Spironolactone Side Effects

Medically reviewed byEditorial Medical Review, MD, NAMS-CMP

Last reviewed: 5/27/2026 · Verify credentials →

Spironolactone side-effect incidence rates below are drawn from FDA prescribing information and clinical trials. Most common effects are gastrointestinal and peak during dose changes.

Common side effects(5)

Incidence rates from clinical trials. Individual experience varies.

Spironolactone common side effects with incidence rates
Effect	Incidence	Note
Increased urination	~20%	Diuretic effect, usually mild at low doses
Menstrual irregularity	10-20%	Often used with an OCP to regularize
Breast tenderness	5-10%
Dizziness / lightheadedness	5-12%	From blood-pressure lowering
Fatigue	5-8%

Serious side effects(2)

Less common but require medical attention.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium). Monitor potassium, especially with ACE inhibitors/ARBs or kidney disease
Hypotension. Dizziness, fainting from low blood pressure

Managing side effects(4)

Effects on acne/hirsutism take 3-6 months — be patient
Avoid potassium supplements and high-potassium salt substitutes
Often paired with a combined oral contraceptive (regularizes cycles + adds contraception, since spironolactone is teratogenic to male fetuses)
Take consistent timing to manage the diuretic effect (not right before bed)

Telehealth providers that prescribe Spironolactone(4)

Independently reviewed providers offering Spironolactone for PCOS acne and androgen symptoms. Editorial ranking — affiliate links don't affect order.

Allara
90/100
Comprehensive PCOS and hormonal health telehealth. Multidisciplinary care team including endocrinologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
Pollie (PCOS Specialist)
85/100
PCOS-focused platform with phenotype-driven treatment matching. Specialist providers only.
Curio Wellness PCOS
80/100
Integrative PCOS platform combining endocrinology, dietitian visits, and mental health support.
Pollie
77/100
PCOS-focused care platform combining clinician access with personalized supplement protocols. Subscription model with medication and supplement bundling.

We don't sell Spironolactone or any medication. These are editorial reviews of telehealth providers — clicking through may earn us a commission, which does not affect our scoring.

Sources(3)

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Spironolactone Side Effects

Medically reviewed byEditorial Medical Review, MD, NAMS-CMP

Last reviewed: 5/27/2026 · Verify credentials →

Spironolactone side-effect incidence rates below are drawn from FDA prescribing information and clinical trials. Most common effects are gastrointestinal and peak during dose changes.

Common side effects(5)

Incidence rates from clinical trials. Individual experience varies.

Spironolactone common side effects with incidence rates
Effect	Incidence	Note
Increased urination	~20%	Diuretic effect, usually mild at low doses
Menstrual irregularity	10-20%	Often used with an OCP to regularize
Breast tenderness	5-10%
Dizziness / lightheadedness	5-12%	From blood-pressure lowering
Fatigue	5-8%

Serious side effects(2)

Less common but require medical attention.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium). Monitor potassium, especially with ACE inhibitors/ARBs or kidney disease
Hypotension. Dizziness, fainting from low blood pressure

Managing side effects(4)

Effects on acne/hirsutism take 3-6 months — be patient
Avoid potassium supplements and high-potassium salt substitutes
Often paired with a combined oral contraceptive (regularizes cycles + adds contraception, since spironolactone is teratogenic to male fetuses)
Take consistent timing to manage the diuretic effect (not right before bed)

Telehealth providers that prescribe Spironolactone(4)

Independently reviewed providers offering Spironolactone for PCOS acne and androgen symptoms. Editorial ranking — affiliate links don't affect order.

Allara
90/100
Comprehensive PCOS and hormonal health telehealth. Multidisciplinary care team including endocrinologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
Pollie (PCOS Specialist)
85/100
PCOS-focused platform with phenotype-driven treatment matching. Specialist providers only.
Curio Wellness PCOS
80/100
Integrative PCOS platform combining endocrinology, dietitian visits, and mental health support.
Pollie
77/100
PCOS-focused care platform combining clinician access with personalized supplement protocols. Subscription model with medication and supplement bundling.

We don't sell Spironolactone or any medication. These are editorial reviews of telehealth providers — clicking through may earn us a commission, which does not affect our scoring.

Was this Spironolactone side-effects guide helpful?