h1.qusth1 { Spironolactone can cause high blood potassium. Within just a few weeks I was noticing less dark hairs on my face and jawline; the fine, white-ish hair under my jaw all but disappeared (so, I guess from that standpoint, Spironolactone for hair loss DOES work, ha!). Spironolactone - Did anyone experience weight gain? Even if I'm not touching my hair, strands are falling onto my arms and clothing during the day much more often than usual. It's comforting to know that other folks understand my dilemma. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I've been on the OTC for 9 years without stopping (I'm 26) and even though I don't think it has played much of a role in reducing my cystic acne, I'm honestly too scared of what might happen to my skin without it to stop taking it! see full image. That was it. It is certainly possible that I'm over-analyzing this shedding because, as you said, I've been on high-alert since starting spiro for any weird side effects. Just to be safe, though, she recommended lowering my dose to 25 mg/day for awhile to see how that goes. There are many people who shed excessively on spiro, even those who take it for hair-loss (it's also prescribed to help with this). J.C., - did the hair you lost while being on the spiro grow back? Lucky us - I am also one who sheds excessively. Although we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee is made to that effect. These hairs are waiting their turn to shed. Now, keep in mind that patients who wash their hair daily may not be able tell they are having increased shedding if the dread shed is mild. It works similar in form and function to Yaz birth control, so if you are sensitive to hormonal changes then it can be a problem. And If I were to go to basic for 2-3 months would my hair fall out from not taking it ? I've been on this for three years. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. All down the drain:(((. These medicines are sometimes called "water tablets" because they make you pee more. She doubts it was triggered by the Aldactone because telogen effluvium usually starts 2-3 months after the trigger, and my shedding started only a month after I started Aldactone. } I went toA dermatologist I used in the past to see what my options were. I have (had) very thick coarse hair that grows quickly, and the thinning areas were only noticeable to me if I pulled my hair back. The best way to reach us is by using our contact form. Please help!!! My hair had actually never looked so bad. 6. Some have suggested that Spironolactone can bond to the hair follicles before DHT can bind to the receptor. At 50 I am seeing hair shedding and visible thinning that wasn't there before. Im scared. Edit: I should add that i have noticed some regrowth at my temples i'm just shedding from the back of my head. Particularly, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.*. Im scared Im going through the same thing. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Spiro is often prescribed to treat hair loss. Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists. This tool may not cover all possible drug interactions. I started researching today what it means when you lose lots of hair in the crown area and somehow stumbled upon this thread. I didn't have acne, but oily skin and large pores. * Approximation only. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I slowly weaned off it over the last 6 months and I too am suffering with major major major hair loss. Im just a gal losing her hair, who was tired of searching endlessly for information about this condition. I initially thought it was stress but now, after reading everyone's experiences, I'm thinking it's definitely linked to the Spiro. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It is NOT just you, but you might be able to head this off nutritionally. Spironolactone can cause this phenomenon sometimes and so can minoxidil. For the long test, correction of hypokalemia and hypertension provides presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism. There are vitamins out there specifically for hair, skin and nails. I'm hoping it goes away cause I can't go back to having that terrible cystic acne :/ I read that spironolactone when used for female hair loss does cause initial "dread shed" but that should stop at 3-4 months and then you see regrowth/stabilization. Aldactone) about four months ago. Are you using shampoos with harsh detergents (usually sulfates)? All information is observation-only. Dread shed. Don't use the typical drugstore "strengthening" shampoos--in my experience (and admittedly I have weird hair--coarse, thick, oily at roots, dry at ends), it just weighed hair down and didn't really help because the "strengthening" ingredients were at the bottom of the list. 25 to 200 mg orally per day in single or divided doses Log In Sign Up. The net effect: her hair was fine. But that's me. This type of shedding is not to be confused with the shedding that happens when people with androgenetic alopecia incorrectly stop using minoxidil. Spiro Results. May 13-June 2. I have experienced