Does Hormonal Birth Control Cause Acne – Acne is complex not only are there numerous different causes, but there are several different treatments as well. Adding to the mix-up are the mixed messages surrounding hormones and acne: Do they cause the problem, or solve it?
Dr. Robert B. Topham and our knowledgeable team of skin experts at Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah, are here to set the record straight, discover the link between hormones and acne, and discuss hormonal birth control as a treatment choice.
Does Hormonal Birth Control Cause Acne?
Acne happens when the hair follicles in your skin become clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. While diet, certain products, the environment, and some medications can pay for the problem, the underlying culprit is frequently a hormonal issue.
Though usually called male hormones, both men and women have androgens in their bodies. Since androgens (especially testosterone) are accountable for sebum production, and sebum (a waxy, oily substance) is accountable for clogging pores and causing breakouts — high levels of androgens frequently lead to acne.
If you have acne that can’t be managed with up-to-date treatments alone, you might be wondering what else to try. For women, birth control can be a choice for treating acne because it controls hormones that cause breakouts. If you want to know more about Birth Control affecting Acne then read this article carefully.
Birth Control Pill
Oral contraceptives, usually known as birth control pills, are medications that stop pregnancy. Birth control pills comprise the hormones estrogen and progestin.
These hormones stop the ovaries from releasing an egg and change the lining of the uterus. Women who take birth control pills can have once-a-month menstrual cycles or cycles every 12 weeks, dependent on the type of pill.
Here are the common side effects of hormonal birth control can include:
- nausea
- weight gain
- sore or swollen breasts
- spotting between periods
- lighter periods
- mood changes
Birth control pills might increase your risk for other conditions. Here are some more serious side effects that might be a sign of a complication. These side effects can comprise:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- headaches
- blurred vision
- swelling of the legs or thighs
If you experience any of these indications while taking birth control, contact your doctor instantly.
What is the relation between birth Control and Acne?
Birth control use and acne breakouts are related, but in maximum cases, it’s for positive reasons. One of the chief causes of acne is the existence of male hormones, chiefly androgens.
Androgens are found in both men and women. These hormones are very active during puberty, which is one of the reasons acne is so mutual in the teenage population. Acne happens in 70 to 87 percent of teenagers.
Acne happens when androgens rise the size of the sebum glands and increase oil secretion. Oil and dead skin cells trap hair follicles. This can outcome in the following:
- whiteheads
- blackheads
- pimples
- other painful sores on or under the skin’s surface
Acne arises usually on certain parts of the body, such as:
- face
- shoulders
- back
- chest
What Really Causes Acne?
Although changing hormone levels in adolescence are a core contributor to acne, adults of all ages can experience it. Other reasons for acne include:
- medications
- diet
- stress
- hormone changes around the menstrual cycle
- tight clothing and headgear
- weather conditions, such as high humidity
How can Acne be treated?
Acne can vary in severity. Minor cases of acne might need only over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Moderate and more severe cases of acne might need prescriptions from your doctor.
Treatments for acne vary and can include:
- OTC choices such as gentle cleansers and oil-free lotions
- given topical medications, with creams, lotions, or other ointments containing antibiotics or retinoids
- given oral medications, including antibiotics, birth control for women, and isotretinoin
- light therapy
- chemical peels
- injectable treatments
You might find that one or a mixture of these treatments work to lighten your acne.
Can we use birth Control as Acne Treatment?
Birth control can be used as an acne treatment in females because it controls hormones. This means that it can lessen the number of acne-causing androgens in the body. Over time, this can consequence in clearer skin. If you experience acne breakouts nearby your menstrual cycle, birth control pills might help.
Birth control pills that mix estrogen and progestin are supportive in treating acne in women and adolescent girls. Some birth control pills that contain this combination are:
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen
- Estrostep Fe
- Yaz
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says that when recommending a birth control pill to treat acne, a pill with low androgens should be given. Qualifying birth control options include:
- Norlutin
- Aygestin
- Zovia
- Ortho-Cyclen
When using birth control pills to treat acne, you should suppose it to take a few months before your skin clears.
Birth Control Pills vs. Antibiotics
Learning published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology likened the success of antibiotics and birth control pills in treating acne.
The study decided that at six months of treatment, birth control pills are equivalent to antibiotic treatments for acne. As such, birth control pills might be a better first-line treatment for females than antibiotics.
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Conclusion:
Birth control pills can be an operative way to control acne. If you’re looking to treat acne and take a contraceptive, the birth control pill might be for you.
Be knowledgeable of the side effects of the pill, and be aware of how your body responds to it. Talk to your doctor about substitute treatments if you experience sensible or severe side effects from your birth control pill.
Birth control isn’t the only technique for treating acne. You can discover other options if you aren’t interested in taking a birth control pill. Speaking to your doctor can aid you to determine several treatment plans for acne.
So now you know everything about Does Hormonal Birth Control Cause Acne or not. So, if you still have any queries or feedback then drop your queries in the comment section below.