As a trans woman I was on spiro for years as an antiandrogen and I became so depressed and lethargic and after getting rid of it and upping my estrogen and progesterone it helped my mood and overall feminization soooo much. I know this isn’t really related to the video but just wanted to share my experience with spiro.
I can see how that would be! I also stopped using the spiro and started a very specific birth control (assuming the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone are what is needed most of the time for [trans] women but also women who have not transitioned- ie me) and that worked SO much better for me too!!!! 😘
i really dont think spiro should be prescribed at the doses required to fully suppress testosterone in trans women. the side effects are so bad at doses that high, and there are far more effective anti-androgens out there with less side effect. the US is literally the only country that uses spiro for trans healthcare because of FDA regulations on more effective treatments. it's ridiculous.
@@kitty69420 the FDA is full of complete SHIT. And I trust 20% of the statements they claim. Everything else is my OWN research mixed with my PTP and naturopath. I DONT CARE what anyone says. I’ve been doing that for the past 5 years and I’ve never felt better. When I was following FDA approved guidelines for my acne I literally ended up in the ER, multiple times.
Oh this is GOAT. It saves my skin after my hysterectomy and I am so grateful! My derm checks my blood pressure early in the year and my GP at the end of the year. I will have to ask next week about the topical. Thanks for the heads up little Cyster!
Omg!! I had to stop taking spironolactone bc I developed severe low blood pressure & taking it dropped my blood pressure even lower. My acne has been out of control since I stopped taking it & it’s been driving me crazy. I’m definitely going to check this out!!! Thank you!!!
@@Sasha_xo I totally forgot about this 🤦🏻♀️ I’m going to order some this week, now that your comment reminded me of this! Ty ❤️ also I’ll report back 😉
i’ve actually been taking spironolactone from apostrophe for my hormonal acne since august 2020 along with my custom tretinoin formula and it has absolutely saved my skin!! i definitely went through a purging stage bc of the tretinoin but after 2 - 3 months, i was able to see a massive difference and my skin right now is the clearest it’s ever been ☺️ i don’t even break out during my period anymore which makes me sooooooo happy!! i will say though that i started off at 100 mg but it messed up my cycle so we lowered it to 75 mg and found that to be the right dosage for me. i also noticed that i don’t lose as much hair anymore ever since i started spironolactone which was a nice bonus
I finally broke and went to the dermatologist at 32. I have two types of acne going on. Hormonal and acne rosacea. So that regular acne stuff (salicylic acid/benzoyl peroxide) doesn’t do a thing for me. Spiro and tretinoin took care of both. My skin is so clear. My biggest regret is not going in sooner. Good luck. ❤️
I am really interested in trying the topical version because the oral one cleared up my skin tremendously. I did decide to stop taking it because a side effect from the spiro was that my cycle became all messed up and I had to start taking birth control to fix it. So now all the acne is back. However what makes me nervous and hesitant is that Apostrophe is the only place that offers the topical version. I tried calling several dermatologists in my area and no one prescribes it? I wonder why?
Hey, I know this is an older video, but I'm here to report back! Been using the topical spiro+tret+clindamycin formula from Apostrophe for around 2 and a half months. My skin is in that annoying peely phase, but I've been breaking out way less than when I was just using retinoids! I looked into oral spiro for a while, but seeing my transfeminine friends struggle with a lot of side effects, notably the low BP and dizziness (which my other meds already cause mildly) and decided against it. But the topical version being available makes total sense, and I hope it keeps helping with my acne! I have PCOS, and my acne is almost entirely hormonal, so this is so super exciting!
@@stylessunflower8737 that's up to you and your dr. Personally I'm on 100mg twice a day. Was originally taking both in the morning, but it made me tired, tried both at night but my feet were still getting puffy by the afternoon, so now one in the morning and one at bedtime. clindamycin just gave me a yeast infection and shredded my stomach. so, it's all up to you and your dr, your mileage may vary.
I have PCOS and have been on spiro for almost 2 years it did wonders on my acne and facial hair. I am still loosing hair and have a lot a body hair still but so far for acne it has been good. Side effects on me are low energy, dry eyes and spotting.
@@1gamz hey sorry for the late response, I personnally didn't have very late periods before, the lenght of my cycle was irregular but nothing crazy, I still had my period each month so I can't really say if it helps with that but I assume it doesn't because when I started using it my cycles went from 25 days to 15 days and then 20 days and then 15 again, it basically messed up my cycle and made it very short so I wouldn't say that it regulates your period at all because 15 days for a cycle is way too short, but doctors say it is normal to have menstrual disfunction when taking spironolactone , and often suggest you take the pill with it to avoid that (i don't take it cause I don't want to but it is up to you). As for bloating and weight loss I was not overweight or anything so I can't really say exactly if it helps but I did notice less bloating and maybe lost a tiny bit of weight at the beginning but I gained it back once my body was adjusted, it just makes you lose more water. Oh and for a moment I thought that my fat distribution kinda changed like I gained more weight in my lower body than I used to but maybe I am just crazy 😂
@@TheChoupistar NO YOU ARE NOT CREAZY, IT IS COMPLETELY POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO INCREASE YOUR ESTROGENS, That's also way you are having short period
spironolactone was a god send for me. Had severe acne since I was 12/13 and nothing worked until I started taking spiro when I was 22. My skin has completely changed. I feel like I have "normal" skin now with just a few pimples that will go away in a few days instead of the deep cysts I had that felt like they would never go away. Hope this comment inspires someone to talk to a derm about spiro and that it works for them the way it worked for me. I'm on 100 mg a day (50 mg pill morning and night).
Ive been watching your acne stories and im sorry i just don't understand. you never took accutane but cleared your severe acne that you had for YEARS with food and lifestyle? have you ever taken spirolactone for acne?
I’m sick of getting pimples lol I just turned 31... it’s not fair! I mean my skin could be way worse but it’s still annoying 🤦♀️ ...but anywho I’m interested in this. I don’t like oral products because I have health issues but I’m curious about the topical option 💁♀️
I’m on spiro for acne (29), and it changed my skin. Will be looking into the topical myself because I also hate pills, but if it doesn’t work for you, try the pills! They’ve made a huge difference.
