Side effects of spironolactone - for hair loss

[Karen154]

Hi everyone, my dermatologistis prescribed 50ml of spironolactone for hair loss after I begged him. Just reading the side effects which states hair loss! My scalp is awful so can't loose more hair.

I was wondering if any women have experienced hair loss with this drug and is it any good for female pattern baldness?

My testosterone and female hormones are all normal and don't have polycystic ovaries but I have low iron levels and the hair loss from my scalp looks similar to female pattern hair loss. Although the dermatologistis felt it could iron related which isn't his field. Will write another post on iron.

So just wanted to give it a go.

Be grateful if anyone would like to share their experiences of this drug.

[Karen154]

Thanks for the information I'll my Gp to monitor it. X

[Petalrugbaba]

Hi Karen. I am taking Spironolactone after my consultant says he has had good results with his patients. I have hormone related androgenic alopecia. I have been taking Spironolactone for about 9 months. Started on 25 mg up to 100 mg per day. The recommended dose for hairloss is 100 - 200 mg per day. I have noticed decreased hair loss but no increased growth of note. I didn’t suffer hair loss with the drug but some women experience an increased shed when they start the drug. This is usually temporary.

The drug is potassium sparing so you have to have your levels checked regularly because this can be dangerous if levels go too high. I no longer eat many bananas and avocados.

The drug is also a duretic so I found that a bit annoying but not a real problem. You have to make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. It also may lower your blood pressure a bit.

It has a nice effect on skin. I noticed that.

It may be worth a try but only you can make that decision. Try at a low dose and work your way up.

I have lowered my dose to 50 mg per day because I am comfortable on that . I take it in the morning so don’t have to get up for a wee during the night.

I am 67 yrs so hair growth is a problem anyway especially if you have an under active thyroid as I do. You are clearly younger so will probably have fewer problems. You are right to sort out your iron too as this has an effect on hair loss and growth.

Some women thrive on Spironolactone so give it a go and stick with it to give it a chance. Hope this helps and good luck😊

[Karen154 in reply to Petalrugbaba]

Thank you so much for your reply. Xx

[Karen154 in reply to Karen154]

I read that spironolacte used with minoxidil has good results to thicken and encourages hair growth. Minoxidil didn't work for me but I may give it another go. Xxx

[Petalrugbaba in reply to Karen154]

Yes I believe so. I tried minoxidil but it made my eyes puffy and gave me migraines so had to abandon it. Still I believe it helps many especially when combined with Spiro. If you can tolerate it then go for it.

Do get your iron levels sorted tho as that may be the source of your problems with thinning hair. 😊