Does Spironolactone Lotion Treat Hair Loss By Reducing Scalp DHT?
Hi Dr.Rassman,
I am 27 years old suffering from male pattern baldness for over two years. I want to know whether spironolactone lotion (used on the scalp) really works as some of such brands said:(1). Spironolactone significantly reduces the amount of DHT in the scalp by inhibiting the conversion of precursor steroids to DHT.
(2). Spironolactone reduces DHT in the scalp by converting localized testosterone into estrogen, which is thought to be protective of the
hair follicles.
(3). Spironolactone blocks the follicular androgen receptor sites, thereby rendering any residual or circulating DHT harmless to the hair follicles, and it doesn’t have such side effects as Propecia; and whether it is widely used in treating with male patten baldness.Thanks for the your answer!
Spironolactone is generally used for treating high blood pressure. While I realize there is a theoretical anti-androgen property associated with spironolactone, there is no conclusive evidence that it really works to re-grow hair. I also realize that many doctors may prescribe spironolactone for hair loss as an “off-label” use, but I personally do not see (or have seen) any benefits from it.
In conclusion, it is still a “buyer beware” mantra that I maintain. It’s also worth noting that Spironolactone has its own list of side effects.
A number of bodybuilders I know tried spiro for hairloss some years back. The side effects were horrendous – and remember these are guys knowledgable in steroids and hormone use very much ‘off label’. I don’t know any who still use it – though propecia, dutasteride and minoxidil lotions/foams remain very popular. I know they’d certainly argue with anyone who claimed spiro was side effect free. Since it can easily get into the bloodstream you are toying with a hormone far more well known for castrating sex offenders than hair loss treatment.
I’m sure some people on forums have noted good results but I think we have a lot more real world clinical studies on the FDA approved medications and you’d be better putting faith in those.
Dr. Rassman,
I really appreciate your candor about this product. Hopefully this will discourage people from using spiro to grow their hair back.