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)

More Spironolactone For Acne Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (2)

More Spironolactone For Acne Questions

Should I continue taking Spironolactone?

Can years of spironolactone cause sagging and or dehydrated skin? Can you it ruin your skin's barrier function?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS