High-Dose Spironolactone for Acne in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Single-Institution Retrospective Study

    August 2019 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Pallavi Basu, Scott A. Elman, Boya Abudu, Ashley Beckles, Prerna Salian, Daniel Yanes, Martina L. Porter, Rachel V. Reynolds
    Image of study
    TLDR Higher doses of spironolactone may improve acne in PCOS patients, but side effects are a concern.
    The retrospective study analyzed the effectiveness of high-dose spironolactone for treating acne in 59 patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at a multidisciplinary clinic. The study found that 41% of patients experienced physician-assessed acne improvement, with those showing improvement taking a significantly higher mean dose of spironolactone (166.1 mg/day) compared to those who did not improve (130.7 mg/day). The mean treatment duration was 408.9 days, and over 85% of patients were also using oral contraceptives and topical treatments. Patients on combination therapy with oral antibiotics had more severe acne at baseline and at the last recorded visit. Adverse effects led to discontinuation in 15.3% of patients. The study suggests that higher doses of spironolactone than typically used may be required for acne improvement in PCOS patients, but it acknowledges limitations such as small size, single-center design, and potential selection bias.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 606 results

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  55 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community I think this is my stop, gentlepeople. So long and thanks for all the data 👋

      in Transgender  2261 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user shared their successful experience with hair regrowth and transitioning from male to female using minoxidil, finasteride, Nutrafol, microneedling, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They expressed gratitude for the results and encouraged others to explore treatments that align with their personal goals.

      community For the ladies: Spironolactone for FPHL

      in Female  13 upvotes 9 years ago
      A 34 year old female with androgenic alopecia who has tried treatments such as Spironolactone, Desogen, Minoxidil and Finasteride in order to address her hair loss. It also details the experiences of other women taking Spironolactone for Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL).

      community 5mg oral minoxidil + 100mg Spironolactone

      in Progress Pictures  9 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user shared progress pictures using 5mg oral minoxidil and 100mg spironolactone, noting increased body hair and faster nail growth. Another user humorously suggested a new sub for people with similar experiences.

      community My boy Saul Goodman was on Minoxidil tabs too

      in Satire  1915 upvotes 1 year ago
      Saul Goodman was humorously depicted using high doses of minoxidil, finasteride, and spironolactone for hair loss. The conversation jokes about the unrealistic dosages and their potential side effects.

      community Female Hair Loss, Is there anything else I should be doing?

       11 upvotes 11 years ago
      A 20-year old female experiencing hair loss, who has had normal blood tests and is currently using minoxidil as recommended by her doctor. She is asking if there are any other treatments she should consider.

    Related Research

    4 / 4 results