PCOS chat | spironolactone, acne, hair removal, cellulite, hormones

[@bree9398]

PCOS is so so so frustrating. Makes me feel less alone that you speak about it! It took me like 2 years to be symptom free so it definitely takes soo much patience

[@shannondollie]

please share what you did to be symptom free!!

[@MunachimsoFaith]

Please, share your procedures

[@hannahcolom8230]

Gosh I totally agree with you! Pcos is so frustrating!

[@hannahcolom8230]

Doctors need to freaking cure pcos it’s so horrible

[@hannahcolom8230]

It ruins woman’s reproductive organs

[@smilemiles21]

I’m on spironolactone too! Was a last resort for me, but it’s helped my skin tremendously. I’ve been on 50mg for 1.5 years now, took me 3 months to really start seeing a difference. Your skin looks great 💞

[@sarahoopes9954]

GIRLL i feel you on the PCOS hormonal acne flair ups and excessive body hair. I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING & it’s so frustrating that nothing seems to work.

[@samahmahmah6670]

You are not alone . God help us

[@swisdom9117]

Did you find so,etching that worked for you?

[@megd0918]

Spironolactone did very slowly aid in my hormonal jawline acne HOWEVER anyone looking to take it, remember it is only effective while you are consistently taking it! The second I stopped my skin was unruly once again & I actually noticed an increase of body hair and new facial hair which has not subsided after over a year. My derm did mention that people stay on this for their lives in order to reap the rewards skin wise. Definitely consider if this is a long term (decades and decades of daily use) commitment you want to make before ingesting!

[@marywangler5158]

I know everyone is different but when I turned 40 my skin freaked out and I had acne as if I was a teenager again. My doctor put me on 25mg Spironolactone .25 Trentonion and 50mg Minocycline ( this one for 3 months) it totally helped by the fourth month. So it does take time. I wanted to give up in the beginning but my Dr kept me on a 2-3 wk follow up visit those couple months so I felt like i had to follow through and I’m so glad I did. 3 years into it and my skin has never looked better. People ask me what I use on my face all the time. I tell them it’s tretinoin and Spironolactone. The spironolactone helped me with hair loss I’ve noticed my hair coming back so I’ve continued and my Dr says it’s ok because of such a low dosage too. But they do make you take blood test regularly for being on spironolactone. I say give it at least 4-5 months. Best of luck to you. I know how it feels.

[@madeleineadams5254]

wow this video made me tear up. :( the struggle is so real with PCOS and constantly trying to weigh up the pros and cons of medications and different symptoms. I know that frustration so well. thank you for this video.

[@guineveremoonmist1060]

100 mg is my sweet spot. It saved me from horrible horrible, horrible, horrible, horrible adult acne.

[@JackieWyers]

I had a meltdown about leg cellulite when I was on the same medication but thought it was just aging, a year or two after the medication it’s not something I notice on my legs anymore! No idea that was a side effect either

[@bvictorino9589]

Fellow pcos girl here…Only thing that kinda works for me is avoiding dairy and sugar/fried foods. But the dairy really is a game changer in terms of acne. As fair as hair, I m still pissed I spent a lot of money on laser for my underarms once and it ALL came back within a year…glad to know we’re all suffering together 😂

[@chandasparklesastrology]

I just started…I’m anti pharma but I’m 52 ~ multi symptoms I’ve controlled naturally until now. You’re young and beautiful

[@meredithgrimshaw4387]

Living with PCOS is a struggle to say the least, especially after trying so many things to no success. My skin is my biggest issue as well- and I have never been able to stay on Spironolactone due to the same side effects you had. Just letting you know you aren’t alone❤️

[@GoatedNFL1]

I struggle with acne as well since 13, im 34 now. I tried all sorts of supplements and diets nothing worked. It took me like 10 months to notice a difference on spironolactone for my cysts, it can take up to a year to see full benefits. Works slowly! I haven't had a cyst, knock on wood in months. Been on it for a year and a half. Has not helped with excess hair growth for me. 100mg is what worked best for results for me.

