Pregnancy and spironolactone

[blancome]

I am taking spironolactone to control my acne. I know that it is not pregnancy safe. My husband and I are thinking about trying to get pregnant. I don't ovulate, so it's going to be a challenge. I wanted to know if anyone else has been through this. I haven't talked to my dermatologist yet, and I know it sounds really, really vain but I'm afraid of my skin going back to the way it was. I know I would be quite depressed if I never got pregnant and my acne came back. The doctor I went to see said he would start with Metformin. I don't have diabetes or insulin resistance. Would the Metformin control my acne? And IF I don get pregnant, would my acne get worse? I'm usually not this vain of a person and I know it could be a lot worse, but I went through a lot just to get answers and to control my acne. I finally have some control and I don't want to lose it. Any input would be very appreciated. Thanks!

[*Jenny*]

I know just how you feel! I am currently pregnant and my skin is TERRIBLE. It was clear(er) before thanks to the Proactiv I was using, but since I've been pregnant I've stopped using it. I have pimples on my chest, chin and hairline and I feel awful about it. I feel so self conscious and when people say I have a "glow" I don't believe them because I feel unattractive. I know it's vain but it's hard not to feel self-conscious.

For me the biggest struggle was with my hair. I usually wear my hair blonde, and when I got pregnant I struggled with bad feelings because my hair looked so terrible (very bad roots / condition). I know that many people are of the view of not to dye your hair during pregnancy, but I figured that being depressed throughout because of feeling so ugly isn't healthy either. My choice was a compromise - I waited until 14 weeks (well out of the first trimester) and then got foils far away from my roots, and had my hair semi-permanently put back to brown by a professional and only plan on doing it the one time, so the risks were minimal. Although my roots are still there because I wouldn't let her go anywhere near my scalp, it looks so many times better and I feel better about myself as well.

I don't know the specifics of your medication so I don't know how high the risks are, but I would definitely discuss this with your dermatologist and your OB. I think there has to be a balance between maintaining good self-esteem and minimizing the risks to your baby. Maybe there are other medications you can take that are lower-risk and that can still control your acne? Or maybe you could skip the medication for the first trimester if the risk is greatest then? I know how it feels to feel ugly and low and it's a horrible place to be, even if you are pregnant and thrilled to be having a baby. I hope you decide what's best for you.

And on another note - I have read what may be an old wives' tale but if your skin is clear before pregnancy it may totally clear up when you conceive, and vice versa.

[theOceanicSix]

I know how you feel too. I don't know if the Met would clear your face up. I was on it for a month or two and it did nothing for me (I had mild insulin resistance).
I was just on Clomid and Dexamethasone earlier this cycle and the Dex was awwweeeesome for my face! I felt PRETTY for once! Unfortunately I had to go off it after ovulation in case I'm pregnant and sure enough, my acne has come back FULL force. Like worse than ever. My self-esteem has once again plummeted. I'm already thinking that the ONE good thing if I'm not pregnant this month will be that I get to go back on the Dex. Sad.

[ckprentice]

I was taking Spiro. My doctors across the board said that I could absolutely not be on it while TTC/pregnant. So I know that it's frustrating but I just thought I'd tell you. It was so aggrivating for me because I was on it due to increased testoterone. They say that spearmint tea acts as a natural spiro. I hate spearmint tea...but I got the dark hair back on my face and turned into a man (I know dramatic) but my testonterone sky rocketted and I gained 20 pounds. It's very frustrating, but I guess every sacrifce has a payoff right?

[blancome]

Thanks for the information ladies! Unfortunately, it's not what I wanted to hear. Oh well, if I do get pregnant it will all be worth it. I wish you all the best of luck!
Take care!!

[ChaoticChris]

I have addressed the spiro issue with my doctor numerous times, each times he says to stay on it until I know for sure that I am preggers. It absolutely does not help my acne, but it does keep my hormones in check. As a matter of fact when I had my one suspected pregnancy that ended in a suspected chemical pregnancy he made a point to tell me that I needed to stay on it next time until I knew for sure. I didn't think to ask why or if the two were related because I was kind of in shock about a chemical, but I would definitely talk to your doctors about it and see what they say. It's definitely not good for a fetus, but my eggs won't fully form without it. If you are only using it for acne and not egg quality they may tell you to get off it. I think it's a very fine line. I definitely worry about it every month.

[prockwell]

I was on the spiro and both my OBGYN and primary doc's pulled me off the minute they found out I was TTC. My skin went NUTS since going off of it and I'm losing hair again. The Met did not help me, in fact I got too sick and had to stop taking it too. I've been using products from acne.org and I have to say that it has worked for me. It's a three step process of wash, benzoyl peroxide (I only put it in the places I need it like hair line, chin and nose or it dries my skin out) and then moisturizer. It took a few weeks but my face it so much better. I was surprised because the cost was reasonble (better than proactive) and I have been through 2 AF cycles and haven't gotten any of the ouchy cyst-like acne things. It's worth a shot to try the acne stuff, it lasts forever too. Either way, you should probably get off the spiro.