spiro without birth control?

[midnite]

Hello Dr Redmond,

Wondering how effective can spiro be for hair loss without the use of birth control? I've had bad experiences with BC in the past esp. with Yasmin (leg cramps, chest pains, etc), and want to try something else to block the DHT. I don't plan on having kids for a few years (I'm 30 years old).

Thanks!

[Geoffrey Redmond, MD, FACE]

Hello Dr Redmond,

Wondering how effective can spiro be for hair loss without the use of birth control? I've had bad experiences with BC in the past esp. with Yasmin (leg cramps, chest pains, etc), and want to try something else to block the DHT. I don't plan on having kids for a few years (I'm 30 years old).

Thanks!

I am frequently asked if spiro without birth control pills can work. The answer is yes, of course depending on the specific hormonal cause. However spiro by itself can cause periods to come too close together. Many women have problems with specific pills, even Yasmin and Yaz which are least likely to cause side effects. Some women cannot take the pill safely, including women over 35 who smoke or those who have increased clot risk. If there are no risk factors such as these, trying a different properly selected pill may work out. Otherwise, it is sometimes possible to keep the cycle regulated with oral progesterone.

I think it should be clear that if the pills is a safe option it makes treatment easier and adds to its effectiveness.