[@mjrulesish]

I followed you years ago bc of these kinds of videos, and now I watch anything you post ❤

[@zeezeeparker7961]

Melissa I too had unwanted body hair on my face, cleavage & navel area. Electrolysis is very expensive but does keep it away forever. It took about 1 yr of treatment but I'm 61 now & haven't had to deal with it for 40 yrs. No more waxes, potions, lasers,etc. Make sure you get someone who gets right to the job on hand & doesn't spend their time chatting etc cuz the clocks ticking & u r paying for it. You WON'T regret it. I think u r a really COOL person. Love ❤ to Tika 🐕

[@KelliMarissa]

I don't have PCOS but I watch all your videos! But omg I started electrolysis 6 months ago and gave up pretty quickly lol the red bumps still haven't gone away! I really hope they do, it's crazy it took a year for yours but it gives me hope!

[@MelissaMerk]

They take a while to fade but mine are completely gone! You should be good with time :)

[@raevin.]

I have PCOS as well and totally get your frustration. Im on 200mg spironolactone. I took it to help with the hair. It took me about 3 months to see a difference. When I went off it suddenly, for the first time ever in my life I started getting acne. My doc said if you stop suddenly then it increases the oil production in your skin. Just a heads up for discontinuing it. I didn't know until I was on it, how hard it'd be to come off without other issues popping up

[@allthingshealthy2314]

Sending love your way. I’ve been through the acne journey and it’s so rough. Only those who have experienced it understand. I know you don’t want recs but I swear grass fed beef liver helped my skin so much. I blend it with my ground beef but there are also supplements you can buy if you don’t want to eat it (you can Google desiccated liver supplements). It’s the high dose of natural vitamin A in beef liver that helps. Accutane is the synthetic version. Also, tell Tika hi! Haha

[@LenaChatz]

Hi Melissa, fellow PCOS here! I completely understand your frustration and feel the same way as you, especially when you try so hard and your body seems to fight back even harder. Being super consistent with the right supplements and eating healthy have been a huge game changer for me over the past 2.5 years (thanks to my endocrinologist!). I've also tried spironolactone 100mg and didn't work out either. You should be aware that it might take a few months and/or dosage adjustments before you see (any) effects. Also be aware that you might notice changes in your menstrural cycle while on spiro. I am assuming that you have recently done blood tests to actually check your androgen levels, as they might be normal and therefore spiro won't do much. In some cases, testosterone levels can be in the normal range but your "clearing mechanism" (aka SHBG) might be off. The endocrinologist and/or obgyn are your best friends here, and consistency is key :) Best of luck and hope you find something that works for you soon!

[@ambermcfarland6152]

Hi Melissa, fellow PCOS Vancouverite here. I am currently working with a naturopath to help get my regular periods back and we are trying progesterone cycling. You should read up on the papers about it but it sounds like after a few months you should see the acne clear up and within 6 months the hair thin out and regular periods return. There is a UBC study ongoing at the moment as well with the focus on progesterone cycling for women with PCOS but they are combining it with spironolactone. Should be an interesting read when the study is complete though! Good to know that research is being done to help all us women living with PCOS. All the best with your PCOS journey and keep up with these PCOS update videos!

[@Saamaalee]

Hi Melissa, I’m 5 months late to the party but still wanted to write this message. I have PCOS too and acne is also my number one symptom. I still get the occasional cystic pimple but for the most part I’m symptom free now. Since you live in Canada, I can highly recommend you Dr.Sarah and her team at Advanced Women’s Health. They have multiple locations across Canada and offer telemedicine. I started working with my naturopath back in 2017 when I was living in Ontario. Another great address is the White Lotus clinic in Toronto. Dr. Fiona also has a book about reversing PCOS, which is like my bible.Living with PCOS is tough and often feels like a lifelong journey without no end or success in sight. You’re not alone in this. We’re 1 in 7. All the best to you!

[@gulcecivelek7298]

I love your all types of videos and I watch them all. And it is really nice that you want to help people via telling your experiences about these topics(that are a lots of people's problem rn). Love you!😍😍

[@8minsclub]

Ladies, excess estrogen = 1 raw carrot a day. Please do your research. Daily consumption of mushrooms also reduces estrogen. Veggies! No side effects!!!! And it works.

