Should I be taking Spironolactone everyday or just a few days before my next period to treat adult female acne?

Question

I have a prescription from my dermatologist for Spironolactone that says on the label to take a few days before each period, but I'm not sure if this makes sense. Reviews of the drug say it is usually prescribed for everyday dosage.

Allison Readinger, MD · Answer

This treatment, althougth not the most common regimen, does make sense.  Since spironolactone is used to treat hormonal flares of acne, and these flares are most likely to occur right before or during your period, using it at this time does make sense.  For people with more moderate to severe acne, daily dosing might be needed, but if your acne is mild or your only get one or two right around your period, this could make sense.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

This medication is best used to decrease the testosterone signal to your sebaceous glands.  It does not act on the menstrual cycle specifically, so is best taken daily to keep the levels even.  Spironolactone can be very helpful for women to help control acne, so most of my patients are very happy with the results when they use it consistently.  Once in awhile, I have patients take a little more the week or two before a period, but a low daily dose is often just enough to help.  Good luck!

Should I be taking Spironolactone everyday or just a few days before my next period to treat adult female acne?

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