@@chelseacd well unfortunately I can’t take the pill form due to a stomach illness but I will certainly look into the topical. Thank you 😊 and I’m glad it worked for you!
Spironolactone saved my skin. It was the only thing that actually cleared and stopped my cystic acne from happening. It took a year and a half to fully clear up my skin combined with tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics but its worth it.
Oral spiro cleared my skin perfecty, but simultaneously ruined my gut health, hormones, and mental health. Will never take it orally again, but I just got my Apostrophe topical spiro formula I am so excited!!!!
@@heatheromalley1590 I will also say though that treating my acne hasn't just been a one-stop-shop solution haha. The topical spiro formula has helped for sure, but so has supporting my hormones, eating enough, sleeping enough etc. It's been a full mission to get my health back on track after I got off the birth control pill which is what triggered the acne in the first place :)
literally same thing happened to me!! took it for years and decided to stop because i couldn’t take the side effects that were effecting my overall health anymore. I also stopped birth control at the same time so my acne is out of control right now! :/ But I just started the topical spiro from apostrophes a week ago and hoping it helps. I see you comment was posted a year ago, would you mind sharing which topical formula you were prescribed and if you saw it worked the same to clear hornonal acne as oral spiro?
Is topical Spironolactone from Apostrope the same as Winlevi? I thought that there was no generic version of Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%). I got prescribed Winlevi by my derm but it’s over $500 every month so it’s not even close to affordable. 😭
I just started taking it orally a week ago and am really hoping this will clear up my skin! 🙏🏼 so far I haven’t experienced side effects aside from slight drowsiness so I take it at night, but also am crossing my fingers that I won’t get any other side effects 😅 thanks for this video!!
I’m on it too! Hang in there, it took me about 4-5 months to notice a difference! I don’t have over oily skin anymore and painful acne cysts are not developing anymore!
Stick with it. It doesn't work as quickly as topical products but when it starts working it works good in my experience! Only side effect that really sucked for me was if I miss a dose I end up feeling really dizzy and sick but other than that its been fine.
Thanks for posting this. I’m a cis guy with very oily skin. I had liked into Spironolactone to combat the oiliness but it seemed like it wasn’t a good treatment for men when taken orally. I’m definitely going to give the topical Spironolactone from Apostrophe a try.
@@chaloevibes4355 poly cystic ovarian syndrome. aka poly cystic ovarian bull$hit, aka exploding ovaries, aka grenades instead of eggs. It's causes and thus treatments are not extremely well understood and it can come with lots of other symptoms like infertility, cystic acne (and not always on the face, also armpits and "trunk area"), hirsutism (women with facial hair), hair thinning and loss, and obesity just to name some of the more common. But none of these are guaranteed to show up either. It is absolutely possible to have PCOS and not have any ovarian cysts or fertility problems. I have a friend with 6 kids, and a beard she shaves daily and facial and armpit cysts. Some people can find some relief through a strict low carb, no sugar diet, some need to add in a very high intensity daily workout routine, some need meds, personally I need all 3 to manage the grenades instead of eggs and extremely painful cysts that showed up in my armpits and groin. Hope this explained a bit. But yes, like Bermuda Triangle said, it's hell.
I'm a cis male who's been taking Spiro orally for like 4 years now. I take a very low dose compared to what trans or cis women would take and I've thankfully never had any side effects. It's worked wonders for my adult acne as well as restoring my hairline. The benefits have outweighed the risks. This may have to do with PCOS running in the family.
I’ve had amazing results with Spironolactone. My acne has cleared up, and literally people who have never met me before tell me how amazing my skin is when I pull down my mask. And not to mention all the other benefits. It did however makes by breast larger, but I’m not complaining.
Definitely going to ask about this- I've been on spiro for years(cis woman, just for acne) and I've been worried that it's contributing to my mental health issues.
Same here. I've been taking it orally for 3 years and it's been absolutely horrible the entire time other than my skin clearing up. I'm doing some research online to find out what alternative androgen blockers exist and if they also help for acne, hirsutism and hair loss, but I'm not finding much so far. Did you end up trying the topical spiro?
I almost went on this due to Chronic Migraines!! I ended up doing alternative medicine instead, and that's helped a lot, but I forgot this pill also helps with acne!!
Mine took a year and a half combined with tretinoin and other topicals to completely clear my skin so the longer you take it the more it works. My skin is completely clear now vs before I had terrible cystic acne.
Oooooh thank you for this! I am way from my teenage years but still suffer from hormonal acne but lost my insurance and even when I had it I was really bad going to a dr. This is a good alternative for me. Thank you for making this video. Definitely going to check this site out.
im sick of getting pimples. im 26 and just now getting these nasty zits which i didnt get when i was a teenager. my confidence is so low that i dont want people looking at me anymore. sometimes i dont even want to look in the mirror anymore 😩 i have hormonal acne but researching about spiro gives me hope. my prescription is arriving this week. i cant wait to start!
@@Sasha_xo hi! yes, i’ve seen drastic changes on my skin. i started apostrophe in march. my doctor prescribed me oral spiro 50mg and tretinoin. since then, i haven’t got huge hormonal acne. i still get one or two during period but they are small and dry up pretty quick and they dont hurt. my skin is almost clear, just some dark spots left but it will heal over time. my confidence is coming back too! i dont use foundation that much anymore 🥰 i wish you all the best in your skincare journey! 🫶🏼🤍
Thank you for the code in the description! I used it and paid $5 for my consultation. I really liked how extensive the questions were regarding my skin and medical history. I'll decide if I want to make the switch from Curology to Apostrophe after they tell me the best formula and figure out which one is best for my skin. Thank you so much!!