[@QueenVibez777]

I too was doing laser hair treatment and we have to be careful with that because the treatments can cause more hair growth. If you notice that the hair was coming back closer to the time you were sue for your next treatment thats a good sign the treatments aren’t working and once your done with all your treatments you will really see the hair growth . I don’t have PCOs but i just started taking spiro because the laser hair treatment caused excessive facial hair growth.

[@MsLivinglegend19]

PCOS is so frustrating - I’ve gained around 20kg because of it and it’s so hard to shift it (I used to be a uk size 6 my whole life and now am a size 12/14)

[@linA-kj1iz]

Hey Melissa, your frustration is understandable, but hope things get better for you! Could you share how you cover up your acne so well? Products used etc

[@shorty06111]

Pcos causes hair growth because of the hormone imbalance, so you will always have hair regrowth when you are imbalanced. The hair will be thinner, less coarse with laser, but your body will continue grow hair

[@rosievalentin]

Thank you for sharing! I started watching your videos because of pcos 💜

[@evka8709]

I've changed my diet to help lower my insulin resistance and androgens! It's helped SO much, after 1 week I was getting compliments on my skin 😳

[@beccabell1850]

I found coffee scrub works on my cellulite and also hair. I just save my grounds and scoop into my body wash when showering. Also I have done body wraps at a spa, and saw a significant improvement. (I'm in the US)

[@tubbsthebigcat]

Did you notice a reduction in hairloss on the head? I have androgenjc alopecia and would hope spiro helps with hairloss and hirsutism as I don’t have any skin issues!

[@guineveremoonmist1060]

I’ve had severe cellulite ever since I was a teenager on my thighs. The only thing that ever made it disappear was being as thin and muscular as possible. Meaning, obviously not a lot of fat on my legs and my legs being Meux Euler, and I just achieve that through side, leg lift squats, etc. we all know the effects of androgen are far worse than cellulite could ever be on a females self-esteem. At least I can say personally, I’ve suffered with all the other things that go along with it besides the severe acne that I don’t really want to talk about I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, I wish you the best. I just thank God for spironolactone every day. I’ve been taking it for years. I have completely clear skin all the time now and as far as the other stuff, it doesn’t really seem to help with that but maybe I’m just having a tougher case of, that kind of unwanted stuff lol.

[@oliviab650]

I’m a subscriber and love the PCOS videos cuz I have it too! I’ve tried everything for hormonal acne too and the only things that fixed it was going to an esthetician and using pro skin care

[@natalieh1983]

what skincare products would you recommend?

[@laurengareau7526]

I been debating taking it because I have the same problem with pcos acne. It’s so discouraging. Thanks for sharing your experience 💗

[@alyf.6698]

thank you for this

[@nattie911]

HUGS I have PCOS too and it makes me so depressed

[@shannycook]

Thank you for sharing so much on your journey! I've learned a lot from you over the years and I've been struggling with the same issues. I was prescribed Accutane and I'm soo nervous to take it 👀 It never ends, girl I feel the frustration with you!! So, sending you lots of love and regardless of acne, cellulite... You're still so beautiful inside and out! 🤍💫

[@rosievalentin]

@ Shannon K start the Accutane and don't look back. Best decision I've made with acne, truly see a difference. My face is clear and I do get occasional breakouts but only during my monthly and nothing major. Hope this helps

[@shannycook]

@@rosievalentin thanks so much! I def think I'll take it, just waiting on the blood results!

[@rosievalentin]

@@shannycook Great! Just be mindful with what you eat as Accutane triggers your cholesterol and coffee is also not recommended. You'll also get extremely dry so use Aquaphor and Eucerin. Good luck!

[@gravityclarity]

Girl, I feel your frustration! I hate having PCOS. I was considering spironolactone for excess hair. But now I don't think it's worth it. Ugh.

[@AevanV]

Check your blood pressure when ur dizzy. That med is also used for hypertension

[@Mar-ui2co]

I’ve had PCOS since I was a kid and for most of my life I had acne cover my face and back. I took acutane in high school after trying every other option and although it had many side effects it was the only thing that ever cleared my acne. I wasn’t getting my period regularly though so my doctors said I needed to go on birth control, the first one I took brought all my acne back and the second one which I’ve been on for 8 years now has kept it away for the most part. I know the struggle of trying every medication, cream, cleanser and diet and nothing working. I hope you find something that works for you ❤️ Not sure what your thoughts are on birth control, but I’m on Ovima 28 and it’s kept mine away.

