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SAGERAYE on 5/18/2013 8:56:00 PM more reviews by SAGERAYE

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium Brown   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Hi I just was recently put on Spironolactone no 50mg x2 a day . I've been on it for 1month and I had such a bad breakout the worst ever !! All I do is cry !! My face is much worst then when I started . Did anyone breakout badly in the 1st month .how long before did you start to see results I am sooooo depressed I'm hoping that this works and should I hang in there with the meds . I feel sooo bad I don't even want to go outside

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rootsshopper on 5/12/2013 6:39:00 PM more reviews by rootsshopper

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I am 32 yrs. old, and have been battling acne on and off for the last 10 yrs. I've tried everything from tetracycline, to minocycline, to birth control, to every topical cream that exists. over time, as many medication users know, they lose their effect and they stop working, and that's exactly what happened. I had (up until a week ago) cystic acne right along my jawline and neck, which is clearly hormonal acne. oddly enough, just on the left side. my right side was only 2 maybe 3 cysts. they were so painful I had to take Advil numerous times to take down the swelling and inflammation, and they would turn into tiny blood clots within the cyst, which took weeks if not months to disappear. needles to say the awful scars that came along with it. i tried Accutane about 7 yrs. ago, and had a horrible panic attack that lasted 4 days and had to be on valium, so my dr immediately took me off of it, and i was back to square one.i attempted to take Diane 35, which heard great reviews for acne, but the migraines were becoming unbearable, and was even hospitalized numerous times. the cost for the bcp, along with migraine meds took me to about $150/month which was getting ridiculous. and always was in panic if I had migraine pills on me or I ran out of them, which gave me so much anxiety. diane was great for my skin, it def helped, but the migraines so bad so I had to stop them after 1.5 yrs. i am now on migraine prevention medication. I do want to mention that I LOVE fashion and makeup and getting all pretty. so aside from the pain involved in having such big cysts, it took a huge toll on my self esteem. finally, being at my last resort, and after developing a high bp condition, I approached my dr in tears practically, until she suggested to take spiro. which was a two fold, cuz in the same time it lowered my bp. I had a horrible initial breakout, again not sure if it was the meds or just my acne was getting really bad until the meds started to work. my dr had started me off on 25 mg, feb 1, 2013. and after a week I noticed my skin/hair was a lot drier, but still breaking out in cysts. after a week I upped my dose o my own to 50mg, and then went back to her 3 weeks later and told her the meds weren't working. she upped them to 75 after 3 weeks, and about a week after that I increased it on my own to 100 mg/day. I read many reviews that said ppl take anywhere from 100-200 for acne, and so I knew I was still in the safe zone. i went back after about weeks and told her I increased it and she authorized it. i as a little nervous b/c my bp was dropping pretty low, but i didn't really care. I was determined to have spiro work for me. the main side effects I was having was peeing a little bit more, not much maybe 2-3 times more, the low bp, dizzy and thirsty. they all disappeared after a month. month 2, still breaking out in painful cysts. I read a lot of reviews and many of them said I takes sometimes up to 5 mos to start working, and to just be patient. and so I did. I was persistent, and still nothing after second-third month. I am entering month 4 (may) and just had a follow-up with my dr, and said I can not under any means increase it due to my low bp/ so I've been steady on 100 mg now for 3 mos and only now, 14 weeks in, I am starting to notice a mild diff in my skin tone. its a lot smoother, no bumps, drier, and so far no new breakouts. im just trying to clear the cysts from the last few weeks. I am still trying to be patient, and hopeful that this will be the med that will finally break this horrendous vicious cycle of acne for me, and clear my horrible skin the way it did for so many others.

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Jackie178 on 5/8/2013 1:20:00 AM more reviews by Jackie178

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I have used this product for about three years and have had great results. However, recently my breakouts have started up again, I now get small bumps, white heads, and blackheads on the sides of my mouth and forehead. My skin is still ten times better than it was before the spiro. I was on 100 mg and about a week ago my doctor raised my dose to 150 mg a day. I have not seen a difference yet, but hope to soon!

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edtennisbabe on 5/6/2013 7:16:00 PM more reviews by edtennisbabe

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Like a reviewer below, I never really had acne problems until I had the Mirena IUD. While I loved Mirena for a lot of reasons, the persistent acne was a deal breaker. I was getting deep cysts all over my jaw line...and they were pretty resistant to all of the antibiotics my derm put me on over the course of four years. About four months ago, I had my IUD removed and my derm placed me on 75 mgs of spiro. This has made a HUGE difference! My acne is pretty much gone. I didn't have problems with facial hair, so I can't really comment on that aspect of this drug. For the first time in four years, I have clear skin.

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Misstish1114 on 4/28/2013 10:49:00 PM more reviews by Misstish1114

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Skeptical at first because I have had acne for so long-15 years! But my skin is clear! From 8 cysts on my cheeks in January to one minor pimple today! Plus I have less facial hair, skin is softer, and my hair (head) seems to be growing faster. I also added cinnamon and cut out milk (hard cheese is okay) my skin looks great. I hope I don't jinx it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* amyfarrahfowler on 4/27/2013 9:25:00 PM more reviews by amyfarrahfowler

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I took this prescription drug for 6 months and while it did clear up my hormonal acne, the side effects were just too much for me. I started on a rather low dosage (50mg/day) and my TOtM was arriving sporadically about every 12-14 days. Ugh. I thought my body just needed to get used to the medication. I suffered thru this for three months. After discussions with my dermatologist, we cut the dosage in half... down to 25mg/day... and then my TOtM was arriving sporadically every 40-45 days. Ugh. Sure, my skin was looking nice and clear but getting this "surprise" TOtM was not worth it. After 6 months, I went off of Spironolactone completely. Luckily my TOtM went back to a normal monthly cycle. This was the only medication I've ever taken in my life that caused side effects. Yes, it did clear my skin and keep it clear but it was not the right drug for me.

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valerie633 on 4/27/2013 7:15:00 PM more reviews by valerie633

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best pill for acne. I use 100 mgs and I haven't had a pimple in two years, this is from someone who had new pimples almost every day and little bumps under my skin. Way better than acutane! No side effects for me from it. I use this and Ziana which is very expensive but it works, if you have insurance get it.

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anjrhubb on 4/27/2013 2:16:00 PM more reviews by anjrhubb

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium Brown   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am only 2 weeks in using Spironolactone which is why I have given a 3 so far. Why a 3?.... Well I'm only 2 weeks in and seeing results already. The peach fuzz I had above my top lip left almost immediately! i went to my dermatologist with complaints of hormonal acne and increase in chin hairs since turning 40. I never suffered with acne before until I turned 40 (a year ago). I get large nodules that are very painful, blackheads and whiteheads. Since I have never experienced acne before, I opted for several over the counter remedies that didn't work EXCEPT one very unlikely remedy that's not suppose to be used for acne....Vicks Vapor Rub!!! I read online that it works on the nodules and decided to try it, it was unbelievable, it really worked to decrease the size and pain literally overnight. This was cool but what about the chin hairs, so I wondered if there was something that could tackle both. As usual I Googled and learned about Spiro, my dermatologist confirmed that this med would be the one for me because it would also help with my high blood pressure. I was already using a water pill for my blood pressure which caused me to urinate frequently so I'm already use to that. But now, I don't need to take my current water pill since Spiro is a diuretic as well.

In some reviews, some people spoke of hair growth, well I welcome that! For years I wore very, very long dreadlocks that eventually thinned my hair out around my edges because of the weight of the locks. I cut my locks off 3 years ago and tried everything to get my edges back, nothing has worked, including cortisone injections into my scalp by my derm. So I am looking forward to seeing if my edges will thicken on this medication.

My cycle is due any day now, this is when I get my acne issues. So far, one small nodule has appeared, glad it's not huge like they usually are. For some odd reason, they form around my eyebrow area. My derm put me on 50mg once a day, I think I'm going to increase to 100mg during cycle time.

I will come back on and give another update next month when my cycle is approaching to see if I get any nodules or chin hairs.

