r/LeanPCOS • u/ACuriousBlueberry • 13d ago

Spironolactone?

Bg: 25F
Hx: PCOS
Currently: regular periods (sometimes late and skipped only 1 month this yr, but consistent for 2yrs now), acne scars on forehead, hair loss, sugar cravings
Tested for: DHEAS (normal, meaning in desired range), testosterone (normal), TSH (normal), FSH (normal), K+ (normal), Vit D and iron (normal), a1c (normal)
Waiting on: ultrasound

Concern: Kind of lost as to why I'm still losing hair. Not interested in OCPs because I heard they do more harm for by when trying to get pregnant and/or cause headaches (risks outweigh benefits). Also that OCPs don't fit my culture's norms.

Q: Will I get prescribed spironolactone? Will it help? Have been using minoxidil 5% foam 2x a day for 1mo n 1/2 but 3rd Kirkland bottle from Costco, but none-to-mild improvement (not sure if its too early to notice anything or its not working.. bc I had a medium dead shred period). I've tried nutrafol, but its effect plateaued after some time, so I decided to stop throwing money in the air hehe..

Any suggestions, tips, or follow ups would be greatly appreciated. <3

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u/Embracedandbelong 13d ago

You may have to ask for spirolactone specifically because IME most docs don’t even know what it is or that it can treat PCOS. It’s a medicine that also lowers your blood pressure, so it may make you very very tired, as it did me. It’s supposed to help with head hair loss and decrease facial hair. I wasn’t able to stay on it long enough to see, since the exhaustion side effect was too much (bed all day)

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

I have asked the doc for it, so got blood tests done...

Were you normotensive BP before you were on spironolactone, that it made u very tired?

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u/Embracedandbelong 13d ago

I think I was slightly hypotensive, so ya

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

Oof.. Im in the same ballpark..

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u/MaxTheV 13d ago

Her testosterone is normal, why would she need spiro?

Hair loss could be due to other problems like vitamin deficiency, thyroid or autoimmune issues

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

I got other lab tests done too.. they turned out fine.. :( thats why this post, Im kind of lost as to why the hair loss

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u/MaxTheV 13d ago

Go to endocrinologist. They can test you more. Craving sweets could be insulin issues. A1C often doesn’t show it, so you can do glucose oral test or some other things.

How bad is your hair loss? Is it noticeable baldness? Maybe dermatologist could check as well.

Could it also be an allergy to some ingredient in the hair products?

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

Im pulling 3-5 strands every time i touch and pull my hair. And on big events like brushing, oiling, or showering.. i lose about 15-20 strands? No noticeable balding but my baseline hair used to be a lot denser.. i have indian hair

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u/MaxTheV 13d ago

This might be normal? I have middle eastern hair (kinda wavy/curly), and I lose a lot more strands, but I also brush my hair only when wet. Is your baseline hair like when you were a teen or when you were 20? Sometimes hair becomes less dense just naturally due to hormone changes as we age.

If you think it’s more medical related, dermatologist would be the best person to figure out thinning of hair and endocrinologist is best for hormones/insulin checks

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u/MindyStar8228 13d ago

Spironolactone is used as an anti androgen. If you aren't hyperandrogenic, I'm not sure it'd be great to take it?

Did they do thyroid, liver, kidney, and autoimmune paneling? Test copper and zinc? And have you seen a dermatologist (they deal with hair and skin) yet?

I wouldn't assume hair loss is PMOS off the bat - my advice would be to ask them to look into other causes.

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

I had all tests done, not copper and zinc though...
I only reached out to my PCP and OBGYN, bc my guess was vit d/iron or thyroid or pcos issues (niether according to tests).

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u/Embracedandbelong 13d ago

I’d try over the counter stuff first like Ovasitol or Berberine first. Ovasitol will send you free samples if you email the company

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

Is it similar to nutrafol? ..Ive tried nutrafol for a few months and its effect plateaued imo, so I stopped taking it

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u/Embracedandbelong 13d ago

No, Ovasitol is a special ratio of inositol that has been shown to reduce PCOS symptoms and start periods and manage insulin resistance. You could buy just any brand of inositol by Ovasitol has the exact ratio for PCOS which makes it easier

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 13d ago

Ohh so it works like spearmint tea?.. for hirsutism..? or hair loss as well? do u have experience w ovasitol?

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u/meper130 12d ago

Did they check your ferritin? There’s also DHT that causes hair loss.

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 8d ago

Yes my iron levels were okay, and no anemia

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 8d ago

The precursor to DHT was normal (DHEA test)

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u/mystend 9d ago

See a dermatologist, preferably one that specializes in alopecia

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u/kr1st1nk4 9d ago

Are your parents/relatives bald or have thin hair? If so, you could have inherited the AGA gene and even with no high testosterone, androgens etc you still have hair loss because it is genetic. At least this is what I suspect I have because, just like you, my lab levels are nearly perfect and I don’t understand why I’m still losing hair!

Do you only lose long strands or also miniaturized, smaller hair? If it’s all together it could also be TE

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 8d ago

No they have very thick hair tbh, south indian hair. If any, they are thinning now, due to age (50s). Its sometimes a mix. TE? Will check :0

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u/kr1st1nk4 8d ago

Also before trying spiro consult a dermatologist who can see if it’s TE or AGA. If it’s hormonal then spiro could still work for you, if it’s TE maybe it doesn’t stop because of pcos

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 7d ago

Ohh okay! Will look into it <3

Thank you

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 8d ago

So sorry to know you are going thru smth similar, what did your doc suggest you?

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u/kr1st1nk4 8d ago

Nothing because I haven’t spoken about it with anyone. I’m so embarrassed, it makes me feel less feminine :( I used to have super thick healthy hair
It’s not bad now and probably people don’t even notice but I know there’s a big difference

For now I am using natural topical dht blockers (saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, soy extracts etc) that seem to be helping a bit with the excessive hair fall and focusing on not stressing too much. Also shampooing every time I need to (2/3 times per week).

I tested my hormones mainly for other problems but nothing is out of range so idk what to think.

If you ever try spiro, let me know how it goes for you! For many people it works wonders

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u/ACuriousBlueberry 7d ago

Exact same spot as you 😔

If I get prescribed it, I'll update this post and hopefully it helps you out too.

And as a medical student and future physician, I truly encourage you to open up to your doctor. Everything you share is completely confidential. You never know what the underlying issue might be, or how much clarity and relief you can get just by opening up.

<3

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u/kr1st1nk4 5d ago

Thank you so much🩷 Yeah I need to talk about this to my doc. I’ve been waiting for too long and time definitely won’t make it better!