@@EG_KChey I’ve been using apostrophe for over a year and it’s much better than curology. Curology doesn’t utilize physicians and prescriptions filled by a pharmacy. It’s a little pricey but definitely worth it
I'm a trans woman and I've been taking oral Spiro 200mg a day for over 2 years, I'm gonna ask about getting on the topical version. I also take 4mg of Estrodiol daily
i’ve been on spiro since 2019 and i have never loved a medication so much lol. like my skin literally had me depressed it was so bad and after a few months this medication literally transformed my cystic acne. i have to stop now, with being a professional athlete it’s not allowed. i’m PRAYING this topical treatment won’t let me down 😭
I was just diagnosed with PCOS and my OGBYN suggested spiro as one of the options that could help with my acne. I've heard really good things about it especially those who have PCOS or hormone imbalance.
I have been on it for my PCOS for years and it really has helped a lot with my hair loss and the dark body hair I have due to the hormone imbalance. I do recommend giving it a try to see if it might help you :)
@@kristie_ell That's good to know re: body hair! I've done laser and electrolysis basically all over my body for years and years because of this. :( I'll try anything at this point.
@@mslthebrand4397 Hi! It had been amazing for my PCOS symptoms. My skin is less oily and my hormonal acne cysts have disappeared. I noticed less hair growth too on my face. For some reason it took 1 day off of my period too, so that’s nice 😂
I've been taking 50mg orally twice a day for a little over a month. I have noticed my oils have reduced probably like 30-40%. My newest pimples have been smaller and less cystic. I know that a month isn't enough to get results, so I'm looking forward to seeing if it actually works for me. I have PCOS... the reduction of body hair would be awesome, but the acne is what I'm desperate to fix. If I remember, I'll try to update this comment.
I have had daily acne for like 14 years and started taking only 50 mg and it got rid of my acne in a little less than a month so the results can be quick but I'd give it at least 6 months
My derm prescribed this to me and before the appt ended he gave me a disclaimer that it may cause benign tumors to grow throughout my body...so yeah I did NOT take that. I never will. This is bandaid to an internal issue. I would rather have pimples than lifelong health issues.
I took spiro orally to try to remedy PCOS symptoms but I had terrible side effects and went off. So curious how topical could differ! I didn’t get to try it long enough to notice any changes.
I eat spironolakton as a diuretic because I’m on a pretty hefty dose of methadone. That can cause edema, especially in my lower legs and feet. I didn’t know that it was good for the skin and when I saw the title of the video I thought I misread it 😸 Like, whaaat..? Wait.. *click & watch*
Could you please do an updated Korean favourites video but with highly sensitive, acne prone people in mind? ❤️ I bought a few of your recommendations but turns out many brands looove all forms of coconut 😩 still recovering from all the breakouts lol
I've had persistent folliculitis on my scalp since I was 12. The only times it went away was when I was on antibiotics for my acne, or later when I was on Accutane. My dermatologist prescribed a couple of special shampoos that did no good. The only thing that controls it is oral spiro.
Cassandra, thank you so much for introducing me to this medicine! I will certainly ask my doctor if this is a possible treatment for me. I have been suffering from hormonal acne for 2 years since I discovered that I am a thrombophilic and had to stop using hormonal pills that used to treated my micropolicistic ovary syndrome. Your videos help me a lot and my skin is already much better than it was 2 years ago. It is good to know that I have one more option and maybe a new hope for my skin. ❤️
I would like to try it out topically but they don't ship to Germany. Do you have a tip for me where I could get it? I don't like the dermatologists here. If I ask them for a specific treatment, I'm interested in they think I'm endangering their knowledge or whatever 🤦🏼♀️ Where can I go to get this cream? :/
Spiro worked so well on my acne. I was not on birth control and was not educated of the potential risks of getting pregnant. I didnt, but it did make me have 2 periods a month so I stopped. I am RUNNING to the site to get this
Holy grail I was just at the doctor to ask about this but here it’s prescribed just for those who can’t take Roaccutane, and I do not want Roaccutane. But spironolactone topically?? Yes please if it helps. You’re worth gold Cassandra! 😘🥰
I would be very interested to see your opinion of skincare for our scalps... been doing some research on my own, I’m specifically interested with connection between oily skin/acne and oily scalp/dandruff and if we use salicylic acid and niacinamide for face, can we use it on our heads? Love you loads, you literally saved my skin, cyst-er ❤️
Spironolactone is an aldosterone blocker that reduces the number of sodium potassium channels in the basolateral membrane of your proximal convoluted tubule😃
How interesting!! I was prescribed this nearly 15 y ago for my PCOS (No acne) by my endocrinologist, and among other medicines I attribute them being able to actually conceive my 2 babies 🥳yei 😜
Spironolactone is doing double duty for me - helps with my high blood pressure and totally resolved the hormonal cystic acne on my jawline that showed up when I turned 40 (yay). only side effect: my skin changed from oily to dry and i had to learn how to take care of dry skin after years of treating oily.
I was just prescribed spironolactone and topical azelaic acid with apostrophe as well. Looking for recommendations on gentle face cleansers and moisturizers I can use during this treatment!
Spiro is my acne fighting friend! Trans women here and i rly appreciate this info since i may switch off the oral version, it's nice to know I have options
Omg, I just signed up today now I'm watching this. 😭✨😩😩Itsbeen too long since I've been able to sit down relax and I needed to watch a Cassandra Bankson video, yay acne!! Lol 😂 ❤️
I ALSO GOT A RX from Apostrophe about 2 months ago, and honestly my BHA + AHA and PHA’s and my vitamin C serum plus my YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE resurfacing mask have been working SO MUCH BETTER for my acne and textured skin. To me, sprio is more effective when taken orally. I’d save my time money if I were you! PLUS The concentrations that they are putting into this cream are so minimal. There’s more tretinoin (retinol) in the cream than there is topical spiro.....so like “hmmmm”?
Would you consider saying “prescribing clinicians”? PAs and NPs are prescribing clinicians, some of whom specialize in derm, and play an important role in expanding access to care. Doctors/physicians are not the only clinicians who diagnose, prescribe, and serve as primary care providers.
@@kellified i've been on this medication for 3 years. it's honestly a miracle in a pill. my skin is always clear aside from the occasional period pimple. my skin used to be covered in cystic acne.
