I am 42 and have had acne on and off since the age of 13. I've taken EVERY medication with the exception of Accutane, but find that Spironolactone works the best (in conjunction with Tazarac and Benzaclyn). I've recently started taking a dose of 100mg/day - up from my original 50 mg -and I've noticed that my hair is coming out like crazy! If you've noticed this too, do you have any suggestions for me?
Has anyone experienced hair loss while taking spironolactone?
Question posted by nw1970 on 20 Jan 2013
Last updated on 18 January 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
58 Answers Page 2
Elisekkl
26 Aug 2020
Hi everyone, I’m posting because this thread was the only thing that made me feel sane when I was losing my hair, and I was DESPERATE for someone to update... so here’s my story - I hope it helps someone!
Im 23 was prescribed Spiro 12 months ago for my hormonal acne. It worked wonders I absolutely LOVED it, cleared my acne, reduced my body hair, I no longer had oily skin. And then about 7-8 months in my hair started falling out dramatically. I shed a lot anyway so for me to actually notice hair loss means a LOT is coming out. When I showered it was the worst, I could no longer brush my hair and after about a month I could see my scalp :( it was horrible, I’ve never experienced anxiety like this before. The thinning is mainly on my crown and temples.
Anyway so I came across this thread because I was frantically searching the internet to see if Spiro had done this to anyone else and as soon as I found this I stopped it straight away! I was on 150mg. Im now 2 months post Spiro and my shedding is finally reducing!! It was really disheartening to see everyone saying it took years so hopefully this will help someone. I went to a hair specialist and they diagnosed me with telogen effluvium and Androgenic alopecia and gave me minoxidil. Also, I was prescribed iron supplements because blood tests showed that Spiro depleted my iron, which I think is a possible reason for hair loss? So anyone experiencing this, get prescribed iron supplements!! It WILL get better. I hope I’m finally on the other side of this but I am still shedding more than usual. I will update in a few months, good luck to you all and I’m so sorry this happened to us all! It’s hard to see when you’re in it but we are so much more than our hair and you WILL recover. X
Trelrule
26 Aug 2020
I agree! I started iron also and saw a huge difference in amount of shedding. I was diagnosed with scarring alopecia from it all and I haven’t got my hair back but at least the shedding got better. The shedding didn’t get better until I started the iron supplements.
Elisekkl
26 Aug 2020
Im sorry that happened to you :( but glad the shedding stopped! I think the Spiro must deplete iron levels and that’s how it causes hair loss.
ozflygirl
22 Nov 2020
Hi I’m so sorry you went through this with spironolactone. I’m scared I’m going through the same thing. 2 months of major daily hair loss. It’s crazy. When will it end?
Elisekkl
22 Nov 2020
Ozflygirl I know how you feel, it is just awful. So to be completely honest with you, I’m now 5 months post spiro and I’m still shedding. The good news is it does get better, I’m nowhere near shedding like I was, but still more than usual. But it hopefully will be shorter for you because I’m on minoxidil, which causes a dread shed for a few months. It’s possible that it would have ended ages ago if I hadn’t started minox! But I feel like now it’s shedding at a rate that I can deal with... so it won’t be forever! You’ll get through this, it feels like the worst thing in the world right now but genuinely it gets easier and you find ways to cope / cover your hair loss. Don’t let it take over your life. Hope it stops soon for you x
ozflygirl
18 Dec 2020
Hi, I’m going through major hair loss after 6 years of Spironolactone. Please help!!! How long before the hair loss stopped? I have had handfuls falling out (especially after washing my hair) since October 2nd. Please please tell me it will stop??? I have been taking iron and a million other things religiously... ;(
Inactive
18 Feb 2022
Did your hair grow back? And for how long did you shed?
zev018
10 July 2020
I am 22 and been on Spiro for about 6 months now. I normally have really thick hair that grows quickly but I've noticed in the past month that it's gotten very thin, I'm shedding more frequently and I can tell that my scalp is more obvious. I initially thought it was stress but now, after reading everyone's experiences, I'm thinking it's definitely linked to the Spiro. I don't know if I've lost as much as others on this thread but I'm going to try stopping my dosage now, to prevent it from worsening. I've been on 150mg for the past three months and I believe that's what made it worse (before then I hadn't really noticed any hair thinning). Hopefully, recovery is possible.
nowbald
16 June 2020
I just would not risk it with this drug. It will change you forever and you won’t be able to go back. Quit while you still can.
