Wonder Drug for my Hormonal Acne

I had pretty good skin as a teen, then started developing cystic acne around age 20. I tried lots of over the counter things, had painful laser treatment, and tried retin-a, antibiotics, etc. I consulted dermatologists and my general practitioner. Finally, at age 41, after switching to a new doctor and asking for a hormone test, I was diagnosed with an adrenal disorder (which explained not only my adult acne but other issues) that causes an increase in male hormones in women. My pcp referred me to an endocrinologist who prescribed me spironolactone. He started me on 50mg and I increased every by 50mg every 3 months, to give my body time to adjust and to monitor my potassium and sodium levels. I'm now at my current dose of 150mg. He warned me my skin would get much worse before it got better, and boy did it ever. It took months for my skin to adjust and finally clear up. I had bought an airbrush makeup machine before this, which helped to cover my face and new neck acne better than liquid makeup. I was so happy I had that thing during this time. Anyway, I finally started to clear and have had no cystic acne breakouts since. I still have little whiteheads by my nose creases and get an occasional blemish, but my skin is now almost always clear and much less oily. I have been on this for over 3 years. It still causes me to have to pee a lot, and I have to get my potassium and sodium checked a couple times a year, but I could not be happier with what it has done for me. It has also made my hair thicker like it used to be, and helped with my chin hair caused by the increase in my aldosterone levels. Ladies, if you think there may be an underlying cause to your acne, push for a hormone test with a doctor you trust. I had one with my old Dr (who was not a good Dr.), years ago and he did not catch my condition, which come to find out is genetic and I've had since birth. And don't be afraid to try spironolactone. But remember you have to be very patient and psych yourself up for it getting worse before it gets better. It is really hard to keep going when you see it getting worse, especially for as long as mine did. But the payoff will likely more than worth it! I can go out with out makeup now or on beach vacations for the first time in years without spending weeks trying to clear my skin and feeling completely self conscious about being seen without cover up. It has changed my life. For me, I will probably need to continue this at least until menopause, and maybe after, he can't say. But as long as it continues to work for me without any really bad side effects, I will gladly do it . When I see someone on the street, with acne like I had, wish that it would be ok to go up and suggest this to them, because it has been so great for me. But of course, I don't, so I decided to write this review instead and hope it helps someone. I wish I had know about this years ago.