[@Sara-uk7cs]

Hey Melissa! Can we get an update on your journey with Spironolactone. Thanks!

[@MelissaMerk]

yes, coming soon!

[@sharika8888]

I am on the same journey as you with PCOS and skin, hair and mood issues. I am from a healthcare background and see patients with issues similar so did my own research but being in the Uk, it is also upto the NHS guidelines that would help people like me to get something prescribed. I have a BMI of 19 so many of the doctors think I wont need a treatment and doesnt have insulin resistance but i did have it. My weight gain has been on places like waist and bum. Hence started on Metformin. Now on 1.5g a day. Made a massive difference in getting periods and also weight loss particulary from those areas. In terms of acne, diet helped than any meds as I tried off-diary and sugar completely for 3 months (stayed on complex carbs). Doctors were amazed by the difference it made. Currently, struggling with hair loss specially from the crown. Religiously tried all birth control pills for few months but the fluctuations in mood, spotting for months all made me discontinue it. Now got a 25mg spironolactone prescription. I know that isnt a great amount but going to give it a start as it is anti androgen. But what i realised is to continue with a combination of all these. Along with Insulin resistance we do need antiandrogen to support the effects of pcos. Also, high protein diet with minimal carbs. So going to 2023 with a diet rich in protein, spiro, metformin and moderate exercise.

[@nilooobocaa408]

Accutane, coming from a Derm/surge nurse. I know you don’t want suggestions but anytime I suggest it to anyone, they love it.

[@jenniferbissonnette2258]

I was wondering if anyone has suggested to you that you read “Your body in balance” by Dr. Neal Barnard. He seems to have helped many women with PCOS without medication and only diet. I really hope that you get better without harmful side affects. And being an influencer if it works for you then you are in a position to help so many others. It sounds like it is worth trying out. Good luck!

[@NikLewis0208]

I have pcos as well. It sucks. Made it nearly impossible for me to get pregnant with my son and I don’t know about a second one- been trying for a few year. That said i found a lot of success with spiro after about a solid 3 months with my skin and somewhat more regular periods although I’ve skipped two out of nowhere currently. Anyways, I feel you and appreciate just hearing from you about your experience. I’ve tried a lot of different remedies and with actual meds I always got so freaked about side affects but I would just remember it’s usually not as urgent as you feel and might be worth a shot to hang in on your full dose and give everything some solid time before ditching spiro and moving on to something else. At the very least you can feel settled in whatever you find with that medication. Sending you love and hoping for the best for you! Pcos is seriously such a drag 🙏🏻💛💛

[@leoniedean4359]

Girl I feel you about the frustration . I have PCOS, severe cystic acne. I am on the pill now 3 months in, clearing my acne but name how so much new weight on my breast, legs and butt and breast pain (never had weight issues in my life) . Imsonia issues. It's horrible and happened so quick. Now planning to get off it again, knowing all my acne is going to come back. 😮‍💨😢My acne scars are still on my face, I didn't even get a chance to get my face fully cleared before all this random weight issues came. Gonna try holistically to fi this again. ( Did it for a year, didnt fix my acne)

[@abbey3188]

How long did you take Ovasitol? Did it help the acne?

[@teresamarie710]

I feel like when you have PCOS it’s a double edge sword when you try to take things to help your hormones. A lot of the things you mentioned as side effects can also be side effects of PCOS itself so it’s hard to say if it’s the aldactone or not. I would say if you are uncomfortable it would be worth a shot to stop the medication for a bit and see if you feel better and if not at least you know it’s not the medication. I have PCOS too and it really sucks. I would also see if you can see a dermatologist and try to get on a topical regimen for your skin. I have been using a combination of Aczone along with tazorac and it has helped my skin incredibly, aczone is made for hormonal acne so if you can get it I highly recommend!

[@charlottebinning]

Have you tried a topical prescription retinoid for acne? Best thing I’ve used to clear my skin and no side effects like medicine taken internally. And PCOS combined with thick hair will likely take 10-12 sessions to notice hair loss, just to let you know. I know how hopeless it can feel so you’re defs not alone.

