Suggest Remedies For Acne While On Spironolactone

Posted on Tue, 28 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently had a blood test done and had a high level of DHEA Sulfate (420.6). I am 53 years old and was taking 50mg of spironolactone for acne for about 2 months at the time of the test. It has now been 6 months and I am still taking the spironolactone and also still having severe breakouts. Any advice?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
DHEA

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome acne.

You need to be evaluated for the possibility of excess male hormones. DHEAS is just one of them
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid) Total Testosterone
SHBG
Androstenedione
Prolactin
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar