The Science behind Spironolactone | Dr Davin Lim

Big thankyou to my colleague, Eshini, for helping me out with this video!
Find her on instagram - @dr.esh.perera
What is the science behind spironolactone?
Spironolactone is an anti-male hormone (anti-androgen) medication. It blocks the male hormone receptor and reduces the level of the male hormones, testosterone and DHEAS. This tablet was first used as a diuretic (“fluid tablet”) effect and increases urine production. This medication lowers blood pressure and reduces fluid retention.
Spironolactone is an oral medication & not a cream because androgens (the target for spironolactone) is found circulating in the bloodstream.
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What skin conditions can be treated with spironolactone?
Hormonal acne: It’s the impact spironolactone has on the hormones that give it its acne fighting reputation. That’s because it blocks the effect that androgens have on oil glands. This medication is an alternative to Accutane or Oratane.
Hair loss in women: Due to its impact on hormone regulation, the drug has recently been prescribed for women experiencing hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia.
Excessive unwanted hair: On the other hand excessive hair known as hirsutism, commonly seen in PCOS can be treated with spironolactone.
Oily skin: can also be effectively treated with this medication. Most patients only require a very small dose of between 50 to 75 mg.
To see if you are a good candidate for this medication, book in with one of the medical dermatologists @cutis_dermatology.
*Disclaimer: I am a procedural dermatologist, I do not treat medical conditions such as hair loss, acne or other conditions that require prescriptions/tablets.

[@dianesanford1290]

My dermatologist prescribed this medication for me and it has been unbelievable! Cleared my painful acne that I could not get rid of around my chin. My face has been totally clear for 2 years now. Best medication!

[@beautyishername2023]

Hello, are u still taking it? Asking because sometimes when medications are stopped, the problem may come back. Thanks

[@stu.dent-ASMR]

Can I ask your dose?! I’ve been on spiro for 3 years and barely a change I’ve seen!

[@emilyx2043]

Are you still taking it? X

[@lavenderbex]

Any side effects?

[@stu.dent-ASMR]

@@lavenderbex the worst side effect (and I mean horrendous for me) is that it’s a diuretic and it makes your urine production intensely increase. Which can also be a good side effect, bc you have ZERO bloating whatsoever. But the amount of times I pee in a day makes it really hard to work, travel or even sit in my classes for the full hr. I’m constantly peeing. When I travel I have to go off of it bc that’s how much of an inconvenience it is- I would say every 30 minutes I have to pee. Sometimes I can stretch it to an hr. Everyone is different and maybe some aren’t affected in the same way- but for me this is my only and absolutely worst side effect 😩

[@justsayin397]

The best treatment for cystic acne for females, Accutane not as good as Spiroloctane … nothing worked for me long term until I tried Spiroloctane. 100 mg a day for years .. no side effects apart from beautiful skin

[@justsayin397]

@@AH--173 I noticed the texture of my skin change within a week. It was less oily. I stopped getting any spots after 3 months. Not one spot for the whole time I was on Spiro and I had no side effects at all……

[@justsayin397]

@@AH--173 I was on it for about 10 years and I was in my early forties by then so I wanted to see if I had grown out of acne . So when I stopped I didn’t get any spots like I used to but my skin was not as glowy when I came off it. It can only be prescribed in the uk by a dermatologist and as my skin was more or less fine by then I didn’t go back in it. If I had any problems again I would go straight back on it.

[@justsayin397]

@@AH--173 the best of luck to you I hope you have a good derm who listens and understands. uncooperative skin can really eat away at your self esteem. You don’t have to put up with it 👍

[@Farhad-jr5pj]

It is safe for men??

[@ellamaria354]

@@justsayin397what do you think about cancer from it?

[@weighttrain1965]

I have a dental patient, 20-ish college student taking spironolactone. Her mouth is extremely dry and she has multiple areas of gum line decalcification. I think this is from increased water loss. My fear is she will experience rampant root surface decay which can lead to tooth loss

[@MChristina]

can this be fixed with increased water intake?

[@shannonnero]

Spiro really improved my skin in my 20s unfortunately I had to stop taking it completely because it really exacerbated my anxiety and I started having panic attacks. I was so sad about it because I didn’t really get to enjoy having the clearest skin for the first time because my mental state was so bad at the time. It stayed clear for a little bit but the acne returned unfortunately, not as bad though :( Another side effect which is common was no matter how much water I drank I was always so thirsty and had to pee all the time - that was annoying 😅 The good thing though is it leaves your system fast and is safe to take long term so it’s worth a shot before you have to consider something stronger like accutane.

