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

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).

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.

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 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.)

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.

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.

Author:	Bets Davis, MFA Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: January 23, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Samuel S. Thatcher, MD, PhD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise 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.