Spironolactone For Hair Loss: Dosage And Side Effects

Most women experience hair loss and thinning in their post-menopauseⁱ  A permanent stage of life characterized by the lack of menstruation and lowered levels of female sex hormones. period. While this may have many underlying reasons, one specific solution seems effective. The use of spironolactone for hair loss is gaining popularity (1). This FDA-approved anti-androgen drug is used to treat fluid retention, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, and liver diseases.

It also can minimize the production of adrenal androgen and reduce androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness).

Know Your Ingredient: Spironolactone

What Is It?
A prescribed medication primarily used to treat fluid retention and hair loss.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may slow down the development of androgenic alopecia and encourage hair regrowth.

Who Can Use It?
It can be taken by anyone, but you should talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it is the right choice for you.

How Often?
It can be taken every day, although the dosage may depend from person to person.

Caution
Excess consumption can cause headaches, weight loss, increased urination, fatigue, dry skin, nausea, irregular periods, diarrhea, and breathing issues.

This article explores how the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone works for hair loss, how to use it, and certain possible side effects you must be aware of. Continue reading.

What Is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is an anti-androgen, diuretic drug. It was mainly used for treating hypertensionⁱ  High blood pressure characterized by a reading of 140/90 or higher, which suggests the blood is pushing too hard against the arterial walls. , symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutismⁱ  A condition characterized by excessive androgen levels that cause unwanted male-pattern hair growth on a woman's face, front, and back. . However, spironolactone prevents adrenal androgen production in the body and thus, minimizes PCOS hair loss or androgenetic alopecia (1). Besides treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL), some experts recommend spironolactone for acne. The section below delves further into how this potassium-sparing diuretic works to prevent hair thinning and hair loss.

How Does Spironolactone Work?

Spironolactone slows down androgen production. Androgens are a group of male sex hormones, including testosterone. In females with PCOS and hormonal imbalance, excess production of androgens may cause hair loss.  A study found that the daily consumption of spironolactone in the prescribed dosage can reduce hair loss and increase the number of hair follicles in the anagen phase (1).

Amy, a blogger, takes Spironolactone for androgenic alopecia due to PCOS and reveals on her blog: “You will need a prescription for 100 mg 2x a day from your doctor. You also periodically need to get [your] potassium levels checked while you are taking this drug. This is the only prescription drug that I take to help my PCOS (i).”

The dosage of spironolactone depends on the purpose it is being used for.

Did You Know?

Female androgenetic alopecia is common among women in their late 20s but reaches its peak after 50 years of age (2).

How Much Of Spironolactone Is Prescribed For Hair Loss?

A study found that a dose of 200 mg of oral spironolactone effectively improved female pattern hair loss (1). Doctors generally prescribe a dosage between 50-200mg of spironolactone for hair loss. However, the dosage may vary, depending on the severity of your hair loss. The doctor may even prescribe a combination of drugs to be taken with spironolactone, such as (1):

• Spironolactone With Oral Contraceptive: This combination is often used to prevent menstrual irregularities and improve female pattern baldness and acne.
• Spironolactone With Minoxidil: A 2% topical minoxidil solution improves hair growth rate and hair thickness by lengthening the anagen (growth) phase and shortening the telogen (hair fall) phase of the hair (3).

Your doctor may also prescribe topical spironolactone for treating hair loss.

Spironolactone: Topical Or Oral?

You may take spironolactone orally or apply a topical solution.

Topical treatment is preferred as it cuts down many possible side effects of oral spironolactone. Research found that 5% spironolactone gel can promote hair growth and is a good option for managing androgenic alopecia (4).

The doctor will evaluate the severity of your hair loss and other complications caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and then prescribe either topical or oral spironolactone. Once you start taking it, you may expect results in a few months. However, the duration may vary from person to person.

Did You Know?

Topical spironolactone may work better in females than in males (4).

How Long Does It Take For Spironolactone To Work?

Do not expect overnight results. Spironolactone may take at least six months to show results. However, it may vary, depending on the severity of the condition. You may even notice changes after a year of using the drug.

You have to follow up with your doctor after taking the androgen receptor blocker, spironolactone for six months. They may even increase the dosage, depending on the results, or suggest a combination of medications.

Spironolactone is not prescribed for everyone. Find out next who can use the drug and who should avoid it.

Who Can Use Spironolactone For Hair Loss?

Spironolactone is mainly prescribed for women with androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. However, avoid spironolactone if you (5):

• Have kidney-related issues
• Have high blood potassium levels
• Have Addison’s diseaseⁱ  A chronic condition wherein your adrenal glands fail to produce adequate cortisol and aldosterone hormones.
• Are taking eplerenone (steroid)
• Are pregnant or nursing

Teenagers below 18 years of age should also avoid this drug. If taken in the wrong way, spironolactone may have some health risks.

What Are The Side Effects Of Spironolactone?

As spironolactone is commonly prescribed for hypertension, some people may experience low blood pressure while using this drug. This is why it is crucial to take it in the prescribed dosage. Otherwise, it may cause issues like (6):

• Headache
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Increased urination
• Dry skin
• Decreased libido
• Drowsiness and nausea
• Irregular periods
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Breast tenderness

Overdose of spironolactone may also cause:

• Breathing problems
• Rashes
• Dizziness
• High potassium levels

High potassium levels can be life-threatening. Visit a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Weakness
• Muscle fatigue
• Abnormal heart rate
• Paralysis

These are some common side effects associated with spironolactone, so regular check-ins with your doctor are essential to monitor any changes. However, it is generally considered safe. A long-term study of 91 women using spironolactone over eight years found it to be safe, with no serious illnesses associated with the medication (7). While side effects are common, they usually are not severe enough to stop treatment. Consulting your healthcare provider helps ensure the safe and effective use of spironolactone.

Infographic: Must-Know Facts About Spironolactone

Hair fall is a common condition experienced by a lot of people around the world. We try different methods and techniques to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. Spironolactone is one such drug that may help you maintain your hair health. However, you must adhere to certain dos and don’ts to avoid unnecessary complications. The infographic below highlights the major things you need to know before using this drug. Check it out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for hair loss, finasteride or spironolactone?

While both finasteride and spironolactone are effective for treating hair loss, spironolactone has fewer side effects (4).

Is it better to take spironolactone in the morning or at night?

You should take spironolactone as per your doctor’s advice. Ensure that you take the medication at the same time daily.

Illustration: Spironolactone For Hair Loss: Dosage And Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn about the effects of spironolactone on the kidneys and female pattern hair loss and discover a more reliable treatment. Get the facts in the video below and make an informed decision.