant malignancy or renal insufficiency. Lastly, it should not be mixed with certain drugs and certain foods containing high levels of potassium. (THINK: BANANAS)…
In part 2, we’ll look at my experience with Spironolactone and how effective it is!
Wow.
yes, wow!