@@themonicageller I can't wait to have clear skin!! I've been dealing with painful cystic acne on my chin and jawline for the past year, and it's so depressing!
I had always heard that male patients should NOT take Spironolactone for skin diseases, I thought it was meant for Hormonal Acne in women over the age of 30 or so!
I was prescribed this and it broke me out worse and messed up my skin. It took almost 2 years to get my skin back to normal. I wouldn't recommend this product. Maybe the topical is better.
@@oohlalala2153 2 months but I stopped talking it cause it was really bad and my career requires me to be in front of ppl, so it wasn't a good look to me. Afterwards I started trying out vitamins, since often times the lack of the property nutrients is the culprit. Pathothenic Acid and D3 helped me clear up my acne; including Vit C & A, Zinc, and I take a fish oil. Then I started back working out to sweat and pull the impurities out my body. I no longer break out unless I eat too much sugar and it only gives me very small, fine bumps. I will not be taking any more acne medicine or antibiotics that take years to leave your body. These synthetic medicines are not good for us and eventually cause more harm than good.
As a trans woman I was on spiro for years as an antiandrogen and I became so depressed and lethargic and after getting rid of it and upping my estrogen and progesterone it helped my mood and overall feminization soooo much. I know this isn’t really related to the video but just wanted to share my experience with spiro.
I can see how that would be! I also stopped using the spiro and started a very specific birth control (assuming the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone are what is needed most of the time for [trans] women but also women who have not transitioned- ie me) and that worked SO much better for me too!!!! 😘
Thanks for sharing Damara! That’s a pretty name by the way!
i really dont think spiro should be prescribed at the doses required to fully suppress testosterone in trans women. the side effects are so bad at doses that high, and there are far more effective anti-androgens out there with less side effect. the US is literally the only country that uses spiro for trans healthcare because of FDA regulations on more effective treatments. it's ridiculous.
@@kitty69420 the FDA is full of complete SHIT. And I trust 20% of the statements they claim. Everything else is my OWN research mixed with my PTP and naturopath. I DONT CARE what anyone says. I’ve been doing that for the past 5 years and I’ve never felt better. When I was following FDA approved guidelines for my acne I literally ended up in the ER, multiple times.
May I ask at what dosage?
Oh this is GOAT. It saves my skin after my hysterectomy and I am so grateful! My derm checks my blood pressure early in the year and my GP at the end of the year. I will have to ask next week about the topical. Thanks for the heads up little Cyster!
any sides from oral spironolactone?
Omg!! I had to stop taking spironolactone bc I developed severe low blood pressure & taking it dropped my blood pressure even lower. My acne has been out of control since I stopped taking it & it’s been driving me crazy.
I’m definitely going to check this out!!!
Thank you!!!
I was on the same boat and i could NOT! The side effects spiked my anxiety and I'd lose my mind sometimes! So scary for me. I hate taking pills :(
U have to try 25mg is Good
@@nadineirakoze3504
I was prescribed the 25mg because my doctor was apprehensive to have me on a higher dose. Does the 25mg help with your skin?
Did you end up trying topical spironolactone? If so how did it work out for you I’m thinking about trying it
@@Sasha_xo I totally forgot about this 🤦🏻♀️
I’m going to order some this week, now that your comment reminded me of this! Ty ❤️ also I’ll report back 😉
I just started using it topically and it has done WONDERS for my skin.
I love Spiro, I’ve been taking 200 mg 2x a day and it’s a GAME CHANGER. Gotta take it with protein in the morning so I don’t get light headed tho 🥴
How are you doing with it? I started it about a month ago and I do see improvements. Does it make your skin dry?
@@Amanda-el9dx my skin is looking great! Kind of dry but nothing some heavy face cream can't fix.
@@orangechickengorl does it change your body? I hesitate to use it because it blocks androgen and I'm afraid it change my body..
@@orangechickengorl any weight gain and cellulite from spiro?
1 place, you say? now will be in many, and in many hands too. 🙌
Yes! I love Apostrophe, so glad you're making a video with them.
i’ve actually been taking spironolactone from apostrophe for my hormonal acne since august 2020 along with my custom tretinoin formula and it has absolutely saved my skin!! i definitely went through a purging stage bc of the tretinoin but after 2 - 3 months, i was able to see a massive difference and my skin right now is the clearest it’s ever been ☺️ i don’t even break out during my period anymore which makes me sooooooo happy!!
i will say though that i started off at 100 mg but it messed up my cycle so we lowered it to 75 mg and found that to be the right dosage for me. i also noticed that i don’t lose as much hair anymore ever since i started spironolactone which was a nice bonus
ani weight gain with spironolactone?
so you were on the oral formulation not the topical one, right?
do you still take it for acne
@@kellyluu2476 yes i do! i don't have acne anymore but i still take it for preventative measures
Spirnolactone can’t say it worked or not took 25 to 50 mg not sure does it make u worse at first ?
I love you. Thank you for all your videos. I am in my 30's and still getting pimples and acne.
Same!
I finally broke and went to the dermatologist at 32. I have two types of acne going on. Hormonal and acne rosacea. So that regular acne stuff (salicylic acid/benzoyl peroxide) doesn’t do a thing for me. Spiro and tretinoin took care of both. My skin is so clear. My biggest regret is not going in sooner. Good luck. ❤️
@@katiesays How long did it take for you to start seeing results? I just started on spiro a couple of days ago.
@@kellified my doctor was conservative on raising the dosage. Once I got to 100mg, that did it for me. It took about 8 months to get there.
I am really interested in trying the topical version because the oral one cleared up my skin tremendously. I did decide to stop taking it because a side effect from the spiro was that my cycle became all messed up and I had to start taking birth control to fix it. So now all the acne is back. However what makes me nervous and hesitant is that Apostrophe is the only place that offers the topical version. I tried calling several dermatologists in my area and no one prescribes it? I wonder why?
Were you on spirololactone and birth control pills together?
