Treating acne with birth control

Birth control pills are hormonal pills and therefore they are quite effective in treating hormonal acne. These pills usually contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, and, if taken in low doses, have been proven to greatly reduce acne. They are usually prescribed when a woman does not respond to other kinds of acne treatment or when she needs to use birth control anyway. They are also widely used among women who have to deal with polycystic ovarian syndrome in addition to acne. The best kind birth control pills that work on acne are those that block androgen production in the ovaries as well as in the adrenal glands. These are known as anti-androgens. They reduce the levels of the male hormone testosterone within the body.

As a result the sebaceous glands are not overstimulated and there are lesser chances of pore blockage. However, as with all hormonal medication, there are negative side effects which include breast tenderness, fatigue, menstrual irregularities and headaches. Since birth control pills are also diuretics, they can cause increased urination at times. Some birth control pills contain different combination of hormones and can actually worsen acne. You can discuss a proper means of birth control as well as acne treatment with your doctor.