Can Birth Control Pills Help Treat Acne

Acne, for some is the most dreaded four letter word. It is a term which refers to one of the most common infections of the skin and can include black heads, white heads, pimples and blemishes.

Acne emerges mostly with the onset of puberty in both the genders and continues into adulthood. With hormones raging a riot in the body

birth control pills

are often diagnosed by dermatologists to treat an acute acne infection. 

In the US, as much as 85% of all teenagers are affected. 20% of all adults have active acne.

Why Birth Control Pills are effective in treating acne

In females, most of the times a hormone called androgen is the main culprit. Excessive secretion of androgen is especially seen during adolescence. Excess androgen over stimulates the sebaceous or the oil producing glands. This coupled with environmental irritants lead to an explosion of zits all over. Treatment resistant acne often has some hormonal imbalances triggering it. 

• Reduces the production of free testosterone in the body.
• Increases the level of globulins (proteins) which bind with the sex hormones secreted and prevent the conversion of free testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT also causes acne.
• The progesterone in contraceptives reduces free androgen.

How to know whether acne is caused by hormonal imbalance

• Acne breakouts preceding menstrual bleeding.
• Acne coupled with hirsuitism (excessive body hair).
• Not responding to traditional treatment.
• Acne after the onset of puberty or during adulthood.
• Irregular menstrual cycle or having polycystic ovaries.
• Blood work showing elevated levels of androgen.
• Birth Control pills are a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin in very low doses. The FDA has approved OrthoTri-Cyclen and EstroStep to be used in the treatment of acne. However, it is opined by physicians that almost all such pills would work in preventing acne.
• In hyper acute infections, an anti androgen too would generally be prescribed along with the pill. Similarly, corticosteroids are also tried in conjunction with contraceptives to get optimum results.

What are the side-effects of this treatment

• Melasma Hyper pigmentation of skin.
• Increased risks of thrombosis and blood clots.
• Spotting between periods.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Bloating.
• Decreased Libido.
• Permanent damage to the foetus if taken in pregnancy
• It is very important to seek the opinion of the physician before getting started with oral pills. This option of treating acne is not suitable for males.