Glossary · Treatments

Spironolactone

Definition: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic with antiandrogenic activity, used off-label for female pattern hair loss, hirsutism, and acne. Doses of 50–200 mg daily are typical for these uses. It is not a menopause-specific drug but addresses common androgen-related midlife complaints.

Detailed definition

Spironolactone is a competitive aldosterone receptor antagonist (potassium-sparing diuretic) and androgen receptor antagonist. Its antiandrogenic activity is exploited off-label for female pattern hair loss, hirsutism, and persistent adult acne. Typical dermatology doses are 50–200 mg daily, often added to topical minoxidil for hair loss. Side effects include hyperkalemia (monitor potassium, especially in older women or those on ACE inhibitors), menstrual irregularity, breast tenderness, and rarely hyponatremia. Pregnancy is a contraindication due to feminization risk in male fetuses. Combined with HRT, spironolactone can address overlapping androgen-related complaints; the combination is generally well-tolerated.

Why it matters in menopause

For women whose midlife complaints include thinning hair plus chin or upper-lip hair plus acne, spironolactone addresses the cluster more comprehensively than minoxidil alone. ClearedRx may coordinate with dermatology when these complaints are prominent.

Sources

External references: Wikipedia.

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