[@marissagurney5285]

I take this because I have PCOS but I’ve had a pulmonary embolism and therefore can’t be on the Pill anymore. This is the first time in three years that my face has not been a total oil slick, and I can actually wear make up.

[@mcadamson]

Have you gain weight from it?

[@Skihelenb]

Thank you for sharing this information! I hope more people learn about and find Spironolactone! I suffered with horrific acne until I started my Spironolactone journey. I started with 25mg and the dose was increased every three months until I reached the 150 mark. At 150mg my period came every other week 😢 so after speaking with my Derm we reduced the dose down to 125mg and all is well. I am so grateful for this medication and for your channel! Thank you!

[@arielugalde9793]

Hey im starting it , does the brand matter ?

[@lemenik]

Great content as usual!! Thank you so much!!

[@emgbluedelta5628]

Can you make a video talking more about treatments for hairloss? Scarring alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia etc…TIA!

[@lexi6115]

I was on this with birth control and still had extremely heavy bleeding. Changed my birth control from COC to one with drosperinone and now on my second month I’m extremely heavy bleeding again. Could this mean my acne isn’t hormonal or something else is going on?

[@user-mb9jx5tx9y]

I’d never go on this medication again. Worst headaches everrrr. Not even accutane gave me this symptom

[@fannyasilberman7373]

Thank you for your video on this! Do you breakout more than usual in the first month when you first start spironolactone? Or just slowly better each month?

[@universe25.x]

It doesn’t help me 😢😢😢

[@sooopeachie]

Male and female patients can use Wenlevi, a topical version of spironolactone that works very well for acne without those awful side effects.

[@NedouxSews]

Brilliant information, Thank you so much!

[@dakotahallen654]

The period thing is SOOOO annoying Every two weeks

[@da4441]

Should post menopausal women use Spironolactone for hair loss? Or should they use Dutasteride or Finasteride for post menopausal women with female pattern hair loss?

[@poojadhanure2399]

Hello dr pooja here i m from india Facing acne from last 8 years dr suggested me to take aldactone 100 mg i m taking it from last 2 months but it is making me extremely tired fatigue feeling dizzy fainting etc my weight has been reduced by 4 kg .. but acne has been reduced so well this is the only tablet that have worked for me . I really want to continue the medicine but sideeffects are bothering me so much what should i do now plz help me out?

[@Nathaniel-Heavyfoot]

Nothing helps the people who actually have serious acne issues.

[@jalyngraham6090]

If someone had low-normal kidney function would this medication potentially be appropriate?

[@afsheen4952]

Much needed video, Dr. Lim now when I'm dealing with hormonal acne and hair loss in my late 30s from the last 3 years. Wish you and Dr. Eshini were based in Sydney 🙁

[@Chris-xf6mc]

Hello sir can you make video on grey hair causes in treatment in early age like in mid 20s. Like for me i have got lots of grey hair on head and beard too. Nobody in my family got grey hair in so early age . I have never used any gels dyes on hair . Please make a video on this topic

[@Chris-xf6mc]

Hello sir can you make video on grey hair causes in treatment in early age . Like for me i have got lots of grey hair on head and beard too. Nobody in my family got grey hair in so early age . I have never used any gels dyes on hair . Please make a video on this topic

[@memoonasaeed4408]

If someone has normal lab results of serum testosterone and start taking it for acne, will it lower the values of testosterone on lab results too?

[@przemkowaliszewski3290]

No. Spironolactone inhibits in a non-specfic way androgen receptors. By doing this, Spironolactone inhibits influence of Testosteron and its active metabolite, DHT.

[@keving690]

Since this affects male hormones, does this have any sexual side effects?

[@Da-uo6xu]

Not sure if it’s too late…..but it lowers testosterone levels. It’s actually used by transgenders as a T blocker.

[@da4441]

Is dry mouth a possible side effect of spironolactone?

[@salma_techie]

why is my comment deleted thou?

[@raddgreat01]

What is medicine tablet for men with 36yrs old acne ?

