Started taking it one month ago for hairloss seems like its worse now than before ... plus it seems to have gotten so dry and brittle... anybody else have this happen... I am taking 100 mg?
Spironolactone - Spiro seems to have worsened the problem?
Question posted by pjak on 7 March 2015
Last updated on 7 March 2015
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Answers
DrDonovan
7 March 2015
It's hard to know the exact reason without seeing your scalp. Any treatment for hair loss can cause worsening hair loss in the first 6-8 weeks. This includes spironolactone, Minoxidil (Rogaine) and low level laser therapy. Old hairs get pushed put as new ones are programmed to come in.
There are other causes, and you'll want to see your dermatologist to evaluate other causes, including the possibility you have additional reasons for hair loss (low iron, thyroid problems), or scalp issues like seborrheic dermatitis making your hair dry. This is only a partial list of potential causes. A very small proportion of individuals develop hair loss from Spiro but this is much more rare than you will read.
Dr Donovan
Stephen Treloar
7 March 2015
The hair on the top of my head was totally unaffected but I did lose all body hair (95%) and only have to shave (face) once a month. None of it came back, on discontinuation. after 4 months. Not being hairy is quite nice.
pjak
7 March 2015
I started losing my hair a year ago and there is no regrow that I can see as I have a balding spot on my bangs that I cover up with eye shadow to go out !!! I have had my thyroid tested came back normal. Do I continue the spiro just scared I will lose so much more on it that will never grow back?
pjak
7 March 2015
Stephen were you prescribed it for hair loss... and it had no effect on your head of hair? What dosage are you on? How long have you been on it?
Stephen Treloar
7 March 2015
I was prescribed it as a potassium sparing diuretic. Everything else was a side effect. I only stopped after about 3 - 4 months due to the weird side effect (severe gynecomastia).
Sorry I can't be the bearer of something helpful.
pjak
7 March 2015
So Stephen I take it your dose was higher than 100 mg per day... that is about the only side effect I don't have !!!
Stephen Treloar
7 March 2015
100 mg. Totally useless as a diuretic. Furosemide (the other one) by by itself was frighteningly effective. Fortunately I don't need to take them on a zero added salt diet (zero added anything). Those instant noodles contain twice as much salt as I can tolerate in 2 days for example (small packets).
I'm wondering if your hair is actually falling out or if you are unconsciously playing/pulling at it? I take it, hair loss is common. I keep my hair extremely short but it has always been silky and soft. The brief period I took spironolactone for and the hair I lost with it has not come back at all (my beard and head hair started to grow faster again).
pjak
8 March 2015
Lol Stephen believe me I am not pulling it out... I stopped coloring it a year ago... stopped blow drying, straight ironing and stopped curling it, as well I went on syllica to help it look healthier... nothing has stopped it from falling out... I have been using a special shampoo for thinning hair as well (Nizoral) . I dream at night that I am completely bald!!! So no I am not pulling it out. I am very delicate with the brushing as well .
Related topics
Further information
- Spironolactone uses and safety info
- Spironolactone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Spironolactone (detailed)
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