TLDR Spironolactone is effective and safe for treating hair loss, excessive hair growth, and acne.
The review highlights spironolactone's antiandrogenic properties, making it effective for treating dermatological conditions like androgenic alopecia, hirsutism, and acne by inhibiting peripheral androgen receptors and enzymes such as 5α-reductase, 17α-hydroxylase, and 17,20-lyase. The study utilized 33 relevant references from 46 sources, including books and scientific articles. Spironolactone is deemed safe and effective, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs, but attention must be given to its adverse effects and contraindications.
Hormonal treatments can help with hair loss, acne, and excess hair growth, but it takes 3-6 months to see results and patients should know the possible side effects.
101 citations,
January 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Spironolactone is effective for treating acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia in women with few side effects.
22 citations,
March 2000 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Many treatments for hair loss lack proper testing and FDA approval, so their effectiveness is uncertain.
1514 citations,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
54 citations,
August 2017 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Lifestyle changes and weight loss are key for treating PCOS-related metabolic issues and infertility, with various medications available for specific symptoms.
1 citations,
October 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks” Antiandrogens can treat female hormonal conditions, but environmental ones may harm reproductive health.
