A prescription medicine with anti-androgen effects, sometimes used for hirsutism and acne in PCOS.
Why it matters for PCOS
Spironolactone is originally a diuretic, but it also blocks the action of androgens such as testosterone on the skin and hair follicles. For that reason doctors sometimes choose it to treat androgen-related hirsutism or acne in PCOS when other measures are not enough. Its effect usually takes several months before it can be judged.
Spironolactone is prescription-only and needs doctor monitoring, because it can affect potassium levels and blood pressure. It is also not safe in pregnancy, so contraception is often discussed before starting it.
This glossary is education, not diagnosis. For your own situation, ask a doctor or pharmacist.