Birth Control Pills Acne Treatment

Posted by John

April 9, 2010

Is there an acne medication that can help you? Well, acne is a common part of being a teenager. While there are multiple methods of treating acne, one popular method for young women is the use of birth control pills. For many women, birth control pills do get rid of acne. There are a few things you need to know before trying this method.

Birth control pills have been proven to lower testosterone levels in women. In most women, testosterone levels are fairly normal. Women with average to high levels tend to produce more oil in their skin, which produces more acne. Birth control pills can reduce the level of oil your body produces, which usually means less acne. The two main ingredients in birth control pills are progestin and estrogen. Progestin helps to lower the levels of testosterone in women.

However, there are a number of things to consider before deciding on this method. While birth control pills are effective in clearing up hormonal acne, they can also bring on some health issues. Among the minor side effects of birth control pills are weight gain, headache, and fatigue. More serious side effects are possible as well, including blood clots, tender and painful cysts in the breasts, and, if you are very young, acne yeast infections, which are very difficult to get rid of completely.

So far, the only birth control pill that is FDA approved for treating acne is Ortho Tri-Cyclen. While it doesn’t get rid of your current acne, it does prevent future breakouts in about six to eight weeks. While other birth control pills may be just as effective, they have not yet been clinically tested. As stated above, the two main ingredients in birth control pills are estrogen and progestin. Each brand of birth control pill on the market has various levels of estrogen and progestin, which could determine how effective the pill is against acne.

As you can see, birth control pills can be an effective method of controlling acne. However, you must also continue to practice good hygiene habits. Keep in mind that this method may not work for you, as these pills can have different effects on different people. As with all medications, talk to your doctor before taking this or any other drug

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