[@jenm1948]

Hi Doctors stumbled in your youtube, new subbie here.Thankful for your video especially from medical professionals view. I’ve been on Spiro for about 4 years now due to my hormonal type cystic acne and to control my mild hypertension. My question is can I stay with it for lifetime as it also controls my BP? Is/are there any long term study/ies about usage of Spiro in regards to cancer? I have strong family history of breast and other type of cancer in the family. Thanks in advance.

[@KiranKumarBokkesam]

Wow she's gorgeous ❤

[@katielouise2855]

has anyone ever had kidney stones on this medication? It helps me so much but i was getting reoccurring stones so I came off it but now my acne is coming back :(

[@markczarny7088]

Causes hyperkalemi for mr very dangerous been hospitalised on 25 mg

[@maryhoover4176]

My Dr gave me Spironolactone for ovarian cysts. I didn't hear you mention that. Would that be right?

[@mcadamson]

Have you gained weight?

[@manpreetghuman6160]

Can we use aldecton and isotretoin together

[@dennisguilder1]

How about a video on topical sirolimus for kprf

[@samarae]

Also is it safe to take this medicine while on glutathione drip and oral?

[@arsal09]

well i as a male have been using small dose (25mg) spirono for mild heart failure due to valve disease... i now have man boobs !

[@mariama2970]

🤭🤣

[@labombaqueen5654]

is there any available for men?

[@anithavuttaradi5628]

My daughter has very less chest and has hair loss and some time acne more andeven has irregular periods also Can i give Spirinolactone to her She is 25years suggest me

[@samarae]

Can i get pregnant while on this medication?

[@ellieabel1543]

No you shouldn’t. It can potentially cause birth defects

[@thoidamliunewmai7916]

Can spironolactone worsen malasma???

[@seunshaw5107]

What’s the best brand of spironolactone to use?

[@maureenbaker7516]

It is prescribed by your doctor

[@bacsilaser]

Please check PCOS in women with hocmonal acne

[@yogaqueen515]

Struggling with monthly hormonal painful acne with puss which appearing on a chin mostly and my scalp gets so oily during ovulation and luteral phases. I have a sensitive skin , fiancea 15% for three months did nothing and the gel still burning the skin . I switched to Differin + benzoyl peroxide treatment again atm. Tempting to go get prescribed spironolactone. Will it reduce the oiliness of the scalp? 🙏 thank u

[@Tennababy]

Spiron affects excessive oil production yes

[@spensiv_gta2841]

Is this med good for teenagers?

[@ericarona8599]

Cancel ❌ Spiro can cause midsection weight gain and it's tough to get rid of.

[@jicalzad]

Spirinolactone safe for an 18-yr old?

[@przemkowaliszewski3290]

Yes. If kidneys have a normal function, nothing bad ought to happen

[@Fboy2284]

New subscriber ❤

[@Farhad-jr5pj]

It is safe for men?

[@lashaniquep7746]

No

[@Mohammedmed7]

New Subscriber.

[@wildlifepk]

This medicine is worst, I took this for 3 months but had to stop cause it was causing severe breast pain and weight gain, when I stopped taking this my periods didn't came it's been 3 months now, I have PCOS but my periods were normal only had issue of hirsutism.

[@islamic3409]

Can taking collagen supplements prevent deep acne scarring like ice pick scars? What can be applied to a fresh new ice pick scar to increase collagen in that area?

[@da4441]

Too much collagen response can cause a scar.

[@WhiteVaille]

Meanwhile, me on 300mg/day. 😳

[@WhiteVaille]

(the joke is that I'm a trans woman in the US, thus taking spiro specifically for its off-label anti-androgenic effects, lol. god, though, i wish we'd stop using spiro for this. supposedly GnRH agonists are much better suited, but far more expensive.)

[@universe25.x]

I’ve been taking spironolactone for 8 months already(50mg) then 100mg and I still break out like crazy :(

[@Chris-xf6mc]

Hello sir can you make video on grey hair causes in treatment in early age like in mid 20s. Like for me i have got lots of grey hair on head and beard too. Nobody in my family got grey hair in so early age . I have never used any gels dyes on hair . Please make a video on this topic

[@da4441]

Premature gray hair is genetic. It can skip a generation. Maybe one of your grandparents had it? I got premature white hair in late teens snd 20's. Parents and siblings did not. But fraternal grandmother had premature white hair.