Using Birth Control As An Acne Treatment

Certain female patients have acne that is treatment-resistant. This kind of acne is a result from an extreme production of hormones otherwise known as androgens. With excessive androgens in one’s system, the glands in which oil produces work overtime, thus causing acne.

Not many clues can lead your doctor recognize acne that may be affected by hormones: acne that shows in adulthood, acne flare-ups that come before the menstrual cycle; high levels of some androgens in the blood stream, irregularity in menstrual cycles, and hirsutism.

Teenage and adult females, whose acne did not respond to treatment with topical retinoids and antibiotics, may need hormonal therapy. As soon as a patient’s acne is recognized as influenced by hormones, the doctor will prescribe various therapies, or several combined.

Often, the best approach to this kind of acne has always been combination therapy. However, there are a few common elements of therapy in treating hormonal acne, but take note that you should seek medical advice first before considering which kind of hormonal therapy is best for acne treatment.

Oral Contraceptives (estrogen + progestin)

These are often prescribed to treat hormonal acne in women. The estrogen’s low dose act to repress androgens. Other agents such as norgestimate and desogestrel are not so much androgenic than the others in older formulations.

Even though only Estro-step and Ortho Tri-Cyclen are presently FDA-approved for the treatment of acne, experts agree that oral contraceptives (low-dose) may help treat acne regardless of formulation. Ask a gynecologist the kind of formula that is suitable for you.

In addition, while side effects are unusual, some females may experience melasma (hyperpigmentation) or brownish blotches on the skin. These can be cured with topical bleaching agents.

Anti-androgens

Doctors may also prescribe these, along with oral contraceptives. These medications restrict the production of androgens in the adrenal glands and ovaries, and help forestall existing androgens from further producing excessive oil.

Another brand, Spironolactone, which is used for high blood pressure with anti-androgen properties, has deemed effective in acne treatment. Side effects may include fatigue, headache, irregular menstrual cycles (in women not using birth control pills), and breast tenderness. Spironolactone is also a diuretic, so frequent urination may be experienced.

It should also be noted that using a tetrogenic like Spironolactone can feminize a male fetus. Using another form of birth control is advised for sexually active women who are not taking “the pill”.

Corticosteroids

Minimal doses of corticosteroids, like dexamethasone or prednisone, may alleviate inflammation and suppress the adrenal glands from producing androgens. Always remember that corticosteroids may in fact aggravate acne. Corticosteroids work best when used together with oral contraceptives.

Since using birth control pills for treating acne have unpleasant side effects, what then is a better treatment than using them?

There are various types of acne treatments that are readily available – without you having to suffer from hormonal changes caused by birth control pills as you treat and maintain acne.