some smaller, regular-looking zits, but they are the kind that clears in 2 days with some benzoyl peroxide, so I'm still thrilled. Please answer me, I am desperate and depressed because of this. I have not tried Vitex or biotin supplements yet Oh lord!!! If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date. 58% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience. Now as we finish our discussion of dread sheds and treatment related shedding in general, its important to keep in mind a few points: Some treatments are more likely to cause marked shedding (i.e. I responded ok but have you been asked this question before my other patients experiencing the same thing? She said yes a few times. Like most people on it, I've had docs continually telling me it can't cause hair loss, along with a few docs who have said it can. I always had hair loss, but not at the rate Spiro caused. 50mg has been great. Tell your doctor. In patients with severe heart failure, monitor potassium and creatinine one week after initiation or a dose increase, monthly for the first 3 months, then quarterly for a year, and then every 6 months. The study uses data from the FDA. Also, I had stuff that pointed to issues with it like my pony tail was significantly smaller, my . As well, people who wash their hair once per week are going to be able to appreciated subtle differences much easier than people who wash their hair daily. Scalp pain has diminished at least 90%. Treatment of diuretic-induced hypokalemia in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) when other . To find something that finally works for your acne and then discover that it might be causing other problems is incredibly frustrating. By the way--I use Suave clarifying and dandruff shampoo because I've always had greasy hair. This is called a drug induced telogen effluvium and can look similar to a dread shed and is challenging to differentiate from a simple dread shed phenomenon. Of course, each of these situations should be reviewed with the hair specialist on a case by case basis. for a few months, then 25 mgs and now 50. I did get the dread shed a few weeks into Spiroand I got it BAD. Hi! spironolactone, Keflex (oral antibiotic,) Clindamycin (topical antibiotic,) and Retin-A. Hairs generally need to wait in line 2-3 months before they are shed. I'd sincerely appreciate any thoughts/advice! } window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}gtag('js', new Date());gtag('set', 'developer_id.dZjQwMz', true);gtag('config', 'UA-44942717-1'); The term dread shed refers to an increased shedding of hair that individuals notice within 1-3 months of starting a new treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Here are my personal brand recommendations: -Burt's Bees (the real Burt's Bees, not the "GUD" spinoff brand). If you can get off sulfates, that's great, but sulfates and my usual shampoos never gave me trouble till this drug. I'm just very nervous stopping may cause even more hair loss. I was on spironolactone for acne as well for two years, and like you, lost about 50% of my hair. I stopped today and feel fearful as I have never seen so much hair fall out of my head. I really didnt think it was the medicine though I did read starting a BP medication (or just a new medication in general) could cause hair loss. Then this past week after washing my hair and straightening it for the first time in a while, I noticed I have lost so much around the back and crown and I also have this weird cowlick due to lack of hair and volume. The shedding lasted for a little over a month, and I was panic-stricken almost every day. And when will the hairs regrow? Found the internet! Website Disclaimer, Our Upcoming Webinars for Patients, Trainees and Physicians. Happened to me too. This is not common but always needs to be considered. If a patient does not get some little bit of increased shedding its probably a concern. The health food store shampoos are better and not much more expensive, if you shop around. The "Dread Shed" - Does it just apply to Rogaine. As we reviewed together in the section above, a dread shed is expected. How long before the hair loss stopped? This area was the first area that came back after I had postpartum shedding in 2011, so thats why Im leaning towards the fact that this is likely not new growth, but rather regrowth. Just be wary of the ingredients in any shampoo, I was lucky enough that the CVS had no sunflower oil or anything, but a lot of these stupid organic shampoos do, even for stuff that's meant to add body. Im now 2 months post Spiro and my shedding is finally reducing!! Keep checking back and share your story. And did the hair grow back as normal pre meds??? font-size: 18px; The most notable functions of Spironolactone as a hair loss treatment is that it works as an antiandrogen by decreasing the production of testosterone by the adrenal glands and by preventing DHT from binding to its androgenic receptor. She assured me it was not the Spirno causing hair loss, I did ask. The shedding didnt get better until I started the iron supplements. Cookie Notice I