Hey, I know this is an older video, but I'm here to report back! Been using the topical spiro+tret+clindamycin formula from Apostrophe for around 2 and a half months. My skin is in that annoying peely phase, but I've been breaking out way less than when I was just using retinoids!
I looked into oral spiro for a while, but seeing my transfeminine friends struggle with a lot of side effects, notably the low BP and dizziness (which my other meds already cause mildly) and decided against it. But the topical version being available makes total sense, and I hope it keeps helping with my acne! I have PCOS, and my acne is almost entirely hormonal, so this is so super exciting!
how long should continue oral spironolactone?what miligram should take?
@@stylessunflower8737 that's up to you and your dr. Personally I'm on 100mg twice a day. Was originally taking both in the morning, but it made me tired, tried both at night but my feet were still getting puffy by the afternoon, so now one in the morning and one at bedtime. clindamycin just gave me a yeast infection and shredded my stomach. so, it's all up to you and your dr, your mileage may vary.
Did it end up helping? I’m thinking about trying it
I have PCOS and have been on spiro for almost 2 years it did wonders on my acne and facial hair. I am still loosing hair and have a lot a body hair still but so far for acne it has been good. Side effects on me are low energy, dry eyes and spotting.
Does it also help with late periods & bloating & weight gain due to Pcos?
@@1gamz hey sorry for the late response, I personnally didn't have very late periods before, the lenght of my cycle was irregular but nothing crazy, I still had my period each month so I can't really say if it helps with that but I assume it doesn't because when I started using it my cycles went from 25 days to 15 days and then 20 days and then 15 again, it basically messed up my cycle and made it very short so I wouldn't say that it regulates your period at all because 15 days for a cycle is way too short, but doctors say it is normal to have menstrual disfunction when taking spironolactone , and often suggest you take the pill with it to avoid that (i don't take it cause I don't want to but it is up to you). As for bloating and weight loss I was not overweight or anything so I can't really say exactly if it helps but I did notice less bloating and maybe lost a tiny bit of weight at the beginning but I gained it back once my body was adjusted, it just makes you lose more water. Oh and for a moment I thought that my fat distribution kinda changed like I gained more weight in my lower body than I used to but maybe I am just crazy 😂
@@TheChoupistar NO YOU ARE NOT CREAZY, IT IS COMPLETELY POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO INCREASE YOUR ESTROGENS, That's also way you are having short period
oh my god i was so excited😭😭they also have latisse 😩 wish this were available outside the us
i've been taking spiro for a bit more than a month and it has done wonders to my skin!!
I’ve been taking spiro for over a year now and I couldn’t be happier. Now that there’s a topical form of it I’m very excited to give this a try
Has it made u lethargic?
@@shenell1185 occasionally yeah, but I’m also anemic so that’s to be expected
spironolactone was a god send for me. Had severe acne since I was 12/13 and nothing worked until I started taking spiro when I was 22. My skin has completely changed. I feel like I have "normal" skin now with just a few pimples that will go away in a few days instead of the deep cysts I had that felt like they would never go away. Hope this comment inspires someone to talk to a derm about spiro and that it works for them the way it worked for me. I'm on 100 mg a day (50 mg pill morning and night).
Any changes in weight, breast size?
@@shenell1185not that I experienced, not significantly. But I know my experience is not everyone's.
do you still have to take it everyday to keep acne away?
@@kellyluu2476 I haven't tried going off of it. Still on it, still happy with it.
@@jbcupcake hi just start taking it 100mg a day too. Can I asking your skincare routines? 😊
Ive been watching your acne stories and im sorry i just don't understand. you never took accutane but cleared your severe acne that you had for YEARS with food and lifestyle?
have you ever taken spirolactone for acne?
I'm a trans feminine individual that takes Spiro to block testosterone. :)
I’m sick of getting pimples lol I just turned 31... it’s not fair! I mean my skin could be way worse but it’s still annoying 🤦♀️ ...but anywho I’m interested in this. I don’t like oral products because I have health issues but I’m curious about the topical option 💁♀️
I’m on spiro for acne (29), and it changed my skin. Will be looking into the topical myself because I also hate pills, but if it doesn’t work for you, try the pills! They’ve made a huge difference.
No it’s not. I’m 43 and still getting them.
@@chelseacd well unfortunately I can’t take the pill form due to a stomach illness but I will certainly look into the topical. Thank you 😊 and I’m glad it worked for you!
@@charisma-hornum-fries some people get all the luck hey 🤦♀️ I mean I know I’m more then my skin but I still hate it lol
@@chelseacd any sides? weight gain? lost of muscle mass?
Spironolactone saved my skin. It was the only thing that actually cleared and stopped my cystic acne from happening. It took a year and a half to fully clear up my skin combined with tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics but its worth it.
Omgggg needed this video soooo bad. I have jussst been prescribed oral form. God send!
I’ve never been able to try oral spiro due to my low blood pressure and I’m so excited that it’s available in topical form now 😭
Oral spiro cleared my skin perfecty, but simultaneously ruined my gut health, hormones, and mental health. Will never take it orally again, but I just got my Apostrophe topical spiro formula I am so excited!!!!
How is the topical spiro working? I haven’t heard many real reviews.
@@heatheromalley1590 it’s working great for me! I’ve been using it since May and my skin has improved a ton.
@@heatheromalley1590 I will also say though that treating my acne hasn't just been a one-stop-shop solution haha. The topical spiro formula has helped for sure, but so has supporting my hormones, eating enough, sleeping enough etc. It's been a full mission to get my health back on track after I got off the birth control pill which is what triggered the acne in the first place :)
literally same thing happened to me!! took it for years and decided to stop because i couldn’t take the side effects that were effecting my overall health anymore. I also stopped birth control at the same time so my acne is out of control right now! :/ But I just started the topical spiro from apostrophes a week ago and hoping it helps. I see you comment was posted a year ago, would you mind sharing which topical formula you were prescribed and if you saw it worked the same to clear hornonal acne as oral spiro?
@@ceceliamaryn do you still have to take it everyday to keep acne away?
