Is aldactone effective for thinning hair and unwanted facial hair in women PCOS?

Answer 1

Aldactone (spironolactone) is most commonly used as a diuretic.
But it also an antiandrogen, i.e. it block the actions of male hormones, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

It appears to be somewhat effective in reducing female hairloss and reducing unwanted hair growth (as many antiandrogens are) but it does not work (or at least does not work sufficiently well) for everybody. Also, if taken internally (rather than used topically) a variety of side effects are possible.

Please review the following study
http://www.druglib.com/trial/95/NCT01427595.html

Please also review these patient reviews.
http://www.druglib.com/ratingsreviews/spironolactone/