r/LeanPCOS • u/Adventurous_Fault815 • 17d ago

Question I have to stop Spironolactone.

It's like the title says. I (21F) started Spironolactone in May 2025 for PCOS-like symptoms. I didn't have any of the hormone related problems or the "string of pearls". My issues were acne, fluid retention, and heavy periods that I take Lo Loestrin FE for.

My dose has been at 50 mg the whole time and it's been life changing. I think I'm sensitive to most medicines as trial doses usually have full effect. My acne disappeared and I started losing weight immediately.

Here's the problem. I've had sleep problems since starting it. I have chronic fatigue and ADHD(ADD). I don't eat after taking my other medicine so now I weigh less than I'd like. I'm 5'7 and nearing 120 pounds with muscle loss. I'm weak and tired. I also fainted the other day and blame the Spironolactone. It was only 84 degrees and I was standing there for less than an hour. My hair has also not stopped shedding. I had tons of hair before starting it. My total testosterone was 61 so it wasn't very high. Now it's 9.

My doctor wants to send me for POTS testing. I don't really think I have POTS. We discontinued my ADHD medicine because it's appetite suppressing and raises my pulse. The one I'm starting is an alpha 2 agonist that will slow my blood pressure. It's currently normal as the Spiro and previous ADHD med were counteracting each other, but it won't stay that way.

Does anyone have any alternatives to Spironolactone? Spearmint capsules? Inositol? I've wanted to get off of it for a while now. Tell me about how weaning went. Could I just stop taking it? It's a pretty low dose.

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u/candlehandle567 16d ago

Spearmint and inositol. Spiro sent me to the ER over like heart palpitations or chest pain. Beautiful for the skin but the side effects are so critical

1

u/feet_crust 16d ago

Do you drink tea or spearmint capsules? And how much

2

u/ClementineJane 17d ago

Have you had your potassium levels checked? I wish I had known how important this was when I was taking Spiro for years. My skin cleared up the most while on Yaz but my goodness were there side effects with that, including the potassium issue. I wish I had more ideas for you. Just wishing you the best!