In Reply to: Re: Acne and hair growth under the chin. posted by Ellen on August 03, 2000 at 08:20:49:

: With any drug, including spironolactone, the results and side effects will be individual. Some take a large dose, 200 mg and some only take 50 or 75 mg
: to achieve the results they desire, in time. I am taking 100 mg daily in conjunction with Diane-35, also an antiandrogen combating birth control.
: The effect on my hair is not that noticeable. I might shed less when I wash my hair. But not that noticeable since I did not have hair loss problem to begin with.
: But I do have abundant under arm hair, dark and coarse and I am convinced it is an effect of androgenation. I am now 21 years old, and have come to realize
: that I do have a hormonal imbalance.

: I had severe nodule-like, painful cystic acne since I started using oily makeup when I was 17 years old. Now I use oil free powder and salicylic acid concealer
: that has no oil in it what so ever. It dried out my skin like mad and I obssessed over it. But, if you have acne, this is a GREAT thing. I know it seems like "dry" skin, when in
: actuality, your skin is just exfoliating. Exfoliating is the best thing to be done when you have acne-prone skin. When the skin keeps shedding and sloughing those layers off,
: your skin will in time look better and get congested less.

: Since acne is made worse in women who really are not masculine, it can be attributed to other side factors as well. Such as iodine contained diet, oil-based makeup, or just makeup in general,
: sensitive skin, excessive scrubbing and irritation. Many women complain spironolactone is no use to them... well then, an endocrinologist may help you determine this fast, before you keep on with a drug
: that may have other side effects you find unpleasant.

: Some helpful hints to teenagers with acne:

: Don't overwash your face. Just once in morning and once before bed is great.
: Don't use epsom salt or any mechanical stress that causes exfoliation like facial scrub everyday.
: Be kind to your skin.

: When you shed and slough, scream "Yes!" This is a good thing. The theory is, when you keep shedding, you will have less acne.
: So, use in conjunction with your acne oral medications, glycolic based cleansers so you can exfoliate whenever you wash twice a day.

: For oily skin, do not use lotion, even if you are flaking. This will block and clog skin. Instead, exfoliate with glycolic based acne medication made by MDforte.

I have been diagnosed with PCOS about a year ago I am currently on orthotricyclen.
I will be starting the Spironolactone tomorrow. I have been dealing with excess hair
for five years.It is so difficult living like this,I had a real hard time even getting anyone
to figure out what was wrong with me.I just hope that I will finally be taking something
that works I'm so tired of living like this.I't does become very depressing after awhile,it
is just nice to be able to read other stories about other people with the same problem
at least now I do not feel so alone.. Thank You Angie