33F, does Spironolactone deplete collagen?

Spironolactone is a medication primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It also has uses in treating high blood pressure, excess aldosterone production, and certain hormonal conditions like acne or hirsutism.
The potential for spironolactone to deplete collagen is not well-studied or clearly established in the medical literature. The study you're referring to likely focused on the drug's ability to manage fibrosis (excessive fibrous connective tissue) in heart disease, which involves collagen but is not the same as depleting collagen throughout the body.
The joint pain and cracking you're experiencing could be due to a variety of reasons, and it's difficult to say whether it's related to your spironolactone use without further investigation. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can evaluate you further and consider other potential causes.