StillShedding
16 June 2020
Hi nowbald-
Could you share some more about your experience? For example, how old you are, how long you took spiro, if you're still losing hair (or is it completely gone)? Any additional details about your experience would be appreciated. Thanks!
nowbald
11 July 2020
I was 41 years old and weighed 125 Lbs. I took 25 mg a day for about 8 months then I stop and started again a few months later. I noticed shedding and stopped taking it but it was too late. All my hair fell out and I now have alopecia universalis. This drug is not meant young healthy people with acne. As you are all seeing from the posts here. I’m sure there wil continue to be more stories about this drug stealing people’s hair and their livelihoods. I never had any hair loss until this drug. My hair never grew back and it’s been 5 years.
nowbald
11 July 2020
I was 41 years old and weighed 125 Lbs. I took 25 mg a day for about 8 months then I stop and started again a few months later. I noticed shedding and stopped taking it but it was too late. All my hair fell out and I now have alopecia universalis. This drug is not meant young healthy people with acne. As you are all seeing from the posts here. I’m sure there wil continue to be more stories about this drug stealing people’s hair and their livelihoods. I never had any hair loss until this drug. My hair never grew back and it’s been 5 years.
StillShedding
12 July 2020
I just couldn't be sorrier to hear about your experience. I am still steadily losing my hair and have been off the drug for 2 and a half years. One further question if you don't mind: Did you lose all of your hair immediately or was it slow progression as mine appears to be?
Thanks again for sharing.
Pegomez12
16 June 2020
I am also 42, I experienced the same using Spironolactone. I have really thick hair and I never really cared too much when I lost a little bit of hair while brushing it but I definitely noticed the difference on how much more I was losing. I stopped the medication for about 3 weeks and started biotin and collagen powder and the hair loss slowed down. Today I mentioned the hair loss at my follow-up appointment with my dermatologist and he said that this drug has actually helps with hair growth. I am going to restart the medication and see what happens but if I experience this again, then I am going to stop. What I did like about this medication is that it stopped the cystic acne and I wasn't retaining water like I usually do but I love my hair more. So I guess I will have to see what happens.
Tabatha18
25 May 2020
Spiro makes my hair fall out, and the hair that’s still on my head is remarkably dry, fragile, and less dense. I’ve been to numerous derms, living in three states over the last six years. Every single one of them tells me Spiro is the answer to hormonal acne. Sure, it’ll clear up my skin in a few days but my hair falls out. The drains of my shower clog, hair is all over the sink, and all over my clothes. The last derm I saw, I directly insisted not be put on it, she told me I needed to try it for a month bc Spiro doesn’t cause hair shed.
Lm1426
3 April 2020
Started Spironolactone for hormonal acne and it worked wonders.. 4 months later my hair started coming out in clumps. I began having a receding hair line. I was horrified. Stopped spiro and started taking biotin and my hair luckily grew back after several months. Starting Accutane this week to hopefully help my acne as it came right back!
lexilu73
27 Jan 2020
Same... I've been on Spiro over the last year and recently noticed my hair coming out like crazy. I cant find the FDA reporting page. Will it recover after stopping medicine?
ks21
23 Oct 2019
I've long struggled with hormonal acne, so I was super excited to finally try out spiro. I started on 25mg/day in February and by April, my derm upped the dose to 50mg/day.
Spironolactone has genuinely been the only treatment that has successfully cleared my skin. I was overjoyed, until I started noticing bad bruising all over my body, 4 months of missed periods, and as of September, rapid hair loss. Within the past month, I've most likely lost about 50% of my hair. Much like the rest of you, I've never struggled with hair loss, leading me to conclude that it has something to do with spiro.
As of 2 weeks ago, I decided to stop taking it. My hair loss seems to have decreased the slightest bit, but I feel that's only because there's not much hair left. Its very concerning to constantly shed and see handfuls upon handfuls of hair fall out.
I'd love for us to be able to find a solution to this/discover what's causing this atrocity.
Tangledmassofcurls
1 Nov 2019
I’m very sorry for your terrible experience. Please remember to complete the online FDA complaint form about Spironolactone. The only solution seems to be to refrain from taking the drug in the first place. I understand that our (i.e., the women who’ve replied to this thread) collective experience w/hair loss may not be indicative of the majority of people’s experiences; however, CLEARLY hair loss is a side effect of Spironolactone based on the number of women replying to this thread with the same issue. It’s irresponsible for the medical community to continue prescribing this drug without at least warning women that losing hair is a possible side effect. Personally, I wouldn’t have touched this stuff with a 10-foot pole had I known hair loss was even the slightest possibility. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to report their experiences via the FDA’s website.
lexilu73
27 Jan 2020
Where do you report it on the FDA website?
MaryxH84
18 Oct 2019
Has anyone recovered from hair loss and using spiro?
My story:
In November 2017 after years of struggling with hormonal acne I decided to go to a dermatologist. My acne wasn’t even that bad to begin with, I was just chasing the idea of having perfect clear skin. My Derm started me on 100mg for a week then increased my dosage to 200mg. Over the course of 3-4 months my acne got worse then got better, never completely clear though. My once regular periods started becoming sporadic, my esthetician noted my skin had zero oil in the pores, they were completely dried out. My thick beautiful long black hair was becoming drier and knotty. It wasn’t until June 2018, when getting ready for an event, I noticed my hair wasn’t holding the style I normally do for events. I then realize my hair was thinning! I do want to note that I’ve always shed hair, but then again I had enough hair for at least 3 other people.