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kreider89 on 4/18/2013 12:41:00 PM more reviews by kreider89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

I had perfect skin until I got Mirena IUD Birth Control.. two weeks after insertion I started getting bad acne on me cheeks that would actually distort my face. They got big an very inflamed! I went to a dermatologist because I was so confused as to why it was happening. She said Mirena might be the cause, even though my gyno ensured me it would not cause this kind of problem. My dermatologist gave me an antibiotic I took for a couple months. It helped a little. I decided to have my Mirena removed to help. The acne was not as bad, but still there. I went back to the dermatologist and she put me on Spiro. I have a fear of blood tests so I freaked when she said that I had to get tested a month after, but i was so determined to get my clear skin back I tried it. She started me out at 50mg per day. Im at the end of my 5th month and it has helped alot but im SOOO DRY. My face constantly feels dry and tight. I never have any relief unless im under the water in the shower. It really sucks. Im glad this pill helps but I am disappointed that my acne is completely cleared and my face is so so soooo dry :/

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Windblown88 on 3/17/2013 6:10:00 PM more reviews by Windblown88

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This is my first review ever, but seeing how well this medicine has worked for me...I couldn't not share my results. I am now 25, going on 26, and I have dealt with bad skin since I was 13. I mean awful skin. Painful cysts and scarring from the cysts, blotchy red skin, bad skin texture...all the standard complaints. I have gone through stages where it would seem to be under control, only to have another major outbreak. Last year, I had a hormonal breakout that was huge cysts all along my jawline (mainly on the left side) and on my chin and cheeks. These didn't go away! Nothing would make the disappear or even decrease in size, really. I want back to my derm after reading about spiro. I was so excited to try it. Previously I'd tried pretty mug every anti-biotic and even accutane a couple times. So my derm put me on spiro (I asked for 200mg/day) as well as ampicillin in addition to my bc (Apri). So going into this I had very high hopes--these we're crushed in the first month. I had a huge purge and broke out worse than before. I felt awful and I was devastated that it had worked so well for others and nothing for me. But I stuck with it and around the 2 month mark, my skin just suddenly was getting better. Cysts were disappearing and I wasn't getting any new ones. Before I would have at least 2 new pimples everyday. I still have a few pimples, right now I have 3 that are healing, which is awesome for me! Oh forgot to mention my wonderful topical Aczone in combination with bp! So I have great hopes of what my skin will look like after another month or so. I encourage everyone to stick with it and you won't be sorry! Good luck!

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clove81 on 3/14/2013 11:21:00 AM more reviews by clove81

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I started on 100mg Spironolactone about 6 months ago. My derm told me it could take 3 months to see results. I was still having hormonal cystic acne for 3 full months, but I held on and by the end of the 4th month I was totally clear. I did, however, have a very bad breakout during the first two months which has left scars. Those are just now beginning to fade (my worst acne spots usually scar and take 6 months or so to fade). My skin looks and feels great, and I have switched to a light coverage foundation, just to achieve an even look.

Now, over 6 months in, I am starting to notice other effects -- mostly good. My hair is not as oily -- for the first time in my life I am able to shower at night and style my hair after it has been slept on. I also have no problem skipping shampoos. I have been shampooing every other day but can probably go even longer if the progress keeps up. Also, the hair on my upper lip is now a short blonde peach fuzz (I have dark hair). It was never that big of a deal, but it did need to be waxed every three months or so. Now it requires no maintenance whatsoever.

I have had some issues with dry skin and scalp. I have had to use Neutrogena t-gel for some issues with very dry and itchy scalp. My skin has been dryer than usual and can get itchy or painful if I do not moisturize every day. However, I have only been taking spiro during the fall and winter months when my skin would be dryer anyway.

I'm really pleased with my results, but the ultimate test for me will be the summer. I have usually had acne in the summer due to sweat and sunscreen. If the spiro continues these great results over the summer, I will consider switching down to 50mg (per my derm's advice) and see if that still works.

Overall, I highly recommend spiro if you have not tried it. Like anything, it doesn't work for everybody. I tried pretty much every topical treatment and had no results. I didn't want to try the harsh Accutane, and didn't really have bad enough acne for it. Just make sure your derm talks to you about Spiro and its side effects (my derm didn't talk much, I will actually not be returning to her -- i had to do the research on spiro and the potentially dangerous potassium-related side effects on my own).

