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Contraceptives That Help With Acne

Acne is a condition marked by the appearance of red pimples on the face and body. While there are many treatments available for acne, some women choose to utilize oral contraceptives to alleviate the signs of acne.

  1. Identification

    • The Food and Drug Administration approved the birth control pill Ortho Tri-Cyclen for use in acne treatment. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an oral contraceptive that women take once daily.

    Function

    • One cause of acne is the presence of androgen hormones in the body. Ortho Tri-Cyclen increases estrogen levels in women, which reduces the amount of androgens, decreasing the appearance of acne.

    Expert Insight

    • A study published in 1997 by K Wiss examined the effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen in treating acne in 164 patients. At the conclusion of the study, 83 percent of subjects given the contraceptive showed improvement in their acne.

    Benefits

    • In addition to alleviating acne and preventing pregnancy, women who take oral contraceptives also frequently experience a decrease in menstrual cramps and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

    Considerations

    • Oral contraceptives increase the likelihood of stroke and blood clots, especially in women with cardiovascular disease or those who smoke. They also may cause less serious side effects such as breast tenderness, weight gain, menstrual irregularity and increased hair growth.

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