My hair stylist was always slightly annoyed (in a joking way) with doing my hair because it was so thick and time consuming. The anxiety kicked in, especially during hair wash time. I would pull clumps out... it was so depressing beyond belief. It’s now October 2019, my hair still sheds much more than normal but not in the same amount of clumps it used to. I noticed the front of my hair line was hit the hardest, regrowth is there but it still sheds. The worst part of all of this is I developed seb Derm, my scalp is itchy all the time. Fortunately, I don’t have flakes or scaling. But I’ve gone my entire life having zero scalp issues or hair loss issues to now it’s consuming my life.
I’m sort of at loss what to do now. The Derm that prescribed me the spiro said it wasn’t the spiro. Another Derm said it was the spiro.
How many years will recovery take? Will I ever recover? I can’t believe my number one regret in life is taking spiro.
Kramirez1
7 Oct 2019
I’m on a low dose of Spironolactone, and my hairstylist says my hair is thinning. It is falling out a lot, but I also have Hashimotos Thyroiditis which might be a factor?
I take it for swollen ankles. I have tachycardia.
But I’m Experiencing side affects, and I may either divide my dose in half or take every other day.
Odd thing is- I’m on the lowest dose- 25mg.
I was put on this one to retain potassium because of leg cramps. They disappeared but came back last night. Additionally, dry mouth, hair falling out, diarrhea. Dry skin and hair.
See your doctor. But you may need a lower dose.
Joders
7 Oct 2019
Kramirez1, hi I just wanted to answer to you and others for update...
so Hashimoto could cause hair loss yes but being that you are on this toxic spironolactone as all of us are I would say this is the cause I was prescribed by my dr for water retention as well which it is the main reason for this medication and supposed to be potassium sparing I have high testosterone is why I have water retention I found this forum and immediately stopped taking I am just past 6 months post spiro and just my last 2 shampooing I have to say thank God it is so much less hair coming out but was afraid to post update until 100% sure so I would say I am at the better end of this disaster and I too mirrored everyone else’s pure devistation and anxiety over this but there is hope I also asked my dermatologist which did not prescribe this drug and I love her she is the only one when I mentioned this disaster said yes I could cause hair loss and she looked at my scalp and said no scarring and it will come back but will take time she said anywhere from3-9 months so as I said I just passed the 6 months and I also had gorgeous long curls full hair and have so thin hair now and been cutting 6 inches off at a time because thin long hair to me is not attractive sorry for the run on sentences I’m in a hurry and wanted to get this out alsoanswer to your problem for water retention my wonderful pharmacist told me to take from sundown naturals water pills which potassium is added alll herbal ingredients and you can take 1-3xs a day it is very cheap on Vitacost.com I order and it cost $3.18 for 60 tabs I don’t know why my dr wouldn’t have had me use that so hope all of this helps and I will post more updates soon I hope best of luck to all
Melanierz
4 Sep 2019
I am 41 & began taking spironolactone for hormonal acne. My hair is also falling out at an alarming rate. It is falling out by the handfuls. I didn’t even think that this prescription could be the culprit because it is also prescribed for hair loss. It wasn’t until I saw a Trichologist today that pointed out my increase in dosage was around the same time that I noticed a major increase in my hair falling out. I found this forum & was amazed to see how many people have experienced the same problem. Can anyone tell me if you had more hair fall out when you stopped taking the spironolactone? Did you have to get off gradually or were you able to just stop taking it immediately?
Tangledmassofcurls
4 Sep 2019
I’m so sorry, Melanierz- I know how awful this experience is. I THOUGHT I noticed an increase when I stopped taking Spironolactone; however, looking back, it didn’t- it’s just that my hair continued to fall out at an alarming rate for months and months after discontinuing the drug. I stopped abruptly, by the way. Please, please, please fill out the FDA on-line complaint form about your experience with this drug. As you can tell from reading my responses to others, recovery is possible, but it’s agonizingly slow. Once the drug kicks off hair shedding, there’s nothing that can be done to stop it- it just has to run its course. Be sure to incorporate peppermint essential oil into your hair care regimen (it will increase growth if applied *consistently*), and protein - both internally and externally. Best of luck to you and everyone else dealing with this horrible side effect. {{{hugs}}}
Trelrule
22 Sep 2019
I have been off of spironolactone since last July after finding this blog. I did notice my hair quit shedding as much for a while and felt like it had stabilized, but I am shedding horribly right now. My once thick is hair is so thin now and I have balding spots. I also have a thyroid problem and estrogen dominance so was wondering if anyone else has thyroid issues along with the shedding from the spironolactone. I am 49 years old. There are periods of time when my scalp burns intensely. Just wanted to see if anyone has any advice or some sort of encouragement. This has been very traumatic. I would appreciate any response
Tangledmassofcurls
26 Sep 2019
Hang in there, Trelrule. Yes, it is common to notice even more hair fall even after stopping this drug. It will take time to recover, but you WILL recover. There’s nothing you can do about the hair that has already moved into the telogen effluvium stage, but keep your protein intake high to support new growth. Incorporate peppermint essential oil into your daily routine (see my prior comments) and try Scalpicin ($10 Walmart) to calm down the burning/itching. I have also found that antihistamines (like Benadryl) worked when the itching and burning was at its worst. Best of luck to you, I know how devastating this is.
