Does Aldactone help in treating abnormal hair growth?
Q: My 16 years old daughter has abnormal hair growth on chin, legs and stomach. I had shown her to an endocrinologist, who asked for various tests and the results are cited below:
The doctor has prescribed Aldactone 100 mg - 1/2 tab for first two weeks and subsequently 1 tablet for the next three-four months. Is my daughter on the right mode of treatment?
A:Yes, she is on the right track. It will take at least three to six months for the effect of Aldactone to be visible. It will only slow the rate of hair growth. Whatever is already established would not completely disappear.
Addition of oral contraceptive (birth control pill) would also help as it can provide estrogen, which has a beneficial effect in diminishing the hair growth.
It is strongly recommend that the patient not get pregnant while taking Aldactone as it can be harmful to the fetus and addition of a birth control pill serves the purpose of contraception as well. Potassium levels should be periodically monitored while taking aldactone. Dose of Aldactone can go up to 200 mg/day if tolerated.