[@meagankulchyski7538]

Honestly, I would go on Accutane if I were you.. nothing else worked for me. I know how you feel, so maybe look into that? I was hesitant for a while because of potential side effects, but all I experienced was dry lips/skin for the most part!

[@rosievalentin]

I completed Accutane and still have dryness in winter on my lips, hands and legs. I rather be dry than deal with acne

[@sophx7845]

Hi did you just ask your dermatologist to prescribe Spironolactone and they said ok? I’ve seen general practitioners before and they just tell me my symptoms aren’t life threatening so get on with it 😢. I’m hoping a dermatologist will be different!

[@marilyn.g]

My doctor said spironolactone only works for facial and other male like pattern hair. Not for legs or armpit hair. I asked since I am hairy everywhere. And I'm taking spironolactone for that, luckily I don't have acne. Yet. He also said that it should help me grow out my scalp hair since I lost a lot due to pcos and stress. I haven't got cellulite, but I do drink 3liters of water a day and walk and lift weights daily, so idk if that has anything to do with that.

[@tubbsthebigcat]

Has it helped with regrowing scalp hair so far?

[@annalewis517]

Girl I feel you on the lack of period! I thought I was doing well with once every month or two for the last year and then of course this summer I haven’t had it once :/ (which I guess for the summer is actually pretty nice lol!) if you have any recommendations for bringing it back - ie. what supplements to take, let me know! 💕

[@caoileanndigney3869]

Matcha latte I feel has helped to regulate mine, worth a try 💕

[@guineveremoonmist1060]

Side effects, such as dizziness or lack of energy etc. go away and the only way to maintain the results is to keep taking it for life

[@kristinansonbarnes9418]

Your hair looks very amazing Wella high lights it looks very healthy always keep your hair healthy can you also do an updated skin care routine

[@JJ-xv9rh]

Have all the same issues. Started on 50 didnt do anything, saw improvement at month 3 on 75, now on 100 and several months in there is definitely less hormonal acne and nodules,

[@carriemiranda130]

Did you see an improvement with your cellulite after u stopped taking spironolactone?

[@katrinacool]

Thank you so much for sharing. While I do not suffer from this issue I do understand about how long before you realize the medication may not be suited for you - I've had this issue for some time now. Anyway this was super interesting and informative. Hugs to Tika! 😊🥰❤️😍☀️🦩

[@BrittanyVernier]

I was offered that medication or birth control. I initially didn’t want to go on any kind of medication because I didn’t want it to be a band aid. I wanted a “real” solution. I ultimately chose the BC and I’m on week two. Only change I’ve noticed so far is sex drive which is higher and not something I signed up for lol but I’m hoping it will kick the unwanted hair. 😞

[@dnperez93]

Have you tried topical spiro? I dont know if you would experience similar side effects. I really hope you find what works for you, hang in there!

[@ansnfbsknanssshshbsnsndnd5438]

Topical dapsone, winlevi, topical spirolactone, oral spirolactone, birth control are thing to try

[@katiie7]

I haven’t tried this but since it spares potassium maybe potassium alone would be beneficial? I know too much is a problem but shifting that ratio is what the drug itself does.

[@Verihaustel]

What camera are you filming with ?

[@paigelorraine]

I can relate to this video sm I know the frustration . Thanks for sharing

[@jnc226]

Have you had your testosterone levels checked? High testosterone Han have a big impact on some of those things like the acne and excess body hair.

[@laurenbx]

Hi Melissa, What supplements do you take that you think help with regulating your cycle? I’m currently on day 103 - my cycle is usually every 72-76 days that was my “regular”. You mentioned every 60 days for you is a lot better than what it used to be, any thoughts on why it’s improved? Thankyou x

[@godstimewilliam1336]

My wife 🥰🥰 feels better and happy now, applying Doctor isibor alternative herbs was actually the best decision she made to get rid of facial hair in 4 weeks

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

A super beautiful job, Melissa!❤️💫🥰

[@52188972]

100% with you on the herb/erb pronounciation

[@wildlifepk]

I just started taking Spiro cuz many women recommended on social media, it's working for them. many women says that this medicine helped for hirsutism and acne, I was diagnosed at 13 yrs of age now I am 21 yrs old, my gynecologist gave me Diane 35 when I was a 13 yr old teenager but I did not take birth control pills, now I'm feeling pain in my right ovary since 2020 sometimes I fear that it's developing into tumor😢 cause I feel heaviness and pain consistently, my periods are painless but I have this pain in my uterus ovaries, the pain ends during periods but comes back right after the when periods are over I am getting laser treatment my dermatologist uses Candela gentle Max, 6 sessions done it helped hair got thin but still grows. I really don't know what should I do, I am doing intermittent fasting, and trying to cut out sugar, protein, and carbs.

