Use of Spironolactone in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Adult Women: An Integrative Review

October 2025 in “ Saúde (Santa Maria) ”

Edilene Gadelha de Oliveira, Amanda Rodrigues Fernandes Silva, Stephany Osterno Silva Feitoza, Malena Gadelha Cavalcante

spironolactone antiandrogenic treatment acne vulgaris antimicrobials microbial resistance

TLDR Spironolactone is an effective and safe treatment for acne in adult women.

This integrative review discusses the use of spironolactone as an off-label antiandrogenic treatment for acne in adult women. The review highlights that spironolactone, typically used for congestive heart failure, is an effective and safe alternative for treating acne vulgaris in adult women. It presents fewer adverse reactions compared to commonly used treatments like antimicrobials, which carry the risk of microbial resistance. The review is based on scientific articles from databases such as BVS, PUBMED, and ScieLO.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee

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Oral spironolactone's effectiveness for adult female acne is not well-supported by strong evidence.

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Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

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community Are any of you using topical spironolactone ?

in Treatment 4 upvotes 7 months ago

The user is using topical dutasteride, minoxidil, and spironolactone for hair loss, with positive results after adding spironolactone. Another user takes oral spironolactone, dutasteride, and finasteride, noting decreased libido but no major side effects.

community Hair Remedies that Don't Work for Anybody Seeking Hair Regrowth

in Treatment 8 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841. Salon products and supplements generally don't work for hair regrowth unless there's a severe nutritional deficiency, while hormonal treatments like estrogen and spironolactone can be effective.

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 56 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 Is there a topical androgen receptor blocker so we don't have to fuck with the enzyme and destroy our allopregnanolone, but go and hit the end target straight?

in Treatment 44 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses topical androgen receptor blockers for hair loss, mentioning Clascoterone, Pyrilutamide, GT20029, and RU58841. Ketoconazole's effectiveness and application methods are also debated.

community My friend is so terrified of balding, he started microdosing estrogen…

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A person is microdosing estrogen for hair loss after finasteride and dutasteride failed, risking feminizing effects. Alternatives like minoxidil, RU58841, or hair transplants are suggested.

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