Alicia_A
27 Aug 2019
I have been reading through this forum after recently having a similar experience. I am looking to hear from others on updates. I was started on Spiro at the end May 2019 for cystic acne. It started working wonders for my acne, but in early July I started to notice increased hair loss - especially in the shower. At first, I thought I was being paranoid but when I would brush my hair -after washing - I could pull clumps from my hair.
I asked my dermatologist who said there’s no way the Spiro would cause hair loss. She did a hair pull test and thinks it may be TE or alopecia. I have long extremely thick hair. I have never had any issues with hair loss prior to starting Spiro. In fact, my issue was fast hair growth. I find it extremely hard to believe that I magically have alopecia directly after using Spiro.
I have stopped Spiro two weeks ago and started special hair pills and shampoo. I am still losing more hair than usual in the shower (90-140+ per 2-3 days) and I have constant shedding during the day. It is causing major anxiety.
I am hoping people can provide updates on how long it took to get their hair back to normal? Is it possible to go back to your baseline? I am beyond devastated and fear bald spots. Please let me know.
Tangledmassofcurls
27 Aug 2019
I’m so sorry you are going through this too, Alicia_A. The doctors all deny this drug could possibly cause hair loss- but they’re not the ones going bald, are they? Too many of us experienced severe hair loss for this to be coincidental. Like you, I NEVER had any issues w/hair loss until I started taking Spironolactone. PLEASE COMPLETE THE FDA ONLINE COMPLAINT FORM like Trinity Tx suggested, and please notify the FDA about your experience with this drug. To give you a ray of hope, my hair loss has recently slowed down considerably - BUT I quit the drug allllllll the way back in February 2017, which means it took over 2.5 years for me to have this extremely slow recovery. My hair has not yet regained its former glory, but I can tell it’s moving in the right direction finally. I had another bout of sore, itchy scalp several weeks ago, and I started to panic like I used to.
But it’s actually my hair coming back in- I can literally see my hairline filling in now (I had literal bald spots for a while). There is nothing you can do to stop the shedding that will continue to happen- the drug has already kicked off the shedding phase in your system. It’s VERY important that you don’t panic- the anxiety will only make it worse. Stay away from additional hormonal disrupters (birth control, soy, plastics and metals that contain BPH) to give your system a rest. Make sure you eat ample protein. Use protein rich shampoos, conditioners, and stylers to strengthen & thicken the strands you DO have. And I highly recommend incorporating peppermint extract into your hair regimen. You can add it to your shampoo and/or conditioner or dilute it with witch hazel and apply it directly to your scalp. It’s more effective than minoxidil & Rogaine (you can research that) but it doesn’t come with the side effects of more hair loss. It’s extremely affordable- about 5 or 6 dollars @ Walmart. The menthol will bring blood flow to your scalp, which is what you need to facilitate new growth right now. It will also alleviate any itchiness.
Don’t panic. The fact that you never had hair loss prior to starting the drug means it’s extremely likely you’ll make a recovery- it’s just painfully slow. Stay consistent with your use of protein (internally and externally) and peppermint essential oil, and you will notice improvement.
Tangledmassofcurls
27 Aug 2019
I also forgot to add that for anyone experiencing scalp inflammation and itchiness, I highly recommend Scalpicin from Walmart or Amazon. It alleviated the itchiness and soreness when combined with ibuprofen. My dermatologist said my scalp was “fine”. But I felt like my scalp was on fire until I discovered this combo. Scalpicin retails for less than $10.
Alikat59
27 Aug 2019
Tangledmassofcurls you’ve given me hope that my hair might eventually recover. My pulmonologist prescribed Spironolactone for edema in February 2016. The hair loss started within 6 months. It wasn’t a massive amount at first and I didn’t even realize it. I recall being frustrated that I had not changed my styling method but, for some reason, my hair just wouldn’t do the same as it always had. It was probably three months later that I realized the reason my hair wouldn’t lay right; it was because it had thinned so much at the top front. I wasn’t believing this could be happening. I had always had thick, nice hair - so thick that I could hardly get an elastic around a pony tail. I also had wiry looking, broken off hair around my face and ears. I was taking several medications along with the Spiro and none of them listed hair loss as a side effect. My hair continued to thin in front over the next 6 months or so. My scalp was now showing.
