Acne and birth control pills

Quite often, birth control pills are used in the treatment of hormonal acne. Low doses of birth control pills, which are a combination of progestin and estrogen, work to inhibit the production of androgens. These pills alter the natural female hormonal patterns and reduce the levels of testosterone in the body. When this happens, the oil produced by the sebaceous glands is greatly reduced, thus lowering the chances of pore blockage. There are various kinds of formulas that are use different combinations of hormones, but experts agree that any formula, if taken in low doses, will substantially reduce acne. While there are rarely any side effects, some women experience hyper-pigmentation of the skin. There are two primary types of treatment involving the use of birth control pills to control acne. Anti-androgens inhibit the production of androgens in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Androgens can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Anti androgens prevent excess oil production by the existing androgens.

The side effects of anti-androgens include irregularities in menstruation, breast tenderness, fatigue and headaches. Frequent urination could also be a side effect since these anti-androgens are also diuretics. Corticosteroids, which curb redness and inflammation, also work by suppressing the function of the androgens. However, corticosteroids can aggravate acne in some people.