My niece was told about Spironolactone for her PCOS, but her mother who is in the medical field told her that it can cause infertility. Since she will be getting married in a few weeks and will eventually want children this was not a risk she is willing to take. Gyn sent her to a nutritionist to be put on a diet for PCOS- so far her skin is fine and so is her weight ,which is a problem we have in our family. I have been on Spironolactone for several years for high blood pressure and facial hair. It did not get rid of the facial hair but has cleared up my adult acne. However I notice my beautiful head of hair is getting thinner and lose quite bit in the shower. I get depressed about the hair and especially weight.Since on Spironolactone, I gained weight steadily (from 200 to 245 lbs) in just a few short years even though I've tried to eat healthy and exercise. Was put on MethlyPrednisolone for tendonitis in the ankle and gained 15 lbs in one week to 260 lbs..I'm wondering what these two drugs have done to me and others. I just can't seem to take off the weight and I don't want my niece and daughters to suffer the same problems. Is the infertility and weight gain reversible after going off the drugs?
Does Spironolactone cause permanent infertility and weight gain?
Question posted by sickofitII on 12 April 2015
Last updated on 5 January 2019
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Answers
My wife has been taking Spironolactone for 2 years... she has pcos(she also was taking birth control and metformin) she has to flush her system because of overload of hormones. She just decided to stop taking them(because we want to have kids) and her and I noticed she is really over bloated in her stomach area. We will be taking a more natural/holistic approach... these crap pills over complicate that stuff and no matter how good technology is our bodies aren’t meant for these pills that can be used for a 1 in 2 or 1 in 3. The logic is ridiculous. I’ve recommended her to take a more holistic/natural approach because these pills have only caused havoc. And now she feels the side effects... I recommend All of you to stop taking these pills. I will post an article about things you can do for immediate relief of bloating. I will also keep y’all updated on wife’s condition for all the concerns people have due to not taking these pills. Weight gain, acne, etc., I hope this comment helps.
Was she able to lose the quickly after coming of Cipro?
In general terms, spironolactone does not cause permanent infertility. However, it must never be used by women who are trying to conceive and must never ever be used during pregnancy. The drug can block hormones in a developing baby.
Spironolactone is used by women for many off label indications including acne, hair loss and increased hair on the face. It is used for other reasons too.
Many women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) use spironolactone as well for acne, hair growth on the face and hair loss. The PCOS condition itself can sometimes be associated with fertility problems so anyone with PCOS should speak to their doctor about these issues.
Once spironolactone is stopped, many women can become pregnant. There is no long term effect on fertility once spironolactone is stopped. However, as mentioned above women with PCOS will continue to have fertility issues.
Weight gain is reported by some women but so is weight loss. So the exact incidence and frequency is not clear. Breast enlargement does occur in some women.
methylprednisolone is a completely different medicine. Prednisone and closely related medications are well know to cause weight gain as well as other side effects.
Related topics
weight loss (obesity/overweight), polycystic ovary syndrome, spironolactone, weight, infertility, medical
Further information
- Spironolactone uses and safety info
- Spironolactone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Spironolactone (detailed)
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