I began losing handfuls of hair in the shower and whenever I brushed it. There was no denying it - I was going bald. I began a frantic internet search of all the medications I was taking and eventually came upon this site. In December 2018, I stopped taking the Spiro, but the hair loss has continued. Not too long ago, I noticed that I could see my scalp on the sides now. It seems to let up for a week or two and I start to get my hopes up and then it begins falling out by the handfuls again. My pulmonologist doesn’t believe it’s the Spiro either. Neither did the dermatologist who said my follicles look fine and saw new hair growth. If there is new hair growth, and it’s hard to tell if it’s new or broken hairs, it can not keep up with the shedding. Like everyone else, I’m beyond devastated and thinking I’m soon going to need a wig. Tangledmassofcurls, thank you for your encouraging words and recommendations. I’m going to try the peppermint essential oil. I’m also going to file a report with the FDA and urge everyone else taking Spironolactone and experiencing hair loss to do the same. It might spare other women from suffering this devastating side effect.
I would gladly join in on initiating a class action lawsuit if anyone knows how to go about it.
Tangledmassofcurls
27 Aug 2019
Thank you for sharing your experience, Alikat59. Your story mirrors mine exactly- with the exception of the reason for being prescribed the drug. Yes, you have every reason to be hopeful for recovery- I think a lot of people stopped posting to this thread after they noticed recovery- but that doesn’t offer much hope to the people who are just now experiencing this devastating side effect. Just remember that the shedding won’t stop until it’s ready. In my experience, the drug had to be out of my system for YEARS before things improved - and I only took that poison for 4 months! If I would’ve incorporated peppermint essential oil and copious amounts of protein in my shampoo/conditioner/stylers, I honestly feel like my recovery would’ve been quicker. Don’t get discouraged- you have to remember that any time you see a large shed, new growth is only 90 days away- so anything you can do to increase blood flow to your scalp and preserve what you do have will maximize your recovery. Best of luck and {{{{{hugs}}}}} to you!
Alicia_A
28 Aug 2019
Tangledmassofcurls, thank you for all your information and support. I took the medication for about 2 months. I’m stressed to think it may be 2 years before I see improvement. I’m not sure what my hair would look like if it continues to shed at this rate. I have bought the Wow Apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner with DHT blockers as well as the Nutrafol supplements provided by my dermatologist. I will have to get the peppermint essential oils. I’m trying to do anything possible to avoid major hair loss. If I knew this was possible I never would have scarified my hair for acne relief. I’m beyond devastated but trying to stay relaxed as I know stress will make this worse. I will for sure be filing an FDA report. I hope others will share their experiences as well. I’m really trying to be hopeful. Thinking of you all. -Alicia
Tangledmassofcurls
28 Aug 2019
Best of luck to you, Alicia_A. Remember, it’s only temporary and there’s nothing we can do to stop the hair from falling out- it will stop once the telogen effluvium is over, and everyone’s system is different. Please save your $$ and don’t invest large sums into expensive supplements. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are the building blocks of hair. Make sure your diet is protein rich and that your hair products all contain protein! Incorporate peppermint essential oil, and if you must supplement, choose gelatin (cheap) or collagen (expensive)- but warning for the acne prone, collagen made me break out. At any rate, cheap alternatives can see you through to recovery AS LONG AS YOU’RE CONSISTENT with your routine. More {{{hugs}}} for all of you suffering right now- stay positive!
lexilu73
30 Jan 2020
Alicia did your shedding resolve. I'm experiencing the same and my nerves are shot!!!
Inactive
18 Feb 2022
Did your hair grow back?? And for how long did you shed?
KatEdell
14 June 2019
I've been on spironolactone for 5 years & my hair all falls out & then all grows back in. It's awful. I was on 200mg daily, then 100mg & now I'm dropping to 50. Spironolactone cleared up my cystic hormonal acne, however, I'd prefer to deal w/the acne in other ways then to deal w/the insane hair loss! I had blood tests done just last week to check potential vitamin deficiencies as well as thyroid & guess what? It all came back NORMAL. I have spoken w/my dermatologist multiple times telling her my hair has changed drastically & her response every time has been that it's not caused by this drug. Really? She keeps telling me it's probably due to stress. Sorry but I disagree. I'm going to lower myself slowly & then stop taking it altogether. I'm tired of my hair coming out in handfulls -- pillow cases, hair brush, keeps clogging drains... it's not slowing or stopping & it makes me question what else this medication is doing to my body.
Tangledmassofcurls
27 Aug 2019
Please, please: complete the online FDA complaint form about your experience with this drug. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.
