Acne can be controlled by Birth Control Pills Too!

Acne Free in 3 Days
Read How

As most of us know, hormones produced in our body, especially women, play an active role in reproduction as well as possible acne flare ups. However, contraceptive pills and birth control medicines are also know to reduce the occurrence of acne. Many research findings have established the positive benefits of birth control pills in treating acne.

The acne occurrence, a week before the monthly periods in females is possibly due to excess hormones, which also triggers excessive secretion of sebum. Oestrogens in the form of an-ovulatory drugs help reduce excess sebum in female patients. The other birth control drugs that are advised for the acne control are ethinylestradiol or mestranol and these drugs are consumed on a daily basis. These birth control drugs are prescribed at a very low level of 100 micro grams per day. However this dosage may not be as effective in all patients, because their sebaceous glands may not respond adequately. But there are patients, who respond very well, even at lower dosages. This inconsistency in determination of dosages makes acne cure a bit difficult.

For an effective acne treatment using birth control pills, you can consider taking Oestrogens, as advised by your physician, usually in either a two week or a three week course. In the first course, they are prescribed with out progesterone for two weeks, beginning with the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. In the three week cycle, they are given with the progesterone in the form of oral contraceptive pills, for 21 days, beginning from the 5th day of the cycle. Any improvement can be noticed only after three to four cycles of treatment, because it takes 12 to 16 weeks for significant reduction of sebum secretion.

Similarly, the cyclical course of androgens may also be used for good results with acne. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is also found to be effective in reducing the premenstrual hormonal production (androgens), thereby reducing the sebum secretion. Ortho Tri-Cyclean, like other drugs, has shown good results in patients with moderate acne. A study confirms a birth control pill containing levonorgestrel, is also effective in curing light to moderate acne. Some patients have also demonstrated good results with birth control pills in combination with a topical application.

Do not forget the side effects too. More common side effects extend from nausea to weight gain to breast tenderness, to breast cancer and dysfunction of your liver. It is also possible that the birth control that helped your friend's acne may not be effective at all in your case. Not all drugs are over-the-counter medicines. You should not forget to consult to your physician, before jumping on to birth control for help in acne.