Hi,
I'm new to this board (but not to PCOS, unfortunately, I was diagnosed two years ago, right after my high school graduation). Anyway, I'm in teh Navy, and until just in the past few weeks really haven't been able to do anything about the side affects of pco except take the birthcontrols prescribed to me by my gyn. Yesterday, my Dr. prescribed spironolactone for me, to help deal with the excess facial hair I have. I was wondering what exactly it does for horomonal hair growth? All the information I have found online says what it does for people with high blood pressure/low potassium levels.
I'm hoping it works for me, 'cause I tried the vaniqa and I still had hair growth, only it was darker and coarser than before.
Anyway, thanks for the help!
Allison
__________________ "It is love, not reason, that is stronger than death." Thomas Mann
PCOS since July 2001
Rx- desagen, spironolactone
Although spironolactone is a diuretic, it also possesses anti-androgenic properties (androgens being one of the reasons for our hair growth in pcos), and is given as it reduces hair growth. Its one of the reasons they dont put many men on it !!!
Squidge
__________________ -------------------------------------------
45(feels like 99 some days)
Dx - pcos 1982
Dx - diabetes 2 1999,
Tx - metformin slow release 2000mg. Insulin 5 times a day
Loads of other medications.
------------------------------- What is a friend?A single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle...
(my brain just might be working today or something)
Does it stop the growth? like if I got electrolysis (my chief is setting up appointment with people at the naval hospital about that and otehr things) or waxed, it won't grow back, or does it make it fall out? the few things I've read about it don't really say either way.
Allison
__________________ "It is love, not reason, that is stronger than death." Thomas Mann
PCOS since July 2001
Rx- desagen, spironolactone
I find it lessens the amount that grows i have "bald" patches on my legs now where hair used to be... and facially i still shave every day but in some areas it has not grown as much....
Once hirsutism medication has begun, it is appropriate to begin hair removal techniques that will treat the remaining hair.
I found that last sentence on a search of spironolactone and pcos.
Hope that helps
Squidge
__________________ -------------------------------------------
45(feels like 99 some days)
Dx - pcos 1982
Dx - diabetes 2 1999,
Tx - metformin slow release 2000mg. Insulin 5 times a day
Loads of other medications.
------------------------------- What is a friend?A single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle...
You do not mention insulin control in your post -- dieting or taking Glucophage would also help you a great deal. It is the high insulin that causes androgens to rise in PCOS.
Good luck!
__________________
Maureen 36, DH is 35
Momma to Declan Christopher, born 9/2/03
STILL happily and proudly breastfeeding my big boy! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Before pregnancy, went from 175 to 136 thanks to To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , exercise and low glycemic index foods. Polycystic appearing ovaries are gone; ovulated regularly; bloodwork normal.
Improvement in hirsuitism and androgenic alopecia is greatly improved. AN and cystic acne are gone!
Improvements in skin and hair due to To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , standardized, 160mg 2x day. (no longer on it due to PG and BFing). To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Insulin is actually one of the things that's not out of whack, atm. I do exercise (have to, just to do pfas and prep for the academy) and what what I eat (carbohydrates are my favorites things, but I've cut way back on them), but I've been doing that forever, cause diabetes run in my family. Every woman in my moms family has it, 'cept me.
I've been taking the spiro, and i don't know if it's actually had any afffect, but i feel better for taking it. Maybe its psychologically working ;-)
Allison
__________________ "It is love, not reason, that is stronger than death." Thomas Mann
PCOS since July 2001
Rx- desagen, spironolactone
I've been on spironolactone since January. I had labs done last week and my androgens have dropped back down to normal. The hair on my face is getting lighter and I don't have to shave as often. I was shaving my chin everyday. Now it's every 2 days. I hope it keeps working for me. It's making me feel sooooo much better about myself. Hope it works for you.
Patty
__________________ visit To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. to find more info on PCOS
diagnosed with endometriosis 1998, pcos 2000
married to wonderful man
1 daughter born 1994
hysterectomy Oct. 28,2002
LOCAH Nov. 2003
Glucophage XR 2250mg
Esclim estrogen patch 0.1mg/day
spironolactone 100mg
dexamethasone 0.5mg/day
Spironolactone question 
Appreciate the help!