Joders
13 April 2019
Hi I have been taking spironolactone for almost a year because I have water retention do to testosterone pellets my Dr prescribed this to me and said it’s safe doesn’t take out the potassium as other water pills do he takes it also but I had no idea this is what has been causing my major hair loss I can calculate almost as long as I have been taking this with no idea until I just thought of it today I have been taking pics of my hair loss every time I wash it once a week and it’s scary I am so anxious every time I wash my hair I showed my Dr and he said ok stop showing me I’m getting nauseous looking at those so apparently he has no idea what this medication does I will be making him aware I always had long beautiful hair and was admired for it now I can see through to my scalp and it’s non stop have you had any growth back and if so how long did it take praying for you that you are back to normal by now also I have a lot of the other side effects but this is the worst
Tangledmassofcurls
13 April 2019
Hi, Joders. I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this. My hair continued to fall out for a year after stopping this drug. I STILL lose an abnormal amount of hair whenever I shower, BUT it’s no longer the large, mouse-sized clumps I was losing in the beginning. On the positive side, the bald spots I used to have are starting to fill in, but it has been an extremely sloooooow recovery. Please fill out the FDA on line complaint form about this drug like Trinity tx suggested. I suggest you ask your doctor to taper you off the drug little by little until you’re no longer taking it. I think the reason I lost so much hair is because I abruptly stopped- you don’t want to risk that. I know how devastating it is to lose your hair. Try to remember that there’s nothing we can do to stop the hair that’s already been moved into the Telogen effluvium stage- however it WILL grow back. You just have to be patient.
Please make sure you’re eating adequate protein to bolster new growth and try using hair shampoo/conditioner/products that contain peppermint or menthol on a DAILY basis- this will increase blood flow to the scalp. If you’re consistent with it, you WILL notice a difference in 8-12 weeks or so. Best of luck in your recovery. It will require a lot of patience.
Joders
13 April 2019
Hi Tangledmess of curls your name describes me! Thank you for your response I have to wait until Tuesday to talk with my dr office I called the pharmacy he said to stop taking and suggested some natural things to help regrow I am going to stop there after work today I’m just so afraid to take this anymore
Tangledmassofcurls
13 April 2019
Best of luck to you. Try not to panic if it seems like the hair loss is worse for a while. It WILL improve. Just stay consistent with your diet and whatever treatment you decide to use. So sorry this happened to you.
Joders
14 April 2019
Thank you again Tangledmessofcurls.
Tangledmassofcurls
14 Jan 2019
Thought maybe I should add my two cents (albeit late... ) STAY AWAY FROM THIS POISON!!! Started Spironolactone in November '17 after begging my JERK-of-an-endocrinologist (that's a whole other, long story) to start me on the drug ***I wish like hell I would've seen this thread first-- otherwise I would've never touched that poison*** Brief background: now in my late thirties, NEVER had any family or personal history of hair loss, despite PCOS diagnosis since the age of 17. My PCOS is peculiar- I have some of the excess androgen symptoms, and cysts were found via ultrasound, but my hormone levels are completely normal. Androgen levels are NOT elevated (tested numerous times) and I menstruate like clockwork. Started spiro to help with excessively oily facial skin & hirsutism. Right away I felt "off". Sick to my stomach, dizziness, weakness...
this led to inexplicably extreme spikes in my blood pressure which sent me to the ER three times (once by ambulance). I kept asking medical personnel if it could be the Spironolactone, but they all (doctors, nurses, EMT's, PA's, endocrinologists, OB/GYN) said no, that was impossible-- Spiro is a blood-pressure lowering drug. They told me to stop the contraception the endocrinologist FORCED me to take as a condition of being prescribed Spiro. But that didn't stop the blood pressure spikes and bloating... I kept going back to the ER with episodes of EXTREME blood pressure spikes and facial paralysis (last ER visit resulted in a 2-day stay in the hospital; BP was in the 200s during the ambulance ride). Of course they tried to blame the birth control-- guess what jerks? I wasn't on it anymore. Everyone STILL denied that it could be the spironolactone. Two months after starting spiro, I noticed that my hair was all around "limp", which is quite abnormal for me. I'm a biracial female with "3c" curls (for people unfamiliar with what that means, my hair is so curly that a piece of hair that's a foot long will shrink to 2 inches due to its curliness-- and there was a ton of it. Think Rachel True or Freddie from the show Different World ). I've always had enough hair for 3-4 people, and that's not hyperbole. Then my hair started to fall out more than normal. Ten strands instead of 5, then 20 instead of 10. By the time February '18 rolled around, I was losing CLUMPS and CLUMPS in the shower. Literally traumatizing. Again, everyone denied that spironolactone could be causing the hair loss, but THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT CHANGED. I abruptly stopped the medication in February 2018. My hair continued fall out in massive clumps for all of 2018 , and it's still doing that as of 2019. I'd estimate that 70% of my hair is GONE, and I only took the drug for 4 months. The only reason I'm not wearing a wig is because I'm able to somewhat hide the balding spots because my hair is so curly. By the way, my scalp has been on fire this whole time; sometimes I feel like someone is stabbing my head with an ice pick, other times I'm itching so bad I wanna scream. Scalpicin scalp tonic ($10 Walmart) and adding peppermint extract to my shampoos and conditioners has helped somewhat, and I'd highly suggest peppermint extract to all of you as a safer and more effective alternative to Rogaine and Minoxidil.
