Spironolactone and weight loss

There are a lot of people who wonder what is the connection between the use of spironolactone and weight loss. The main reason why people wonder that is because this drug is usually prescribed for people who suffer from hormonal acne, hyperaldsteronism, hypokalemia and hirsutism. However, people who use this drug as a treatment for one of these ailments may experience weight loss and that is mainly because of the diuretic properties of this drug.

The purpose of this drug is to lower the levels of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone is very important because of the fact that it aids he process of regulation of balance of electrolytes and bodily fluids in the bloodstream. Apart from that, this hormone is also responsible for the re-absorption of sodium in the body and it helps with the excretion of potassium.Too much of anything cannot be good for the health and the same goes for the excessive amount of this hormone as well. A person whose glands secrete too much of this hormone may end up suffering from various diseases. Too much aldosterone may end up with the retaining of sodium. Apart from that, the levels of potassium may end up being so low that it becomes a real danger. Too much sodium in the body leads to water retention and that ends with a person gaining weight.

Fluid retention and weight gain

When there is water retention in the tissues of the body, a person usually ends up swelling up and gaining weight. All of this happens because of the excessive amount of aldosterone. This condition can become quite serious if it is left untreated. A person with this problem will be prescribed with spironolactone because it aids the process of reversing the effects of high levels of aldosterone. A person who uses this drug is bound to urinate a lot and by doing that he or she will get rid of the excess amounts of fluid and salt from the body. With the fluids gone, the swelling and weight gain reduces as well.

Spironolactone for weight loss

People should know that there are certain benefits and side effects that may occur when a person uses spironolactone. First of all, people should not use this drug without the supervision of health provider. The only weight loss a person may experience due to the usage of this drug is because of all the fluids that are flushed out of the system. A person who does not follow the instruction may end up suffering from nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, cramps and diarrhea. Excessive intake may cause allergic reactions and irregular heartbeat among other side effects.