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  Re: Spironolactone to treat excess hormone levels that cause acne

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Posted by amyh on June 04, 1999 at 18:03:03:

In Reply to: Spironolactone to treat excess hormone levels that cause acne posted by Angela on March 09, 1999 at 20:34:49:

I've been using spironolactone (75mg/day) for the past 5 months and am extremely satisfied
with the results. I've had cystic acne for 10 years and have been on Accutane three times.
When the acne started coming back a year and a half after the last Accutane treatment, I was
pretty desperate and started searching the internet, where I first heard about Spironolactone. My
dermatologist knew about it, but surprisingly, never suggested it to me (actually, I'm the first
patient he's prescribed it to). He was very relunctant to give it to me because of possible
negative side affects, which I have had some of, including a bad fainting spell after getting
dehydrated on the plane. Also, I constantly crave salty foods, but I try to drink a lot of water.
Since being on Spiro, I've also noticed that my mood swings have improved, but my doctor isn't
sure if that's a direct effect of the Spiro.

I'm also taking ortho tricyclen, which I started a year before the Spironolactone.

Right now, I might get one or two blackheads during my period, but they're so small as to be
unnoticeable. The rest of the time, I've been completely clear, especially the last two months.
I wish I'd gone on this drug earlier, because my life would have been completely different. I am
concerned, however, about the long term effects of this drug, especially whether it will continue
to be effective in curing my acne. If anyone has experience, I would appreciate your input.

Also, in case this info is of help to anyone, I had my hormone levels tested a few years ago and
nothing abnormal was detected. Yet, the Spiro has been very effective when nothing else,
including oral and topical antibiotics, birth control pills, Accutane, and glycolic peels, has been.



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