I visited the dermatologist today which was another waste of $. I refused to take Rogaine or any of the other drugs she pushed at me, so there's that. She did say, however, that she does NOT think this massive hair loss is AGA or female pattern baldness because she was able to see "lots and lots and lots" of new hair growing during my examination. Diagnosis: chronic telogen effluvium and I have to play the waiting game. Brilliant, thanks. I pray to God my hair comes back as this has been devestating. I guess I should be lucky that I can get by without a wig because I have a gallon-size freezer bag that is filled to the brim with all the hair I've lost (I keep it because doctors doubt my story when they see a minority female with "thick" hair-- but that's due to my ethnicity. It may look thick compared to typical Caucasian hair, but I've still lost a ton).
Many thanks to Trinity Tx for her posts, they've been SO helpful. Thanks to her, I filled out an FDA complaint regarding my experience with this drug. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of you who've been afflicted by this poison as well. Maybe we should file a class action law suit? Sigh. STAY AWAY FROM THIS POISON!!
Tangledmassofcurls
21 Jan 2019
Update: the "triangles" (i.e. baldness) that Spiro caused at either side of my temples are slowly improving. There's an EXTREMELY fine layer of hair coming in over these areas; however, it has taken nearly a year to notice this slightest bit of improvement. Keeping fingers crossed for a full recovery, and I will keep updating w/any progress (or lack thereof) so as to benefit anyone else who may be experiencing the horrifying side effects of this drug.
Tangledmassofcurls
27 Aug 2019
Update: it’s August 2019, and I’m noticing improvement. Please see updated comments toward the end of this thread
StillShedding
31 Oct 2019
Hi Tangledmassofcurls-
I just wanted to commiserate with what you have posted here. My situation is very similar although I started taking the spironolactone for acne as recommended by my dermatologist at the time. I too am mixed race and had a large amount of very curly hair. (Sadly having a lot of hair is no longer the case.) I stopped taking spironolactone in January 2017 and as of today (10/31/19) I am still losing hair and have not experienced any regrowth.
All three dermatologists that I have seen for this condition give me serious side-eye when I tell them that the spiro caused the hair loss. In fact the latest one prescribed a compound mixture to use in place of Rogaine that includes spiro. (I will NOT be getting that Rx filled.)
I have been using 5% liquid Rogaine since late April of this year, but have not seen any results to date. The only outcome has been a TERRIBLE case of seborrheic dermatitis which they now want me to use Nizoral to remedy. I really want to stop using the Rogaine, but I'm afraid of what will happen if I do.
If you happen to see this message I would love to contact you privately as I am struggling daily to stay optimistic that things will ever turn around.
Tangledmassofcurls
1 Nov 2019
Hi, StillShedding. I’m so sorry for the stress I know you’re experiencing. I hope you filled out the online FDA complaint form- the more complaints they receive, the better the chance those fools will finally slap a warning label on this drug. Please add me to your “Friends” list in this forum. That will allow you to ask me a question privately.
Olivia91
5 April 2022
Hi @tangledmassofcurls
I’m mixed with lots of curly hair too. I took spiro for 9 months. I’ve been off it for two months now and still having hair fall. Can you private message me when you get a chance? I have some questions about your experience. I would so so appreciate it ♥️
coraltulip
31 May 2022
Hi @Tangledmassofcurls - I don't know if you are still monitoring this, but I would so appreciate an update on where you are at with your hair loss. I have super curly hair as well. In Feb of 2018 I was prescribed spiro for cystic acne. I'd never really had any acne issue before, but at age 46 I started to get bumps and didn't like them. (note: I have been on Tretinoin for like 15 years and am to this day for wrinkle control - and I'm guessing it had kept my face pretty clear for all those years, but my main reason of taking it is for the high dose of vit A to keep my skin exfoliated.) Many of my friends were (and are) on spiro and it didn't seem like a big deal. My journey on spiro went like this:
2/26/2018: 25mg
3/4/2018: 50mg
3/19/2018: 75mg
4/5/2018: 100mg
... My face cleared up... no bumps and my skin looked amazing... like compliments left and right about how good it looked.
12/2018... pictures of me seem to indicate that my hair looks the same as it did as of 12/2017... so no real hair loss that I can see and I don't remember thinking that my shedding was out of control. I've always has SO MUCH hair (like it's what I'm known for) that I'm not sure I would have noticed.
12/7/2019 - This was my wake up call (and if I'm being honest... I think I had started to noticed but was in denial.) I don't know if I was just blind, but I saw a picture of myself and you could see right through my hair (exacerbated by a backlight) but still it was totally different than past pictures. I started to really see that I had a problem and since spiro was for hair GROWTH, it wasn't intuitive and front of mind to blame it on the spiro. But... it was the only drug I was taking and only "new" thing to my routine in years. All blood shows within normal ranges.
5/8/2020: Dropped down to 75mg (mostly because I really don't like taking any drugs and was thinking it would be good to get down to a lower level)
8/9/2020: 50mg
8/20/2021: 25mg - This is a result of finally finding forums like this and realizing others were having the same issues as me. I didn't want to cut cold turkey so I went down to 25mg. During this time I started taking 10,000mg biotin daily and iron pills. Nothing seemed to be working.
9/1/2021: 0mg - Stopped taking completely.
It is the end of May 2022 so it has been a full 9 months since I've been 100% off spiro. How are things now?
- My hair has FINALLY stopped falling out in big clumps.
- I've tried to focus on being good to the hair that I still have by doing protein and moisturizing masks. I'm not sure if it is the protein treatments (I understand that too much protein can cause breakage) or the damage from the spiro that had already been done... but my hair just breaks off at some point. I thought it had actually stopped growing. However, you can tell by my grow out (I have highlights) that my hair is indeed growing... but it is SUPER thin and wispy. Just to be sure I've stopped protein treatments and have been doing Oleplex 1 & 2 followed by their shampoo and conditioner.
- My scalp still remains itchy. In re-reading this whole post, I'm thinking I will do the peppermint essential oil. I've also looked up the product Scalpicin and may try that (although the other one that comes up is OGX Extra Strength Refreshing + Invigorating Teatree Mint Dry Scalp Treatment and it looks like it might be similar.
Honestly, I'm interested in hearing from anyone who is farther on their journey as I need some hope in all of this.
Olivia91
3 June 2022
Update: it has now been about 4 months that I have stopped taking spironolactone. My hair fall has finally slowed.
I have been on inositol, advanced trichology DHT blocker, Zyrtec in morning & Allegra at night (I’ve heard it helps), b complex vitamin and D3. I also eat more now that my appetite isn’t suppressed from spiro. And drink less alcohol.
I was on spiro for 9 months and it thinned my hair and gave me bald spots in my temples. My temples are slowly growing back & hair is getting thicker.
I have mixed curly hair - I use olaplex #3 for preshampoo, peppermint shampoo, biolage hair thickening density conditioner and olaplex #9 for leave in. My hair is looking healthier. I plan to try reverse hair washing as I heard it can be good for dry hair.
I thought my hair would never stop falling out. I was prepared to be bald. I bought wigs and everything. It affected me & my fiancé’s relationship - we almost broke up several times. I literally had a mental breakdown. This is the worst thing I’ve ever been through in my life. Mainly because I could feel each and every hair fall out and detach from my scalp. It was like slow torture. I believe the allergy medicine (Benadryl mainly) helped with that sensation but not totally sure.
Every doctor has told me spiro doesn’t make your hair fall out. IT DOES. I’m living proof. They need to do better research on this drug and how it affects hair. I leaned my lesson and will be clearing my acne through a clean strict diet and skin care routine - medication is absolutely the last resort. The food and pharma industry is an endless cycle that has no interest in true holistic health , just money.
coraltulip
3 June 2022
Since I wrote my last post 2 days ago, I went to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. I was so surprised when he said he’d never heard of spiro being a cause of hair loss. Basically told me there was no way it could be the culprit. He looked at my scalp and said it looked fine even though he saw the pictures I showed him through the years and the drastic changes. His best advice was to try Nutrafol for 6 months and see if some of the dormant follicles become active again. I’ll try anything so I bought the 3 month starter supply for $220 and am crossing my fingers things get better.
coraltulip
3 June 2022
Since I wrote my last post 2 days ago, I went to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. I was so surprised when he said he’d never heard of spiro being a cause of hair loss. Basically told me there was no way it could be the culprit. He looked at my scalp and said it looked fine even though he saw the pictures I showed him through the years and the drastic changes. His best advice was to try Nutrafol for 6 months and see if some of the dormant follicles become active again. I’ll try anything so I bought the 3 month starter supply for $220 and am crossing my fingers things get better.
Losingmyhair
18 Jan 2024
Tangledmassofcurls, I have been obsessively reading this forum for weeks and just now made an account on here just so I could try and ask you a question! I am going through the same thing that you did, and just wanted to ask how long the scalp pain / burning / itching / jabbing lasted for you?! I just started weaning off this med yesterday after being on spironolactone for 13 months, and I’m trying to make peace with the fact that I will probably go bald (or very close to it), so I have an appointment set up with a wig specialist, but the constant itching, pain, and burning makes this all the worse!!! My anxiety is through the roof!!! I know there is probably next to no chance that you’ll see this because it’s been so long, but if you do… how long did this crazy scalp pain last for you?
Related topics
acne, spironolactone, medication
Further information
- Spironolactone uses and safety info
- Spironolactone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Spironolactone (detailed)
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