What is spironolactone for PCOS?
Spironolactone is often prescribed for young women with PCOS who are taking oral contraceptive pills and who are “hirsute” (have extra hair in unwanted places). How does Spironolactone work? Spironolactone, the generic name for Aldactone®, works by lowering androgen levels in the body.
What is spironolactone used to treat?
Spironolactone is commonly used to treat many of the symptoms associated with PCOS such as acne, hair loss and increased hair on the face. It is a very well known medication for PCOS. Usually it is combined with an oral contraceptive in order to help with regular menstrual cycles.
How effective is spironolactone for hirsutism and acne?
While Spironolactone has been proven to be effective – over time – in combating both hirsutism (excess hair growth) and acne in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS ), it is also important to consider the potential side effects this drug may cause in your body.
Does spironolactone affect lipoprotein profile and glucose metabolism?
Furthermore, our data show that long-term treatment with spironolactone exerts no negative effects on lipoprotein profile and glucose metabolism; more relevant beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism were observed when the antiandrogen was associated with weight loss in overweight PCOS women. Adolescent Adult
How much spironolactone can I take for PCOS?
The starting dose for the treatment of hirsutism is 50 mg twice per day. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose, depending on your symptoms, up to 100 mg twice per day (Goodman, 2015).
Does spironolactone help lose weight with PCOS?
Suppressive therapies dial down the overproduction of male hormones that lead to the symptoms. Both birth control pills and anti-androgens like spironolactone (usually prescribed to reduce blood pressure) tend to lead to weight loss, which is a very appealing side effect, Dr.
Why is spironolactone given for PCOS?
As an antiandrogen, spironolactone can block the effects of androgens and help treat some of the symptoms of PCOS. For example, one study found that spironolactone helped to reduce the growth of facial hair in women with hirsutism caused by PCOS.
How long do you take spironolactone for PCOS?
Most young women taking spironolactone medication will see positive results; however, it can take up to 6 months to see an improvement in .
Can spironolactone burn belly fat?
Spironolactone for weight loss occurs by causing the elimination of water from the body, reducing scale weight, but it does not cause fat loss directly. Losing body water is not the same as losing body fat. You may become less bloated using a diuretic, but the weight will return once body fluid levels return to normal.
What is a major side effect of spironolactone?
Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: stomach pain, confusion, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, or weakness or heaviness of the legs.
Is metformin or spironolactone better for PCOS?
Both drugs alone are effective in the management of PCOS, and spironolactone could be better for the management of hirsutism, menstrual cycle issues, and hormonal perturbations [17], but the combination of the two drugs could result in even better outcomes in women with PCOS [16].
Can spironolactone cause weight gain?
If you have kidney problems with spironolactone, this could also lead to fluid retention that can cause weight gain. If you have weight gain with spironolactone, talk with your doctor. They can check to see if the medication or something else is causing your weight gain.
Can spironolactone make your hair grow?
Spironolactone slows down the production of androgens. These are male sex hormones, including testosterone. Reduced production of androgens can slow down the progression of hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. It can also encourage hair to regrow.
Does spironolactone make you look more feminine?
More pronounced female characteristics (males) Spironolactone can lower testosterone production throughout the body. This can cause males to develop feminine characteristics, like breast growth and hair loss.
Why does spironolactone mess up your period?
Spironolactone, (also called Aldactone, causes irregular periods in about three quarters or more of users. The drug reduces production of steroids in the adrenal gland as well as the ovaries. It also suppresses GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) in the pituitary.
Does spironolactone regulate periods?
Spironolactone can make your period cycle (menstruation) irregular. You may notice your periods may stop altogether or that you have spot bleeding in between normal periods. Spironolactone can cause breast changes that are benign in nature. Enlargement (gynaecomastia) or swelling or tenderness of the breasts can occur.
Can spironolactone help you lose weight?
Does spironolactone (Aldactone) cause weight loss? Spironolactone (Aldactone) is not a weight loss medication. Because it's a diuretic (water pill), it causes you to urinate more to get rid of extra fluid in your body. This can cause weight loss, but this is water weight and not fat loss.
How can I lose weight with PCOS?
How to Lose Weight With PCOS: 13 Helpful TipsReduce Your Carb Intake. Lowering your carb consumption may help manage PCOS due to carbs' impact on insulin levels. ... Get Plenty of Fiber. ... Eat Enough Protein. ... Eat Healthy Fats. ... Eat Fermented Foods. ... Practice Mindful Eating. ... Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars. ... Reduce Inflammation.More items...•
Can metformin and spironolactone help me lose weight?
Conclusion: Spironolactone and metformin had similar effect in reducing the glucose levels in PCOS patients with AGT. PCOS patients with normal glucose tolerance had higher fasting plasma glucose at the end of 6 months of metformin therapy inspite of weight reduction.
Does spironolactone make you look more feminine?
More pronounced female characteristics (males) Spironolactone can lower testosterone production throughout the body. This can cause males to develop feminine characteristics, like breast growth and hair loss.