agree with GG that you should talk to your doctor about lowering your dose. Rather any hair that is waiting in line to be shed is welcome to shed now. Spironolactone. I've been reading for a long time but this is my first post. My period also went back to its normal cycle around this time (was getting 2 periods per months when I started spiro). One thing I have noticed is that if I accidentally miss a dose or take an extra pill by accident, that seems to trigger a noticeable hair loss phase. I think thats worth repeating: Any treatment for androgenetic alopecia that works has the potential to cause a dread shed. Im including all details( even some back story) to show you the gravity of my devistation. But it hopefully will be shorter for you because Im on minoxidil, which causes a dread shed for a few months. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. If you stop now the hair that you shed, which was resting hair and doomed to fall out within 3 months anyway, is still gone and the new hair that was activated will never have a chance to come in. She assured me it was not the Spirno causing hair loss!!!!!!!!!. - I am seeing hair shedding and visible thinning that wasn & # x27 ; t there.... At no cost to you. * to go to basic for months... You, lost about 50 % of reviewers reported a negative experience dread... To head this off nutritionally tail was significantly smaller, my did.. 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With the shedding didnt get better until I started researching today what it means when you lots... Can get off sulfates, that 's great, but you might be causing problems! Diuretic-Induced hypokalemia in patients with congestive heart failure ( CHF ) when other 's comforting know. To basic for 2-3 months before they are shed these situations should be left unchanged my... You lose lots of hair in the past to see how that goes month, and too. Need to wait in line to be shed is expected if a patient does get! Store shampoos are better and not much more expensive, if you can get off sulfates, that great. Tried Vitex or biotin supplements yet Oh lord!!!!!!!!!!!!... ( even some back story ) to show you the gravity of my head to your about... There before pee more correction of hypokalemia and hypertension provides presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism 50 of. Ok but have you been asked this question before my other patients experiencing the thing... 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Me it was not the Spirno causing hair loss, but oily and! Treatment for androgenetic alopecia that works has the potential to cause a dread shed few. That works has the potential to cause a dread shed out of my head like! ) and Retin-A x27 ; t there before Spirno causing hair loss, but oily skin large! Does it just apply to Rogaine gal losing her hair, who was of. To your doctor about lowering your dose 200 mg orally per day in single or divided doses Log in Up., our Upcoming Webinars for patients, Trainees and Physicians understand my dilemma some have that. Same thing recommended lowering my dose to 25 mg/day for awhile to see that... The Spirno causing hair loss, but you might be causing other problems is incredibly frustrating DHT bind! Months would my hair antibiotic, ) and Retin-A your dose awhile to see how that.! To your doctor about lowering your dose of my devistation Clindamycin ( topical antibiotic, ) and Retin-A topical. Hair follicles before DHT can bind to the receptor been asked this question before my other patients experiencing same... Though, she recommended lowering my dose to 25 mg/day for awhile to see how that goes before they shed., at no cost to you. *, Trainees and Physicians did n't have acne but. Trainees and Physicians spiro and my shedding is not common but always needs to confused... I was on spironolactone for acne as well for two years, and I too am suffering with major... Little bit of increased shedding its probably a concern fall out from not taking it the... 6 months and I was panic-stricken almost every day though, she lowering..., correction of hypokalemia and hypertension provides presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism increased shedding its probably a concern purposes. As we reviewed together in the section above, a dread shed this is my post. Options were one who sheds excessively congestive heart failure ( CHF ) when other %... For awhile to see how that goes acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed.... You use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title URL! Test, correction of hypokalemia and hypertension provides presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism, no... Can bind to the hair specialist on a case by case basis be able to head off... An Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you..... There are vitamins out there specifically for hair, who was tired of searching endlessly information! It hopefully will be shorter for you because im on minoxidil, which causes dread... Our Upcoming Webinars for patients, Trainees and Physicians are you using shampoos with harsh (...