Spironolactone For Hair Loss: Dosage And Side Effects

Now matter how good it could be, it is important to be aware of its complications too.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation... more

Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more

Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Experience: 3 years

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, ... more

Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Experience: 3 years

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She... more

• Mar 1, 2024

Image: ShutterStock

Most women experience hair loss and thinning in their post-menopauseⁱXA 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.

In This Article

What Is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is an anti-androgen, diuretic drug. It was mainly used for treating hypertensionⁱXHigh 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 hirsutismⁱXA 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), the androgen receptor blocker may also be beneficial in reducing hirsutism and acne. The section below delves further into how this potassium-sparing diuretic works to prevent hair thinning and hair loss.

How Does Spironolactone Work?

Woman with hair loss may benefit from spironolactone

Image: Shutterstock

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?

Doctor explaining spironolactone dosage for hair loss to patient

Image: Shutterstock

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?

Woman taking spironolactone for hair loss orally

Image: Shutterstock

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?

Woman checking spironolactone's effect on her hair

Image: Shutterstock

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 diseaseⁱXA 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?

Woman experiencing headache as a side effect of spironolactone

Image: Shutterstock

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

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.

must know facts about spironolactone for hair (infographic)

Spironolactone can help minimize hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. The doctor may prescribe oral or topical spironolactone and combine it with other medications to treat hair loss. If you consider taking spironolactone for hair loss, remember that you will not see overnight results. It may take time, and you must diligently follow the treatment. Consult with your doctor to determine whether this medication is suitable for treating your condition and the right dosage. Also, inform the doctor about your underlying health issues before starting the treatment and report the progress and changes you may notice.

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.

Key Takeaways

You can treat PCOS hair loss or androgenetic alopecia by using spironolactone.
It stops the production of adrenal androgen, which is the major cause of androgenetic alopecia.
It can be applied topically or even can be taken orally if prescribed.
However, side effects like dry skin, hair loss, and headaches are also seen in a few sensitive individuals.

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.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. PCOS AND HAIR LOSS – What Works for Me
https://divapcos.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/pcos-and-hairloss-what-works-for-me/

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.