[@rainydaze181]

Here’s an odd question, and forgive me, because I’m not fully up to speed on everything that comes with PCOS. Does being on the pill help? I know back in the day girls would start the pill for acne etc.

[@MelissaMerk]

It can for some people. Didn't help my skin when I was on it

[@xdumpling4]

where did you go to laser in Vancouver? ive gone to a place in burnaby where ive seen no changes after a year and a half, and finally went to a new place and got completely better results.

[@amanovic3]

My skin did this it was fine then bam God knows what happened to it...I know you said you didn't want recommendations but I was prescribed tactupump acne cream. Pea size amount 1 time a day before you retire and it never came back. Might be worth a check out. Dermatologist recommended it to me when I went in to see wtf was wrong with my skin.

[@losthope037]

Might be a stupid question but have you tried chaste tree/ monk's pepper tree Supplements? They really helped me with regulating my period and hormones :)

[@arukulasharadha8942]

Do you have facial hair? Have you tried electroysis?

[@saskianieuwland5965]

I am exactly where you are. Did you stick it out ?

Have you tried roacutane ? Have been dealing with hormonal acne too and cannot seem to find any solution either :(

[@RosaSukkerspinn9]

Have you been on accutane? I know a lot of people say that it didn't help with their hormonal acne, but just wondering.

[@stef8517]

As someone with pcos and hormonal acne accutane did absolutely nothing. In fact i wish i never took it

[@tubbsthebigcat]

It’s actually an insane improvement for just 6 weeks! You’re probably very impatient which I totally understand. However the side effects are very meh.

[@tubbsthebigcat]

I’ll also add that male hormones tone your muscles up and kill fat! As someone with lean PCOS I’ve always been pretty toned and don’t really wanna lose that. Alopecia, excess hair and other masculine features are so annoying… which there was a magic pill without side effects

[@paigelorraine]

How have the meds been working for you

[@MelissaMerk]

I have an update video on my channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5rFomluf9eknsU&lc=UgybQssVN5akGYcp-F14AaABAg

[@celesterizza519]

Have you worked with a naturopath?

[@24AVR]

Tretinoin cream .25% the ONLY thing that’s ever helped me w acne

[@Brenda-vx2gj]

Please make more videos about PCOs

[@celesterizza519]

Reminds me of going on birth control and suddenly covered in spider veins at 18 years old :((

[@reemasam9212]

Shave before your laser session and dont shave until your net session ... good luck 💚

[@norasilva1164]

What about accutane?

[@burninsage22]

Not a suggestion just a question 🙈 ((please don’t kill meh lol)) have you heard of Dr. Weston Childs on KZbin/tested your testosterone? I think he treats with zinc and selenium. I’m just starting. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@idontfituragendany-odessa3658]

🤗🤗🤗🫂🫂🫂 hugs girl!

[@laurengareau7526]

If anyone has found anything that works for pcos acne pls help a girl out

[@purehuntress5477]

I’m on lupron with add back therapy and surprisingly it’s working?! My estrogen was so high and it’s getting rid of my hirsutism after a couple months already! I really don’t want to remove my ovaries tho I don’t have kids yet but I’m hoping it helps me feel better and have more energy consistently

[@yuliyatrohimets9576]

hi, dear Melissa from Ukraine, have you tried peptide serum for eyebrows and eyelashes from The ordinary, what products from this brand help you with acne, I like their glycolic 7% toner and peeling with ANA, BNA acids.

[@manfredbismark6688]

You are beautiful! Rudi.

[@glorial2825]

Have you tried visiting a TCM doctor? They can tailor the herbs to your own needs. 💚

[@fitandhealthyrocks1992]

You haven’t been on it long enough.