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Jhulagurl on 3/9/2013 8:02:00 PM more reviews by Jhulagurl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Awesome for acne, especially cystic and hormonal acne. It definitely controls oil, depending on how many milligrams you take. I take 150 mg and it works really well for me. This will definitely lower the androgens and testosterone in your body which will in turn decrease acne and excessive oil. This is a miracle pill for me after trying everything else for my acne which did not help.

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Steph7777 on 3/5/2013 10:31:00 AM more reviews by Steph7777

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Other    

Gabbyik - I had a very similar experience as you -- my acne really cleared up the first two weeks, now I'm at the end of week four (spironolactone 100mg every day) and it's bad again. I'm not getting the large, more cystic acne, but getting small superficial little whiteheads. Annoying!

I'm also seeing strange wrinkles, like you mentioned.

However, I'm going to try to stick it out to around month four, like the other readers suggest, just in case! I'm also applying Dapsone cream in the morning and Retin-A micro at night! Why, at 35, do we struggle with acne!!!?? Here's to hoping.

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gabbyik on 2/11/2013 5:37:00 PM more reviews by gabbyik

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

i started spironolactone almost 2 months ago (1 month and 3 weeks). i'm on 50mg a day for hormonal cystic acne on my chin. it was so strange, i felt like the first 2 weeks my skin cleared right up, i was beyond happy, but then my acne flared up again. i would say that it's better than before i started the medicine, but far from great. i do feel it has decreased my lip and chin hair, which is good, but the downside is i'm a lot more tired and moody. also, before the spiro i would clear up a bit when i was having my period - now, it's the opposite, it gets worse around my period and better the rest of the month. i'm sure when i go back to the derm she will want to up my dosage, but due to the tiredness and moodiness, i will decline. my next strategy is to stay on the meds - see if i can get over the sluggishness. i'm going to keep a journal of what i eat, what time i take the meds, how i feel, how much sleep i get, how much water i consume, etc. to see if that answers any questions to the mystery of my acne! i'm 34, healthy weight and started this terrible battle about 6 years ago, every year it's getting gradually worse. UPDATE: the strangest thing, before taking this medicine i had no wrinkles (lines) on my forehead, after being on spiro for almost 2 months, i have so many lines across my forehead - for this reason and the moodiness/sluggishness, i am goingto slowly stop taking spiro ... if anyone else got new wrinkles when on spiro, please let me know

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agapeteam on 2/9/2013 1:32:00 AM more reviews by agapeteam

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I used spiro for a little over a year. I used it for the huge hormonal cysts I was getting on my chin and cheeks. They would take months to heal and left pigmented scars. I started out on 75mg but was still getting cysts so I increased to 100mg. I really didn't have any side effects. My period was weird for a month but then it regulated. I was still getting small cysts every other month but it seemed manageable. Over the year my cysts got bigger and more frequent (only like 2 per month but when it takes months to heal...that's too many). I increased my dose to 125mg but was still getting the big cysts. My period also became pretty messed up when I increased the dose. At this point I decided to stop the spiro and try another round of accutane (I took my first round in 2001). That is what I'm on now and I'm praying it'll buy me another 5-10 years. Spiro really did help quiet things down but it just didn't stop those annoying cysts!

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LadyDi78 on 2/6/2013 2:31:00 PM more reviews by LadyDi78

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Back in 2010, my doctor put me on Spironolactone 100mg to treat acne, oily skin, and as a part of my PCOS treatment.

For the first three months, I broke out more than I even have in my life. I continued to stay on it til just under the 6 month mark as I did not find it was helping with the acne and I was so tired I could hardly get out of bed at times. I had never had a problem with hair falling out, but while being on the Spiro I did notice an increase of hair--the fullest I ever had in my life! I loved it.

Due to tiredness, frequent nosebleeds, and not improving my acne, I decided to go off of it with the help of my doctor. Within days of lowering the dosage my hair started falling out in large amounts and continued to do so for two years.

