Rx only
Oral Spironolactone
Treat hair loss at its source with spironolactone. This once-a-day pill slows the production of hormones that can weaken follicles and increase shedding. Hair, meet science. You two are gonna hit it off.
Meet spironolactone
- 74% of women saw improvement after using spironolactone for hair loss
- Easy, once-daily pill
- Doctor-trusted hair loss treatment for women
How spironolactone works
- Targets hormones that can cause excess shedding
- Gives follicles a better chance of staying active
- Increases the total number of hairs actively growing during each growth cycle
Ingredients
100 mg spironolactone
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We’re so over excess shedding
Female hair loss is normal, but with science-backed treatments like spironolactone, it doesn't have to be. This hormonal treatment stops excess shedding from the source.
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Frequently asked questions about spironolactone
What is spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a prescription diuretic medication that is approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention in people with heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and primary hyperaldosteronism (adrenal gland overproduction).
Spironolactone is also used “off-label” to treat hair loss, hormonal acne, polycystic ovarian syndrome and other health concerns caused by excess androgens.
Hers prescribes spironolactone to treat hormonal acne and hair loss. If you are looking for treatment for any other conditions, consult your healthcare professional.
What causes hair loss in women?
- With female pattern baldness, thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head. This thinning in women often starts as a widening of the center hair part that leaves the front hairline unaffected.
- Women can also experience hair loss due to stress, nutrient deficiency, postpartum hormonal shift or other medical conditions.
How does spironolactone work for hair loss?
Spironolactone treats female hair loss at a hormonal level. It protects hair from androgens that can contribute to excess shedding. Spironolactone binds with androgen receptors so androgens (like DHT which can weaken hair follicles) can’t.
Who can use spironolactone?
Spironolactone is an anti-androgen option for women who have not gone through menopause experiencing excessive shedding and hair loss. If you’re postmenopausal, Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray might be a better option for you.
Where can I buy spironolactone?
It’s a medication prescribed by a doctor and not available in stores. Start a free online visit to connect with a medical provider today.
What are some common side effects of spironolactone?
Some common side effects of spironolactone include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness/enlargement, headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness and menstrual irregularities.
What are potential serious side effects of spironolactone?
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these serious side effects: confusion, fatigue, muscle pain or weakness, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea, tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
These are not all of the possible side effects of spironolactone. For more information about adverse effects, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Can I use spironolactone and minoxidil at the same time?
Yes the two treatment options are compatible. Minoxidil (Rogaine®) can help kickstart new hair regrowth in 3-6 months.
Can I use spironolactone if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Due to a risk of feminization of the male fetus, taking spironolactone while pregnant or breastfeeding is not advised. Taking spironolactone while pregnant can potentially lead to birth defects.
Does spironolactone cause weight loss?
Because spironolactone is a diuretic, your body will excrete water at a higher rate while you take the medication. This means that spironolactone may cause weight loss, but not in fat — in fluid weight.
Can you drink on spironolactone?
Drinking alcohol may increase certain spironolactone side effects, such as headache or dizziness. Risks are most likely when beginning treatment or changing doses. Talk to your healthcare provider about staying safe while using spironolactone and alcohol.
How long does spironolactone stay in your system?
Typically, spironolactone will not stay in your system for very long, due to its half-life of under two hours. However, spironolactone produces metabolites, which block aldosterone and androgens and have a half-life of 13 to 17 hours.
Should I avoid taking potassium supplements while on spironolactone?
Yes. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that doesn’t allow your body to reach low potassium levels. This means that you should avoid overwhelming your body with high-potassium foods or potassium supplements. Additionally, you should avoid salt substitutes while taking spironolactone.
Who should not take spironolactone?
You should not take spironolactone if you have addison’s disease, low levels of sodium or have liver disease or acute renal failure. Hyperkalemia, a potentially deadly condition caused by high potassium levels, could be a result of taking spironolactone with kidney failure.
Does spironolactone treat fluid retention?
Yes, spironolactone treats fluid retention by increasing the elimination rate of water and sodium and preserving potassium levels. This action can treat conditions such as nephrotic syndrome and edema (fluid retention).
Note: we currently don’t treat these conditions on our platform.
Learn more about Spironolactone
Important safety information
Learn more about Spironolactone
Important safety information
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information that I should know about Spironolactone for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia):
- Spironolactone is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Primary hyperaldosteronism
- Edema
- Although spironolactone is not FDA-approved for the treatment of female pattern hair loss, it is often used in dermatologic healthcare for this reason.
- Spironolactone is not used for the treatment of hair loss in men due to side effects (e.g., enlargement of breast tissue) related to its anti-androgenic properties.
- Through the Hers platform, spironolactone is only available to premenopausal women, born female, between the ages of 18-43.
- If you have the potential to become pregnant, you must be on a reliable form of birth control while taking spironolactone due to the risk of birth defects associated with spironolactone. Please see below for more information about this.
Are there any dietary restrictions that I should follow while taking spironolactone?
While taking spironolactone, excessive potassium intake should be avoided. This includes avoiding potassium-containing supplements in addition to salt substitutes that contain potassium. Coconut water contains high amounts of potassium and should be avoided. Most other foods, including bananas, are safe to consume in moderation.
Drinking alcohol may increase certain spironolactone side effects, such as headache or dizziness.
Do not use spironolactone for the treatment of your female pattern hair loss if you:
- Are allergic or hypersensitive to spironolactone or any component of spironolactone’s formulation
Active ingredient:
spironolactone
spironolactone
Inactive Ingredients:
lactose monohydrate, dibasic calcium phosphate, povidone, peppermint oil, purified talc, pregelatinized starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red
lactose monohydrate, dibasic calcium phosphate, povidone, peppermint oil, purified talc, pregelatinized starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red
- Are currently taking eplerenone
- Have hyperkalemia
- Have Addison’s disease
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding or are planning to become pregnant
If any of the following apply to you, please speak with a healthcare provider in-person about seeking treatment for your female pattern hair loss:
- Younger than 18 years of age
- You are taking any of the following medications:
- Cholestyramine
- Daily use of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen, advil, aleve, naproxen).
- Potassium supplements
- Drugs that increase serum potassium levels (e.g., ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, Heparin or low molecular weight heparin)
- Lithium
- Digoxin
- You have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Heart disease
- Gout
- Adrenal gland disorder
- Irregular menstrual periods that have not been evaluated by a healthcare provider in-person
- Recent onset of excessive hair growth on the face or body, enlargement of the clitoris, and/or deepening of the voice
These are some of the more common side effects of spironolactone:
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Breast tenderness/enlargement
- Decreased libido
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these side effects:
Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium level in your blood) is a reported serious side effect of spironolactone. Hyperkalemia is rarely seen in young, healthy individuals under 45 without underlying kidney or heart disease. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of hyperkalemia:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Difficulty with breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
These are not all of the possible side effects of spironolactone. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Contract your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You can message a healthcare provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
If I am sexually active, is it important to use an effective form of contraception while taking spironolactone?
Yes, spironolactone can potentially cause birth defects in a developing fetus (e.g., feminization of a male fetus). If you are concerned that your birth control method was ineffective or failed, over-the-counter emergency contraception is available but must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) following the sexual act. Prescription emergency contraception (ella®) is also available through a healthcare provider and must be taken within 5 days following the sexual act.
Oral contraceptive pills are often prescribed with spironolactone as a form of birth control and to help maintain regular menstrual periods while preventing side effects, such as breast tenderness.
If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, you should immediately stop taking spironolactone and inform a medical professional.
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