Is topical Spironolactone from Apostrope the same as Winlevi? I thought that there was no generic version of Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%). I got prescribed Winlevi by my derm but it’s over $500 every month so it’s not even close to affordable. 😭
I just started taking it orally a week ago and am really hoping this will clear up my skin! 🙏🏼 so far I haven’t experienced side effects aside from slight drowsiness so I take it at night, but also am crossing my fingers that I won’t get any other side effects 😅 thanks for this video!!
I’m on it too! Hang in there, it took me about 4-5 months to notice a difference! I don’t have over oily skin anymore and painful acne cysts are not developing anymore!
Stick with it. It doesn't work as quickly as topical products but when it starts working it works good in my experience! Only side effect that really sucked for me was if I miss a dose I end up feeling really dizzy and sick but other than that its been fine.
@@Autumn-._.-Moon Yep. it stops the cysts from forming and clears up the existing one's.
Thanks for posting this. I’m a cis guy with very oily skin. I had liked into Spironolactone to combat the oiliness but it seemed like it wasn’t a good treatment for men when taken orally. I’m definitely going to give the topical Spironolactone from Apostrophe a try.
Where are my PCOS cysters at?
Hi cyster
🙋🏻♀️
What’s the meaning of pcos
@@chaloevibes4355 it’s a hell 😭
@@chaloevibes4355 poly cystic ovarian syndrome. aka poly cystic ovarian bull$hit, aka exploding ovaries, aka grenades instead of eggs. It's causes and thus treatments are not extremely well understood and it can come with lots of other symptoms like infertility, cystic acne (and not always on the face, also armpits and "trunk area"), hirsutism (women with facial hair), hair thinning and loss, and obesity just to name some of the more common. But none of these are guaranteed to show up either. It is absolutely possible to have PCOS and not have any ovarian cysts or fertility problems. I have a friend with 6 kids, and a beard she shaves daily and facial and armpit cysts. Some people can find some relief through a strict low carb, no sugar diet, some need to add in a very high intensity daily workout routine, some need meds, personally I need all 3 to manage the grenades instead of eggs and extremely painful cysts that showed up in my armpits and groin. Hope this explained a bit. But yes, like Bermuda Triangle said, it's hell.
Wow. I am so glad I found this for my daughter.
I'm a cis male who's been taking Spiro orally for like 4 years now. I take a very low dose compared to what trans or cis women would take and I've thankfully never had any side effects. It's worked wonders for my adult acne as well as restoring my hairline. The benefits have outweighed the risks. This may have to do with PCOS running in the family.
When you say very low dose, how many milligrams are you talking about?
@@Myraisins1 25mg/day
@@JesPulido hey for how long you took it to have an effect?
@@harshitakalra3456 months is the recommended timeline, but I started seeing results in my first week regarding acne! 😊
I’ve had amazing results with Spironolactone. My acne has cleared up, and literally people who have never met me before tell me how amazing my skin is when I pull down my mask. And not to mention all the other benefits. It did however makes by breast larger, but I’m not complaining.
Any other weight gain? Just breast? Lethargy?
@@shenell1185 Not really, I maintain my weight pretty well. And no lethargy.
do you still have to take it everyday to keep acne away?
Definitely going to ask about this- I've been on spiro for years(cis woman, just for acne) and I've been worried that it's contributing to my mental health issues.
Same here. I've been taking it orally for 3 years and it's been absolutely horrible the entire time other than my skin clearing up. I'm doing some research online to find out what alternative androgen blockers exist and if they also help for acne, hirsutism and hair loss, but I'm not finding much so far. Did you end up trying the topical spiro?
I almost went on this due to Chronic Migraines!! I ended up doing alternative medicine instead, and that's helped a lot, but I forgot this pill also helps with acne!!
I have chronic migraines and I’m on spiro. Does nothing for the migraines
@@LESREID2 Really? Wow. Really glad i didn't go on it then. I hope you find another treatment/medication soon that actually helps! 🙏🏼💕
@@mary__simone I’m on it for my skin. That is why I started and it works wonders for that!
@@LESREID2 Ahhh, i understand! That's awesome! 💖
I've never been prescribed this but it's so interesting to learn about another option! Great vid as always love u Cass
i’ve been taking this for almost a year for my hormonal acne and it has helped so much! definitely not a cure but my acne is so much better 🙏🏽
Mine took a year and a half combined with tretinoin and other topicals to completely clear my skin so the longer you take it the more it works. My skin is completely clear now vs before I had terrible cystic acne.
do you still have to take it everyday to keep acne away?
O M G! This is extremely exciting because it's the one acne med I haven't tried yet. Just signed up with your code 😊
Oooooh thank you for this! I am way from my teenage years but still suffer from hormonal acne but lost my insurance and even when I had it I was really bad going to a dr. This is a good alternative for me. Thank you for making this video. Definitely going to check this site out.
Omgeeee Cassandra...never clicked so fast!! Just began taking this for hormone issues. Hoping it will help my hair loss!!
My blood pressure is already a bit lower, but topical spironolactone shouldn’t affect this right?
Thank you! You're the best skincare channel on RUclips in my opinion!
im sick of getting pimples. im 26 and just now getting these nasty zits which i didnt get when i was a teenager. my confidence is so low that i dont want people looking at me anymore. sometimes i dont even want to look in the mirror anymore 😩 i have hormonal acne but researching about spiro gives me hope. my prescription is arriving this week. i cant wait to start!
Did it end up working out for you? I’m in the same boat as you and also thinking about trying topical spiro
@@Sasha_xo hi! yes, i’ve seen drastic changes on my skin. i started apostrophe in march. my doctor prescribed me oral spiro 50mg and tretinoin. since then, i haven’t got huge hormonal acne. i still get one or two during period but they are small and dry up pretty quick and they dont hurt. my skin is almost clear, just some dark spots left but it will heal over time. my confidence is coming back too! i dont use foundation that much anymore 🥰 i wish you all the best in your skincare journey! 🫶🏼🤍
@@reanne03 that’s so good to hear! Thank you so much hope your skin continues to improve 💜
Thank you for the code in the description! I used it and paid $5 for my consultation. I really liked how extensive the questions were regarding my skin and medical history. I'll decide if I want to make the switch from Curology to Apostrophe after they tell me the best formula and figure out which one is best for my skin. Thank you so much!!