So here I am, forced to go back on Spiro., this time at a lower dosage of 50 mg. I am two days into it, and I will let you guys know my progress. This time it is to treat hair loss. I do have bags and dark circles under my eyes and I am curious to see if the bags could be related to fluid-retention associated with a history of kidney issues (too much creatine found in my blood). This is an issue with PCOS sufferers as PCOS and insulin issues frequently go hand in hand. Insulin issues also affect your kidneys if not in check, as it has with mine.

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design on 2/2/2013 4:30:00 PM more reviews by design

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

Spiro is probably the best treatment for female hormonal acne (pretty much all acne is hormonal). I have no idea why Drs are so reluctant to prescribe it... The side effects are pretty minimal and it doesn't damage your liver or kidneys the way so many other meds do. In fact it actually helps protect those vital organs. One side effect that can be annoying is it can bring menstrual cycles closer together if you're on a higher dose (100 MG+) so the addition of BCP is sometimes added to prevent that. On lower doses that doesn't usually happen. This medication worked wonders for me and cleared my skin beautifully. I had mild breakouts that just became annoying and I got fed up with trying 'miracle skin care products' that essentially did nothing because they didn't address the root issue. Unlike so many other meds, this gave my skin a natural glow and even reduced my PMS symptoms. I also noticed that my hair became thicker. It did make me thirsty, but that was easy to fix. I am so happy with this medication and definitely recommend it. It's essential that your don't become pregnant while on it, but the good news is that it leaves the body quickly once you stop taking it so there isn't a long 'wait' time. Before trying Accutane, antibiotics, or other harsh meds, I highly recommend Spiro. If your Dr. won't prescribe it then I would look for one who will.

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KMHKMH on 2/2/2013 4:17:00 PM more reviews by KMHKMH

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Age: 40 (yes, 40 and I STILL have acne!)

Tried in the past: Everything! Accutane @ 16, Accutane again @ 23, other oral meds, topical meds, peels, microdermabrasion

I was complaining to my derm. that I was 40 and still getting acne. I got off all birth control about 4 years ago. She looked at my face and said "well- looks like textbook hormonal acne to me" and suggested Spiro. I read many reviews on user experiences so I went into it with the expectation that it may take awhile to work (my derm never mentioned it). Since I've gone for 28 years without having even one "no pimple" day I figured I could give it time to work and I had nothing to lose (if the side effects weren't bad).

Took 75 MG per day for 6 months with no results at all.

Derm upped it to 150MG per day after 6 months and I started to see somewhat dramatic positive results within a few weeks. I've only had minimal side effects: noticed an increase in urination frequency (but nothing major; I already drink a ton of water daily anyway), a few times I've had slight dizziness when standing up quickly, and got my period 2x in 30 days once but nothing that concerns me.

Been @ 150 MG now for 3 months. I'm a little nervous that I'm taking such a high dosage but I monitor my potassium intake and will get blood tests ever 6 months to make sure I'm OK.

Wanted to make sure I posted a review and "give back" as I really did learn a lot from these reviews. The main thing I learned from these reviews is GIVE IT TIME.

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janemarieo on 2/1/2013 12:53:00 AM more reviews by janemarieo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

Usage - 6+ months

So I had a hate - hate - LOVE relationship with this med. Like so many people who have commented below me, I did not have acne as a teenager (just your regular pimple here and there during my cycle) Halfway through my 25th year, mother nature decided to get revenge on me for escaping my teens clear skinned. I began getting large cysts along my jaw line around my cycle. These would take weeks to go away. From there it only got worse, every pore in my face began to clog and eventually become cysts. I did everything possible to fix this new problem, and went to a derm for much needed help. After several topicals and anti-biotics failed me she prescribed me spironolactone.

Here is where my "hate" with this med comes in. She started me out on a pretty high dose of 100mg. Since this is a blood pressure medication designed to lower bp.. it did just that! Every time I stood up I would get so dizzy that I actually would fall to the ground. I was extremely tired, and I dropped about 4Lbs in just a few days (which may seem nice, but I am already quite thin and the starving model look is not for me) I went to my general practitioner who took my bp and informed me that it was extremely low. I didnt want to stop taking the med because it was my last resort before accutane. So I lowered the dose myself. Started at 25mg, then increased back up to 100mg where I am at now with no prob.

