Spironolactone for hormonal acne

Spironolactone for hormonal acne?

The development of hormonal irregularities in the menstrual cycle may be a factor that increase androgen productivity, resulting in acne breakouts.

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The modalities used most in hormonal acne treatment are oral contraceptives and antiandrogens (spironolactone ).

Spironolactone is a medication used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Recently it has been used to treat acne and excess hair growth in women.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that a drug combination can help women with severe acne. Researchers gave a group of 27 women the combination of spironolactone (a diuretic) and oral contraceptive Yasmin, and the results are fantastic: At the end of the study, 11 percent of women were entirely clear of acne lesions, 74 percent had excellent improvement, 7.4 percent had mild improvement, and 7.4 percent had no change. All in all, 85% of women saw marked improvement in their complexions.

Spironolactone, a synthetic steroid, is an anti-androgen that binds to the body's androgen receptors, thus blocking the androgens from binding to the cell receptors, inhibits 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity and reduces androgen biosynthesis.

The result is a reduction in oil production and facial hair growth, and the improvement of acne and excessive hair growth.

The optimal dose of spironolactone varies in different individuals and may require some adjustment. The benefits are usually apparent in two to three months, but frequently within one month. This drug has been used for over 25 years and has proven quite safe and is generally well tolerated.

Serious side effects with spironolactone are extremely rare. The most common side effect is irregularity of menstrual cycles, but if the patient is taking birth control pills, this should cause minimal problems, Dr. Shaw said.

In addition to clearing acne, spironolactone treats premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and acts as a diuretic, which may counter some of the weight gain typical of birth control pills.