POSTED UNDER Spironolactone For Acne Reviews
Spironolactone for acne (large, painful chin nodules) - life changer
ORIGINAL POST
Life Changer
WORTH IT
I was on Yasmin birth control pills for acne control. I went off it in 2020 and my acne came back with a vengeance. I wanted to try non-systemic acne control but unfortunately, nothing topical worked 100%. Azelaic acid helped somewhat (about 40% reduction). Tretinoin reduced my acne by about 75%. But nothing could control the large painful nodules on my chin. I started spironolactone March 2022. I was slightly nervous of side effects so I started at 50mg the first month, then went up to 100mg. 3 months in, my skin cleared up very well. I still got the occasional breakout. I did go up to 150mg after a few more months and I very rarely get breakouts now.
My side effects were occasional light headedness when I got up too suddenly from crouching (never from just sitting) the first few weeks. I do have irregular periods: I have my regular period every month but I also get a "mini-period" at the half way point between my regular periods. My regular periods are slightly more heavy than how it used to be before. My periods before spironolactone used to only be 3-4 days and pretty light, and I could get away with just liner or the light tampons Now my periods are closer to 5-7 days and I usually get light flow--> regular flow --> heavy flow for 1-2 days then it trickles back down. My "mini-periods" are just a few days, I usually just need to wear a liner, maaaybe a light tampon occasionally. It's more like "spotting" really. For the record, I do not have any other medical conditions or take any other medications so everyone's side effect may vary based on their medical history.
As a side note, I do have a copper IUD also so that may also contribute a bit to my period irregularity. Honestly, it's a minor inconvenience for me to have the "irregular" periods. My acne was so bad that I have so much pitted scars and pigmentation abnormalities. I knew it wasn't going to get better until my break outs were under control so spironolactone was great for that. I am writing this review in hopes that if someone is hesitant on starting this treatment, it worked really well for me and it was a game changer.
My side effects were occasional light headedness when I got up too suddenly from crouching (never from just sitting) the first few weeks. I do have irregular periods: I have my regular period every month but I also get a "mini-period" at the half way point between my regular periods. My regular periods are slightly more heavy than how it used to be before. My periods before spironolactone used to only be 3-4 days and pretty light, and I could get away with just liner or the light tampons Now my periods are closer to 5-7 days and I usually get light flow--> regular flow --> heavy flow for 1-2 days then it trickles back down. My "mini-periods" are just a few days, I usually just need to wear a liner, maaaybe a light tampon occasionally. It's more like "spotting" really. For the record, I do not have any other medical conditions or take any other medications so everyone's side effect may vary based on their medical history.
As a side note, I do have a copper IUD also so that may also contribute a bit to my period irregularity. Honestly, it's a minor inconvenience for me to have the "irregular" periods. My acne was so bad that I have so much pitted scars and pigmentation abnormalities. I knew it wasn't going to get better until my break outs were under control so spironolactone was great for that. I am writing this review in hopes that if someone is hesitant on starting this treatment, it worked really well for me and it was a game changer.
It's great to read about the combination of treatments that worked for you - thanks for sharing with the community!