I have been on Spiro for 3 years and had a break recently for about 10 weeks because there was a possibility it may have been causing vocal problems for me. During the time I was off it, my voice did not significantly improve, so it is still inconclusive as to whether or not it was ever the Spiro anyway.
Here's my problem. I saw a stupid Gynae a few weeks ago and he has written to my Dr, saying that it is probably the Spiro causing my vocal probs and in view of the fact that I am a pro singer, he recommends that I come off it! His reason for thinking it could be Spiro, is because he says it is a 'weak androgen'! Anything I have ever read/heard about Spiro, is that it is an ANTI-androgen, not an androgen! That's why it reduces 'male' symptoms for women with PCOS and also why they don't prescribe it for men, as it can cause them to grow breasts, isn't it?
I desperately don't want to come off Spiro, as during the 10 weeks I was off it my PCOS symptoms returned so bad, that I felt really depressed. I've been back on it a month now and my symptoms have almost gone already.
Does anyone know for sure that Spiro is an anti-androgen and not an androgen as the Gynae says? If anyone can give me any links to any articles which state the truth about Spiro, so I can take a copy to my Dr, I would be so grateful.
I have never heard that spironolactone has androgens. In fact women are told never to become pregnant while taking this medication because the anti-androgens can cause freaky irregularities in male fetuses.
This is info I found which states that it is an anti-androgen.
Quote:
Spironolactone (Aldactone, Spirotone) is a potassium-sparing medication used as a diuretic medication for heart failure, liver disease and high blood pressure.
It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
However, it has also been found useful for hirsutism, acne and seborrhoea because it has anti-androgenic properties.
The dose of spironolactone is usually slowly increased from 50 to 200 mg daily, taken at night. It may take six or more months to see improvement in the skin condition.
Side effects include:
- Nausea, diarrhoea
- Drowsiness (possibly due to high blood potassium levels)
- Headache
- Menstrual cycle irregularities including increased frequency of menstruation, bleeding in the middle of the month or stopping periods altogether (amenorrhoea)
Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia may be seen. Rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, paresthesias. Dose-dependent androgenic effects in females. Gynecomastia in males. Headaches, nausea, drowsiness
Important! Need answer about Spiro, please! 
Thanks.