My hate continues just a few weeks later after I had solved problem 1. As a lot of people below me mentioned, there is the possibility of a major purge period. Some people seem to have one some don't. I did...... big time at about a month and half in. I was horrified at my face when I looked in the mirror. I did not recognize who I was. I cried almost every single night. My entire right cheek was covered in painful terrible cysts. I thought about stopping, but I read literally hundreds of reviews and many people said you need to wait it out for a few months before it works.

My love began about 4 months in. The 3rd month did not give me any new pimples, but I was still battling the ones from month 2. At month 4 all the pimples had gone (with some help from my derm and corizone shots) I had no new pimples coming in and my pores were beginning to clear. I also had an "acne surgery" done at the derm where they use a scalpel to cut open your closed comedones to remove the ick from your pores, which helped tremendously.

Today I am at about month 6 and I went in to my hair salon for a cut. My hair stylist had not seen me since month 3 when my face was monstrous, and she said "OMG your skin is glowing you look amazing! What are you using?!" It was such an amazing feeling to have that compliment after 2 years of struggling and battling my own skin.

It is so so so hard to stick with this when you have a purge period, or experience some of the other issues others have mentioned like hair loss, weight loss, dizzies etc. But if you can just stick it out until month 4 at least because it will change the way you look, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. GOOD LUCK!

My Pros & Cons with this:
Pros:
Will clear your acne
Super cheap if you have insurance (mine is $15 a month)

Cons:
Dizziness if not adjusted to the meds
Weight loss (see pro)
PURGE PERIOD
Must be super careful with birth control method because MAJOR BIRTH DEFECTS CAN HAPPEN!

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talena6 on 1/9/2013 6:29:00 PM more reviews by talena6

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I've had acne since I was 12 years old. Just like most of you, I probably tried everything. One day I finally had enough, and after doing some research online I decided to ask my dermatologist to prescribe me Spironolactone. She prescribed me 75mg, and after 2 months I had only seen very little difference. Even though I read so many times that it could take 6+ months to work, I got impatient and upped my dosage to 100mg myself. I saw results within 3 weeks, I was clearing up!

This is where everything went south. My breasts became unbelievably sore, I started getting my period every 2 weeks, but worst of all my hair began to fall out. As any girl will tell you, hair shedding is absolutely terrifying. I became so depressed at the thought of going bald, or getting bald spots, that I was crying all day long. I missed nearly a week of work because I couldn't get myself out of bed. I went to my dermatologist who told me 25mg is not a big difference, that any hormone fluctuation could trigger hair loss (telogen effluvium), and that it will sort itself out in a few months. She ordered blood work just to check my potassium levels, and told me to keep taking 100mg since it's working.

Well, I wasn't going to take any risks so I went and saw my regular doctor as well. I explained what was going on, what medication I'm taking, how much of it, and what's happening to my hair, and she said that sounds right. A hormone fluctuation could easily cause hair loss, and my body will get used to it. Just wait it out. I convinced her to order some full blood work, just in case something else was wrong.

My blood tests came back, and everything was normal. I requested a copy of the blood work and noticed my ferritin levels were on the low side at a 14ng, but the normal range is 12-135ng/mL. After some research, I learned that ferritin is your iron stores, and is responsible for hair growth. I discovered that your ferritin needs to be something like 30ng for your hair to NOT fall out, and 70+ for it to grow. I called my doctor right away hoping for some help to get it higher, but was told they can't do anything since I'm technically in a normal range.

I spiraled into more of a depression because I finally found what was causing my hair loss, but no doctors would help me. I researched more and more and figured out a safe amount of iron to take to raise that. I began eating lots of red meat and took my iron pill daily. I also went back to 75mg and the breast tenderness was gone within a day, and my periods were back to normal. After a couple weeks, my hair was already falling out much less! After a month now, my hair is back to normal and my face is COMPLETELY CLEAR!

I am posting this because in the endless research I did on the internet, many people taking spiro experienced hair loss, but they stopped taking spiro to fix it. I want this to be out there to help someone and to avoid the heartache and depression I had to go through. If you are shedding while taking Spiro, please get your ferritin and iron levels looked at, make sure your ferritin is above 30 (take iron if not), and find the correct dosage of Spiro for your body.

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