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Spironolactone Side Effects: What to Know About This Hair Loss Ingredient

   By: Crystal Fenton |

Experiencing hair loss can bring you to the point where you're willing to do anything to fix it, including using medicated treatments full of chemicals, such as spironolactone, against your better judgment. But before you head to the pharmacy, consider that there are more natural alternatives that can help address hair loss issues without the use of chemicals, harmful toxins, negative side effects or allergic reactions. Read on to learn more about spironolactone.

What Is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which is a water pill. It prevents the body from absorbing excess salt and keeps potassium levels from dipping too low.

Spironolactone is typically used to treat high blood pressure or the following conditions:

  • Heart failure
  • Low potassium levels or hypokalemia
  • Kidney diseases, such as nephrotic syndrome or impaired kidney function
  • Fluid retention or edema
  • Liver cirrhosis and other kinds of liver disease
  • Hyperaldosteronism
  • Acne

Additionally, spironolactone is used off-label to treat hair thinning. Spironolactone is considered an anti-androgen because it blocks the effects of the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT.

Read: Alopecia Areata Explained

Spironolactone as a DHT Blocker

Androgens, like DHT, are considered male sex hormones, which regulate hair growth. These hormones are also typically present in women in small amounts. A type of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia (or AGA) is thought to be caused by the increased sensitivity of hair follicles to these androgens. AGA is fairly common in both men and women, especially with age.

In women, major hormonal life shifts like pregnancy, post-pregnancy and menopause tend to manifest as a loss of hair density known as AGA. Additionally, a hormonal disorder, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or taking birth control pills with a high androgen index can trigger this type of hair loss.

With AGA, women typically experience hair thinning and loss on the top and sides of the head — a pattern that’s often referred to as female pattern hair loss or female pattern baldness. In contrast, men usually end up with specific areas of hair loss, such as a receding hairline and bald patch at the crown.

One way doctors attempt to combat this type of hair loss is by prescribing DHT blockers, such as spironolactone.

It's important to note that hair loss in women (or men) can be a sign of more urgent underlying health issues, such as an androgen-secreting tumor or an endocrine disorder. Always consult with your doctor if you're experiencing troubling hair loss in case there is a deeper underlying issue at play.

Read: The Best DHT Blockers to Grow Hair and Reduce Hair Loss

Side Effects of Spironolactone

While the drug information and potential side effects of spironolactone aren't necessarily a cause for alarm for most, especially those in good health, there is a risk of unpleasant (and sometimes dangerous) side effects.

The side effects of spironolactone may include:

  • Urinary urgency or little or no urination
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle
  • Fatigue
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Feeling light-headed
  • Muscle weakness
  • An electrolyte imbalance
  • High potassium levels
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Confusion
  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of coordination
  • Feeling unsteady
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Abnormally low blood pressure

Seek emergency medical help or call your doctor immediately if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to spironolactone. Notify your health care provider or tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following severe side effects:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hives or rash
  • Facial, lip, tongue and/or throat swelling
  • Loss of movement
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Worsening kidney function

Spironolactone and Pregnancy

The fact that spironolactone impacts breast and menstrual conditions is a clear red flag on a hormonal level. As with all anti-androgens, this drug can cause serious harm to a male fetus.

If you're pregnant considering becoming pregnant, don't use this drug and tell your doctor or health care professional about your concerns. And if you're of childbearing age and decide to use this medication, take superhuman precautions to prevent pregnancy.

Make the Most of Nature's Medicine

If these cautionary risks or side effects of spironolactone sound scary, consider going a natural route to combat thinning hair.

Additionally, integrate holistic health habits into your daily routine to elevate both your hair and overall wellness. Incorporate regular movement, mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga or connecting with nature, maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep and stay optimally hydrated for health that radiates from inside out. Your hair and whole body will thank you!

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Photo credit: Anthony Tran/Unsplash

Author
Crystal Fenton
Author
Crystal Fenton

Crystal Fenton is a freelance writer & beauty editor with over a decade of experience in both print and digital content, Author of "The Healing Power of the Pineal Gland: Exercises and Meditations to Detoxify, Decalcify, and Activate Your Third Eye Chakra", Simon & Schuster, March '22 and E-RYT®200 YACEP® Yoga Instructor.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician.