Spirituality at SetonCove.net     Wellness at GoodHealth.com
Search Seton.net
Can’t find it? A - Z Index
...
...

Health Library Spironolactone for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)From Healthwise

Home > Health Information from A-Z > Health Library > Drug Guide

Spironolactone for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
spironolactoneAldactone

How It Works

Spironolactone is a diuretic, which gets rid of excess salt and water in the body. It also reduces androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Why It Is Used

Spironolactone reduces androgen levels, which reduces male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), hair loss, and acne for women with PCOS.

Spironolactone used alone can cause irregular bleeding and could cause problems if used during pregnancy. For these reasons, it is usually taken along with birth control pills. It is used to control irregular menstrual bleeding and to reduce hirsutism.

How Well It Works

About 70% to 80% of women with PCOS see a reduction in excess hair growth after taking spironolactone. It may take up to 6 months of daily use to be fully effective.1

Side Effects

Side effects from spironolactone may include:

  • Irregular menstrual periods, with higher doses of the medicine.
  • Rash.
  • Scalp hair loss.
  • Nausea or fatigue, with higher doses of the medicine.
  • Cramping, diarrhea.
  • Drowsiness, lack of energy.
  • Headache, confusion.

Side effects go away when you stop using spironolactone.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Unless your doctor advises it and is monitoring you carefully, do not take potassium supplements when using spironolactone. Doing so may cause excessive potassium levels.

Your doctor may not recommend spironolactone if you have kidney problems. This is because it affects how your kidneys get rid of potassium.

Use birth control when using spironolactone. Spironolactone is not safe for use during pregnancy. It has been reported to cause a change in the genitals of a male fetus, although this is rare.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Huang I, et al. (2007). Endocrine disorders. In JS Berek, ed., Berek and Novak's Gynecology, 14th ed., pp. 1069–1135. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last RevisedJanuary 28, 2010

Last Revised: January 28, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

...
-
-
image Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the Magnet designation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Association.
Public Notice - Magnet Recognition Program Site Visit Seton Northwest
-
RSS Feed   (What's RSS?)