Review: spironolactone may be effective for hirsutism but data are lacking on its effectiveness for acne vulgaris in women.

S t u d y s e l e c t i o n a n d a s s e s s m e n t Studies were selected if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing spironolactone with placebo, spironolactone with steroids (including oral contraceptives), different dosages of spironolactone, or spironolactone in combination with steroids with steroids alone for reducing hirsutism, acne, or both in women of reproductive or postmenopausal years. Studies of women with hirsutism secondary to a functional androgenic tumor, or iatrogenic or nonendocrine causes of hyperandrogenism or hirsutism were excluded. Studies were assessed for methodologic quality.