My doctor put me on spironolactone to treat me for PCOS, but from what I read it doesn't. Can it? Im 29 yrs old and I was diagnosed with PCOS when I 18 yrs old, but was never treated for it. I just started seeing a new physician and she placed me on spironolactone in February. She said it would help with the PCOS and quite possibly help with the infertility. Well, I already have irregular periods as is, but after taking the meds, my period has been on since the end of February. Its driving me nuts so I stopped taking them in April. My doc said to just let the period run its course. She wants to see me again for an ob/gyn examine, but its still there. I don't know what to do besides switching doctors. Can someone help please?
Can spironolactone be used to treat PCOS?
Question posted by lrsphilly on 8 Aug 2010
Last updated on 1 December 2023 by kismetkiss
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8 Answers
kismetkiss
2 Dec 2023
Yes it can! It's an off-label use, but works in blocking testosterone, I even know some trans women to take it for that purpose (at a higher dose than is usual for PCOS).
I have been on spironolactone for over a decade now to treat PCOS-related acne. I don't tolerate birth control well (severe mood swings) so spiro was the next thing my dermatologist suggested trying, and it worked great for my acne. I also notice less thick facial hair when I'm on it (wasn't a lot to begin with, but I don't get the occassional thick ones like I used to). After starting it my periods became more regular, my skin less oily, and my bra size actually went up by 1 cup size when I first went on it (75mg/day), and another when I recently increased the dose (100mg). I think my face/jaw thinned a little bit as well, though that might just have been related to aging.
For side effects it does make me have to pee more when I first take it, but I haven't had any negative kidney effects. I sometimes get salt cravings, need to drink lots of water, and because my blood pressure is naturally low and spiro lowers it even more I get dizzy spells if I get up from laying down too quickly and in hot tubs. It's still totally worth it to have my skin clearer and not get that deep, painful, cystic acne.
There are some who are concerned that it can cause birth defects (feminization of male foetuses), but there aren't a lot of scientific studies backing this up at the doses usually prescribed, and as long as you stop it early on in the pregnancy it seems to be fine.
I just noticed the date this question was asked... oh well, maybe it'll help someone else. :)
DrDonovan
30 Oct 2020
Spironolactone is an antiandrogen and is commonly used to treat acne, hair loss and hirsutism in women with PCOS. Often it is combined with a birth control tablet.
Jess_26
21 March 2019
I was diagnosed at about 13/14 years old with PCOS and my gyno put me on spironolactone too, which I've been on almost 10 years now. He's quite reputable (one of the best in his field before he retired) and said that the primary use for it was to clear excess fluid, but it had a side-effect of blocking the effect of testosterone in the body. I was put on the pill at the same time so I can't reliable attribute all changes to spironolactone, but now I'm no longer getting facial hair growth like I did (extended sideburns and under the jaw/neck hair), and my arm and leg hair is much thinner and my skin is less problematic.
melissanaman
28 Oct 2018
I was prescribed this, but there was no noticeable change for me. I stopped taking it after 3 months.
DrDonovan
11 Jan 2015
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. This is important for women with PCOS as irregular periods are a key feature of PCOS. Spironolactone when used alone causes irregular periods in up to 80% of women.
The drug must never be used by women trying to get pregnant as it can harm a fetus. In fact, it is not used for fertility issues in women with PCOS. Treatment options for infertility include clomiphene, metformin laparoscopic ovarian drilling, gonadotropins, and assisted reproductive technology.
REFERENCES
1. Comparison of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol plus spironolactone versus cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.
Leelaphiwat et al. Journal
J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2014 Oct 15.
2. Role of the combination spironolactone-norgestimate-estrogen in Hirsute women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Hagag et al.
J Reprod Med. 2014 Sep-Oct;59(9-10):455-63.
Jeff Donovan MD PhD FRCPC FAAD
US & Canadian board-certified Dermatologist
Toronto, Canada
paisley13
4 July 2012
I was diagnosed with PCOS about 10 years ago. I take spironolatone and B/C pills to help with symptoms. I already have kids and I am not looking to get pregnant so I'm not sure about the fertility thing.
sandrahuey
25 May 2011
I've been treated for PCOS for 27 years. The standard treatment is a specific type of birth control, Spironolactone, as well as, Metformin(glucophage) All are used to treat some of the syptoms of pcos each in specific ways. The Spiro is used to lower androgen uptake that causes excess hair growth, and scalp hair loss, and acne. There is no cure per se. If your doctor is knowledgable about pcos-good, however, finding a good Endrocronologist is very benefical. Yes, Spiro often does facilitate pregnancy! However, you DO NOT WANT to get pregnant while on it, as it may cause serious side affects for the baby. Knowledgable doctors who understand PCOS DO NOT prescribe Spiro w/out Birth Control Pills for the affore mentioned reason! Metformin may be a better choice for possibly getting your periods on tract to then conceive as it lowers high insulin levels which is often present with pcos'ers.
Also, good nutrition and fitness can help with insulin levels. I would look for a doctor who understands the use of these three meds for PCOS. Anyway, PCOS issues vary among woman and needs may be sligthly different, so having a doctor who really understands it and what your goal is regarding fertility is so important.
Hope this helps,
Sandra
Birdhappy
8 Aug 2010
Spironolactone, is a dieuretic (sp?). In other words, a fluid pill that helps you to get excess fluid off your body. It has nothing to do with fertilitly one way or the other. The only thing I can think of is that she gave you the Dyazide (the brand name for spironolactone) is because she felt you maybe were retaining fluid because of your PCOS. Have you notice a change in your weight around your period? That is the only thing I am able to think of. If I was you I would look for a new Dr. You didn't say if she was actually a gyn or not. If she is only a family Dr or internist I would definitely see a gyn.,myself. Hope I was of some help.
Carol
lrsphilly
15 Aug 2010
She is a regular doc, but she did try to do a gyn exam but I was bleeding to heavy for her to check. She asked me if I wanted to have kids, I told her yeah, so she told me it would help with the infertility. I kinda felt something didn't sound/feel right so I stopped taking it. She didn't mention anything about being bloated or anything of the sort. My belly is almost always swollen and tends to get bigger when Im in pain. I have a few other problems with her and was really thinking about changing docs. I tell her im in pain because of arthritis and back pains. She told me to lose weight and refuses to give me anything for pain. Thank you so much for your input on this. i really appreciate it! :)
susan_s49
4 Feb 2012
This drug is commonly used as an off-label use for PCOS. It helps reduce the male hormones in the body, causing a better balance. My dermatologist prescribed this to me to assist with adult acne caused by PCOS.
andreawilk
8 Nov 2012
My endocrinologist said I have PCOS. She prescribed spironolactone (twice/day) with finasteride to see if it will help with my hair loss. I am past my child-bearing years. I had an ovarian ablation several years ago because every 35-40 days, my period was very heavy, so I don't have periods any longer.
Related topics
hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, spironolactone, hypertension
Further information
- Spironolactone uses and safety info
- Spironolactone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Spironolactone (detailed)
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