Learn more about Spironolactone for hair loss in women including how it works, how effective it is, and where to find Spironolactone formulations.
The medication Spironolactone, initially developed as a diuretic for high blood pressure, has found its way into the beauty world.
We already know that Spironolactone works great topically to help control sebum production and acne by blocking DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).
With DHT being the main culprit in Androgenic Alopecia, this makes Spironolactone fit right in for hair loss treatment options.
In this article, we will cover the basics of Androgenic Alopecia, what Spironolactone does to help, who can use Spironolactone, and where to find it.
Learn More: Dr. Bauman: Does Spironolactone Work for Women’s Hair Loss? (Video)
Androgenic Alopecia is a very common form of hair loss seen in both men and women.
Interestingly:
Androgenic Alopecia occurs at similar rates in males and females. Women are just able to hide it a little bit better due to longer hairstyles and general preservation of the hairline.
While there may be a few different causes of androgenic alopecia, including genetics (Sorry, we can’t help you there), one of the largest reasons for hair loss is an androgen called DHT.
DHT is derived from testosterone in the body, and while this is a natural chemical, too much can cause unwanted hair issues.
And yes, women also have these hormones, although in smaller amounts than men.
DHT tends to miniaturize the hair follicle and shorten the growth phase of the hair, leading to hair loss and thinner, shorter strands in both men and women.
In men, this means the initial thinning of hair on the crown of the head, along with that characteristic “M” hairline. This may progress to full baldness.
For women, we normally see an average thinning out all around the scalp, but they normally maintain a similar hairline and rarely progress to full baldness.
Now that you are aware of DHT as part of the problem, you want to get rid of it, right?
This is where Spironolactone comes in:
Spironolactone helps reduce the effects of DHT by competitively blocking the attachment to its receptor, helping prevent miniaturization of the hair follicles.
In addition, Spironolactone helps reduce additional adrenal production of androgens in the first place.
Read Related: Strut Women’s Hair Loss Formula With Spironolactone: 6 Things That Make It Special
One study done in women found Spironolactone to reduce hair loss and even achieve partial hair regrowth.
Another study of oral Spironolactone found that 80% of women taking the medication could see no further progression of hair loss or even hair regrowth.
As with most hair growth medications, due to the slow nature of hair growth, you need to be patient to see the results.
Most people need to use Spironolactone for up to 6 months before it starts really working.
Oral Spironolactone should only be used in Females. Males should avoid Spironolactone to prevent any risk of feminization. Although, topical applications may not get throughout the body in the same way and avoid these adverse side effects.
A study using topical Spironolactone in men and women for skin androgenization found that locally applied Spironolactone is very effective as an antiandrogen without having side effects throughout the entire body.
Another similar study using only male participants and topical Spironolactone found that at concentrations of 5%, the effects were only localized.
And this study that had men apply 5% spironolactone to 55% of their body area states that when Spironolactone is applied topically there is only local absorption and no hormone disruptions.
To be on the safe side we recommend all males intending to use Spironolactone to completely avoid the oral medications, and speak with your doctor before using topical Spironolactone therapy.
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or hoping to become pregnant should avoid any usage of Spironolactone as this has been found to have detrimental feminization effects of the male fetus.
Also Read: Best Pharmacy Products for Women’s Hair Loss
Spironolactone is only available through a prescription, and cannot be found over-the-counter.
Our Strut Women's Hair formula combines pharmaceutical-grade topical Spironolactone with Minoxidil and Tretinoin to help maintain your lush locks from all fronts.
By having an online questionnaire-based consultation with our U.S. licensed physicians, they can evaluate your current hair situation and see if Spironolactone is a good option for you.
You can then receive your product shipped directly, quickly, and discreetly to your front door.
Androgenic Alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men and women, and can be caused by too much DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).
To help reduce DHT exposure to your hair follicles you can use Spironolactone as an antiandrogen.
For studies done in women for hair loss, Spironolactone is pretty good at reducing further hair loss or increasing new hair growth in about 80% of participants.
For most people, you will need to treat for at least 6 months before you may see results, due to the slow nature of hair growth.
Only women should use spironolactone taken by mouth.
The topical formulations of Spironolactone are likely to stay local and are unlikely to have whole-body absorption or effects.
Spironolactone should not be used in women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or hoping to become pregnant in the near future.
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