Chandra, I was looking at this vs curology., for me and my daughter. May I ask why the switch to this? I've heard mixed reviews w/curology.
Did you end up liking apostrophe?
@@EG_KChey I’ve been using apostrophe for over a year and it’s much better than curology. Curology doesn’t utilize physicians and prescriptions filled by a pharmacy. It’s a little pricey but definitely worth it
I'm a trans woman and I've been taking oral Spiro 200mg a day for over 2 years, I'm gonna ask about getting on the topical version. I also take 4mg of Estrodiol daily
I'm loving this new style Cassandra
I’m so glad to have the notifications bell on
i’ve been on spiro since 2019 and i have never loved a medication so much lol. like my skin literally had me depressed it was so bad and after a few months this medication literally transformed my cystic acne. i have to stop now, with being a professional athlete it’s not allowed. i’m PRAYING this topical treatment won’t let me down 😭
Did you end up liking the topical treatment?
I was just diagnosed with PCOS and my OGBYN suggested spiro as one of the options that could help with my acne. I've heard really good things about it especially those who have PCOS or hormone imbalance.
I have been on it for my PCOS for years and it really has helped a lot with my hair loss and the dark body hair I have due to the hormone imbalance. I do recommend giving it a try to see if it might help you :)
@@kristie_ell That's good to know re: body hair! I've done laser and electrolysis basically all over my body for years and years because of this. :( I'll try anything at this point.
Just started it for my PCOS :) I'm hoping it helps
@@cearamaire Hi. Have you started yet? If so, how has it helped your PCOS?
@@mslthebrand4397 Hi! It had been amazing for my PCOS symptoms. My skin is less oily and my hormonal acne cysts have disappeared. I noticed less hair growth too on my face. For some reason it took 1 day off of my period too, so that’s nice 😂
I've been taking 50mg orally twice a day for a little over a month. I have noticed my oils have reduced probably like 30-40%. My newest pimples have been smaller and less cystic. I know that a month isn't enough to get results, so I'm looking forward to seeing if it actually works for me. I have PCOS... the reduction of body hair would be awesome, but the acne is what I'm desperate to fix. If I remember, I'll try to update this comment.
I have had daily acne for like 14 years and started taking only 50 mg and it got rid of my acne in a little less than a month so the results can be quick but I'd give it at least 6 months
Hey! Do you have an update?
I'm gonna ask for oral form of this for my hormonal acne and high blood pressure xx
My derm prescribed this to me and before the appt ended he gave me a disclaimer that it may cause benign tumors to grow throughout my body...so yeah I did NOT take that. I never will. This is bandaid to an internal issue. I would rather have pimples than lifelong health issues.
I took spiro orally to try to remedy PCOS symptoms but I had terrible side effects and went off. So curious how topical could differ! I didn’t get to try it long enough to notice any changes.
I was on Spiro for a chronic illness that causes me to retain a dangerous amount of water. It's actually a great diuretic.
I eat spironolakton as a diuretic because I’m on a pretty hefty dose of methadone. That can cause edema, especially in my lower legs and feet. I didn’t know that it was good for the skin and when I saw the title of the video I thought I misread it 😸 Like, whaaat..? Wait.. *click & watch*
Could you please do an updated Korean favourites video but with highly sensitive, acne prone people in mind? ❤️ I bought a few of your recommendations but turns out many brands looove all forms of coconut 😩 still recovering from all the breakouts lol
I have the same skin type, and that's what happened to me too!
I've had persistent folliculitis on my scalp since I was 12. The only times it went away was when I was on antibiotics for my acne, or later when I was on Accutane. My dermatologist prescribed a couple of special shampoos that did no good. The only thing that controls it is oral spiro.
Cassandra, thank you so much for introducing me to this medicine! I will certainly ask my doctor if this is a possible treatment for me. I have been suffering from hormonal acne for 2 years since I discovered that I am a thrombophilic and had to stop using hormonal pills that used to treated my micropolicistic ovary syndrome.
Your videos help me a lot and my skin is already much better than it was 2 years ago. It is good to know that I have one more option and maybe a new hope for my skin. ❤️
I would like to try it out topically but they don't ship to Germany. Do you have a tip for me where I could get it? I don't like the dermatologists here. If I ask them for a specific treatment, I'm interested in they think I'm endangering their knowledge or whatever 🤦🏼♀️ Where can I go to get this cream? :/
I am actually taking spironolactone for my PCOS!
Omg, I was just looking for this topic - and you uploaded right away 😭😃👏🏿🙏🏿
Spiro worked so well on my acne. I was not on birth control and was not educated of the potential risks of getting pregnant. I didnt, but it did make me have 2 periods a month so I stopped. I am RUNNING to the site to get this
2 periods? 😯 what dosage?
@@shenell1185 100 mg/day
I’ve been on spironolactone for 8 months and it has transformed my skin for the better.
Can you please tell me how long it took for you to see results? I just started taking it a couple of days ago.
Holy grail I was just at the doctor to ask about this but here it’s prescribed just for those who can’t take Roaccutane, and I do not want Roaccutane. But spironolactone topically?? Yes please if it helps. You’re worth gold Cassandra! 😘🥰
By the way, have you heard of clascoterone Cassandra?
Yes! I have been trying to find videos on spironolactone cream! I could only find videos on the oral version.
Do you use retin-A? And if you don’t why? And do you have a video on explaining your views on it?
I would be very interested to see your opinion of skincare for our scalps... been doing some research on my own, I’m specifically interested with connection between oily skin/acne and oily scalp/dandruff and if we use salicylic acid and niacinamide for face, can we use it on our heads? Love you loads, you literally saved my skin, cyst-er ❤️
Spironolactone is an aldosterone blocker that reduces the number of sodium potassium channels in the basolateral membrane of your proximal convoluted tubule😃
It worked fast! But it made me superrrrr tired and had to pee all the time where I couldn’t hold it , so I stopped :(
so is topical spiro considered an exfoliant or nooo? Im considering trying it
How interesting!! I was prescribed this nearly 15 y ago for my PCOS (No acne) by my endocrinologist, and among other medicines I attribute them being able to actually conceive my 2 babies 🥳yei 😜
Aldactone is a teratogen.
