Does spironactone cause your periods to be real heavy?

Question

My dermatologist prescribed spironolactone for my acne. I just started my period and it is very very heavy, more than normal. Is that a side affect from the medication?

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

Spironolactone can cause heavier periods.  This is likely what is going on, especially if you've never had this problem before.  Make sure to avoid getting pregnant while on this medication which can feminize a male baby (due to its anti-male hormone effects).  Be well!

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Spironolactone is an anti-androgenic (male hormone) medication, which can certainly be used to treat acne. However, this may come at a price. Spironolactone can cause irregular periods including heavier and longer than normal periods. It's not a first line drug for treating acne. Antibiotics are. If you have never been put on antibiotics, you should explain your situation to your doctor and ask to be put on antibiotics instead of the spironolactone.           jlr

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is the trade off with spiro vs Accutane, some patients will have period irregularities. We can not tell if this agrees with you or not. If you are getting problems, drop the dose, or seek advice for cyperterone acetate as another anti-androgen. All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBRISBANE, Australia.

Does spironactone cause your periods to be real heavy?

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