Aldactone and Weight Gain? 39 year old female

Question

I've been taking 50mg for over a year, finally have skin I love (and great hair) but noticed a thickening around my waist and my breasts feel increasingly tender and heavy. I've cleaned up my eating and cut out sweets and dessert but can't seem to lose the 10lbs I gained since starting it. Can I go down to 25mg daily and still get skin benefits ? Any alternative to Aldactone that doesn't cause weight gain?

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

While it is certainly worth a shot, lowering to 25mg daily is likely not going to help with the acne. Are you also on a birth control pill? They can cause weight gain too. Incidentally- if you are sexually active and are capable of child bearing then you should be on a birth control pill while on Spironolactone because of the risk of birth defects.

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Weight gain and breast tenderness are two of the most common side effects of Spironolactone, I suggest you follow up with your board certified Dermatologist to discuss decreasing the dose of your spironolactone if possible or consider switching the anti-androgen drug that you are using.  Other options include oral contraceptives and cyproterone acetate.  Interestingly cyproterone acetate is included in some oral contraceptives so a discussion with your OB/GYN may be worthwhile as well.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

Aldactone and Weight Gain? 39 year old female

Answers (2)