Spironolactone is doing double duty for me - helps with my high blood pressure and totally resolved the hormonal cystic acne on my jawline that showed up when I turned 40 (yay). only side effect: my skin changed from oily to dry and i had to learn how to take care of dry skin after years of treating oily.
May I ask what dosage? 50mg daily seems to do the trick. But ur right... now skin is dry & gets rid of that youthful glow 😏
@@shenell1185 100mg. Was on 50 but saw no results.
I'm wondering if the topical spironolactone would help with facial hair growth due to hirsutism like oral spironolactone does?
I was just prescribed spironolactone and topical azelaic acid with apostrophe as well. Looking for recommendations on gentle face cleansers and moisturizers I can use during this treatment!
There's a cream ?!?! 😱I got sick taking it as a pill, got a new one but still havent seen any effects 😩
Spiro is my acne fighting friend! Trans women here and i rly appreciate this info since i may switch off the oral version, it's nice to know I have options
Spiro also increases the fullness of your breasts
Omg, I just signed up today now I'm watching this. 😭✨😩😩Itsbeen too long since I've been able to sit down relax and I needed to watch a Cassandra Bankson video, yay acne!! Lol 😂 ❤️
I ALSO GOT A RX from Apostrophe about 2 months ago, and honestly my BHA + AHA and PHA’s and my vitamin C serum plus my YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE resurfacing mask have been working SO MUCH BETTER for my acne and textured skin. To me, sprio is more effective when taken orally. I’d save my time money if I were you! PLUS The concentrations that they are putting into this cream are so minimal. There’s more tretinoin (retinol) in the cream than there is topical spiro.....so like “hmmmm”?
any sides from oral spiro?
Would you consider saying “prescribing clinicians”? PAs and NPs are prescribing clinicians, some of whom specialize in derm, and play an important role in expanding access to care. Doctors/physicians are not the only clinicians who diagnose, prescribe, and serve as primary care providers.
I have used spironalactone for blood pressure and diuretic. It worked well. Now that I have a new PA, I'm off it.
Excellent and important information.
I liked the la mer video - can you maybe also do one on fresh cream ancienne line? It's crazy expensive as well and curious about it
I was just prescribed this spironolactone 50 mg (1 pill twice a day) for excessive hair growth from pcos, and hair loss.
How did you clear your skin initially what worked for you omg help !!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Is topical spironolactone available in the UK?
I have the pill form from my derm. Does the topical version require blood tests too?
Thanks for The tips. Happy Saturday
Spirolonactone cleared my cystic acne. It reduced my severe acne by 95%. Accutane was terrible for me.
Hi there, can you please tell me how long it took for you to see results. I just started taking it a couple of days ago.
@@kellified I began seeing results in 1 month. My skin was fully cleared in 3 months.
@@kellified i've been on this medication for 3 years. it's honestly a miracle in a pill. my skin is always clear aside from the occasional period pimple. my skin used to be covered in cystic acne.
@@themonicageller I can't wait to have clear skin!! I've been dealing with painful cystic acne on my chin and jawline for the past year, and it's so depressing!
Hey Cassandra- thanks for this video!
Do you know if the topical is save for pregnancy as well? ☺️
You can't use oral/Topical spironolactone while you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant due to possible birth defects.
I had terrible effects from that medication! It ruined me. I’m still dealing from problems from it. Was not worth taking for me.
Did it clear your acne ?
I had always heard that male patients should NOT take Spironolactone for skin diseases, I thought it was meant for Hormonal Acne in women over the age of 30 or so!
Hi Cassandra! Is topical spironolactone safe to use during pregnancy?
I had to get off spiro orally because it killed my sex drive and messed up my hormones. Just be aware!! Definitely try topical first if you can
Agreed. I don't think anyone should take this.
Been on spironolactone for over 2 years! It made my acne soooo much more manageable (along with tretinoin).
Do you have to take it forever? I got prescribed this but I’m wondering if this is something I’ll have to do forever :-
do you still have to take it everyday to keep acne away?
I wonder if topical spironolactone applied on the head could help with hair loss
Good question... I have hair loss
@@shenell1185 me too thats why im so interested
I have PCOS with hirsutism and hormonal acne. Unfortunately I am highly allergic to spiro 🥺 HOWEVER I wonder if it will work as a cream?! 🙈🙈😅
I wonder if spirnolactone will save the stomache as opposed to antibiotics which hurts the stomache very badly
I was prescribed this and it broke me out worse and messed up my skin. It took almost 2 years to get my skin back to normal. I wouldn't recommend this product. Maybe the topical is better.
purging is normal-- how long did you take it for?
@@oohlalala2153 2 months but I stopped talking it cause it was really bad and my career requires me to be in front of ppl, so it wasn't a good look to me. Afterwards I started trying out vitamins, since often times the lack of the property nutrients is the culprit. Pathothenic Acid and D3 helped me clear up my acne; including Vit C & A, Zinc, and I take a fish oil. Then I started back working out to sweat and pull the impurities out my body. I no longer break out unless I eat too much sugar and it only gives me very small, fine bumps. I will not be taking any more acne medicine or antibiotics that take years to leave your body. These synthetic medicines are not good for us and eventually cause more harm than good.
Hi Cassandra! I’m wondering what your thoughts are on African black soap. Not the fake black soap, for example the shea moisture one. the real stuff!🥰
Ahhh again another amazing video 😊❤️
I was just prescribed this medication for my acne and I’m nervous for the side effects 😟
I was given Spiro 25mg, wondering if it'll be effective at all, seeing in the comments that some people start at 100mg
Sad that its not available globally :(
I had a bad reaction to this medicine. Made my heart race and my chest hurt for about 4 days after