Spironolactone for Hair Loss: How Does It Work?

Spironolactone for Hair Loss: How Does It Work?

Seeing multiple strands of hair on your pillow every morning or clumps matted in your brush after a shower can be scary and overwhelming. Slow down and take a deep breath—there are treatment options that can work.

Spironolactone is a prescription medication typically used to treat various health concerns, such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and heart or kidney disease. However, it can also be used to promote hair growth in women suffering from androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss.

Keep reading to learn more about spironolactone and hair loss!

Spironolactone: How It Helps Treat Hair Loss in Women

Androgens are sex hormones that play a role in reproductive health and body development. Examples include testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Although all genders produce androgens, males make more of them. In females, excessive amounts of androgens can contribute to hair loss.

Spironolactone is an antiandrogen, which means it blocks the effects of androgens. By blocking androgen receptors, spironolactone reduces the miniaturization of hair follicles and slows down hair loss. Thus, spironolactone has the potential to encourage hair regrowth in areas where it has already been lost.

In women, spironolactone is often used to treat androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) as well as hormonal hair loss caused as a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

In one study by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 74% of those who received spironolactone therapy showed stabilization or positive improvement as it pertained to female pattern hair loss.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of spironolactone varies from patient to patient. What works for someone’s hair follicles may not work for yours—ask your doctor for advice!

Types of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by multiple factors, therefore several considerations must be taken before spironolactone is prescribed by your doctor.

Some causes of female pattern hair loss could include:

• Age: The chance of hair loss or androgenic alopecia increases with age.
• Genetics: Having relatives with female pattern hair loss increases your chances.
• Hormones: Hormonal hair loss often happens after menopause. PCOS can also cause hair thinning.

Why Can’t Men Use Spironolactone for Hair Growth?

Men are not suitable candidates for spironolactone due to its anti-androgen properties.

Lessening the production of androgens and decreasing other male sex hormones could result in a ‘softening’ of traditional male features. Spironolactone can also cause weight gain and reduce the growth of facial hair in males.

What to Consider Before Taking Spironolactone as a Hair Loss Treatment

While spironolactone is generally safe, it is always wise to understand the risks of hair loss treatment. Women who take spironolactone for hair loss may experience:

• Drowsiness or nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache and dizziness
• Irregular periods
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Low sex drive
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Increased urination

More serious side effects are possible, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or dangerous elevation in potassium levels. Seek treatment immediately if you experience weakness, abnormal heartbeat, paralysis or muscle fatigue.

Taking the Right Dosage

Your doctor will determine your dosing based on your specific condition, medical history, and any other medications you may be taking. The average long-term dose of spironolactone for female pattern hair loss is 100 to 200 milligrams. Your doctor may start you off with 25 milligrams per day and slowly increase your dose over time to reduce the possibility of side effects.

Be prepared to wait for months before seeing any results from spironolactone as a hair loss treatment. If a significant amount of time has passed and you have yet to notice any improvements, your hair loss may be due to stress or other causes.

Treat Hair Loss At APT Medical Aesthetics

APT Medical Aesthetics offers several safe and effective solutions designed to help improve your quality of life. Our team will discuss your options thoroughly to ensure you receive the treatment that is most appropriate for you.

Spironolactone may be an effective option for you to effectively reduce hormone-related hair loss. While not all hair loss treatments work for everyone, we are confident in our ability to find something that will deliver results.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more.