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Suggest Remedy For Dark Circles Under Eyes, Hair Dryness And Fatigue

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jan 2016
Question: good afternoon,
I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and my doctor prescribed me spironolactone (200 mg/day) and ortho tri cyclen (I have too much testosterone). After 2 weeks we found out that I was allergic to the aldactone and I had to stop it right away (I had hives, asthma and dermographism). I have since gained 7 pounds (in 5 days), my hair is really dry, I have dark circles under my eyes and I am extremly tired. None of my clothes are fitting anymore... I drink a lot of water but nothing seems to get better. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You will see eventual improvement from the OCP alone

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Birth control pills lower testosterone by allowing less of the hormone to be absorbed by the body. Aldactone lowers sex hormone levels as well, but in a different way. It is also a diuretic, which removes water from the body.

So the reason you may have gained weight after stopping the Aldactone is that it may have just made you lose water weight at first and then you gained the weight back. You do sometimes retain water in the beginning when you start taking birth control pills, but this will improve gradually over time. In addition, the birth control will lower your testosterone as well, but you need to wait at least 3-6 months for the full effect. I am sure your fatigue is from the stress of starting and then withdrawing the Aldactone, and your allergic reaction, and it should improve with time.

So in the meantime, try to continue to get enough rest, be patient about your weight changes, and see how you feel after another month or two on the birth control pills.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (3 hours later)
Thank you very much, I appreciate your quick response :) I am still shocked to see that I've gained 7 pounds, I didn't lose weight at all with aldactone/spiro. I am assuming the water retention will go away soon?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
When you get your period the swelling will go down

Detailed Answer:

Welcome back to HCM.

You should lose much of the retained water when you have your menstrual cycle. As you are on the pill for a longer period of time, the side effects will get less severe with each cycle.

If you still are retaining a lot of water after 3 months on the pill, it might be prudent for your doctor to try a different brand.

All oral contraceptives decrease circulating testosterone in women, and will regulate your cycle.

Just see how things will go, but usually your side effects are the worst in the first month.

I hope you feel better soon

Sincerely, Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (21 minutes later)
thank you very much, that's reassuring!

Have a good weekend and happy holidays!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thank you as well!

Detailed Answer:
You are very welcome, and thank you for using my services and healthcaremagic.com
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Jacqueline Brown

OBGYN

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1425 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Dark Circles Under Eyes, Hair Dryness And Fatigue

Brief Answer: You will see eventual improvement from the OCP alone Detailed Answer: Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Birth control pills lower testosterone by allowing less of the hormone to be absorbed by the body. Aldactone lowers sex hormone levels as well, but in a different way. It is also a diuretic, which removes water from the body. So the reason you may have gained weight after stopping the Aldactone is that it may have just made you lose water weight at first and then you gained the weight back. You do sometimes retain water in the beginning when you start taking birth control pills, but this will improve gradually over time. In addition, the birth control will lower your testosterone as well, but you need to wait at least 3-6 months for the full effect. I am sure your fatigue is from the stress of starting and then withdrawing the Aldactone, and your allergic reaction, and it should improve with time. So in the meantime, try to continue to get enough rest, be patient about your weight changes, and see how you feel after another month or two on the birth control pills. I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes, Dr. Brown