Can Birth Control Cause Acne

The impact of birth control on acne has been a long standing question. Can birth control cause acne or is it actually a way to prevent breakouts?

In order to truly discover the truth, it is important to understand the workings of birth control.

The main objective of birth control is to avoid pregnancy.  The pills are able to alter hormonal patterns as well as the female reproductive cycle.  There are two types of birth control pills.  Birth control can consist of either progestin or a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin.  Low doses of estrogen helps suppress the androgens produced by the ovaries.

The birth control pills that contain a mixture of estrogen and progestin are frequently used for hormonal acne breakouts.  As a female, one source of breakouts is the excessive manufacturing of hormones known as androgens.  With a large amount of androgen production, your oil-producing glands will go into hyper gear causing acne breakouts.

The pills also suppress the production of testosterone.   When testosterone manufacturing is decreased, the quantity of oil created through the sebaceous glands also decreases. This can impact the frequency of acne breakouts caused by hormonal in-balance.

Even though birth control pills are able to improve acne breakouts, the use of birth control pills should be only be used when all other methods do not work.

It is feasible that the pills might make your acne even worse or cause the acne from becoming completely treated. If you are considering the use of birth control pills to treat acne, make certain to seek advice from a physician prior to taking the birth control.

Since birth control pills used for acne breakouts mainly function by decreasing the quantity of sebum. It is important to consider the use of other acne treatments as an addition. The use of medicated creams with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid would be beneficial.

Three estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive brands of birth control pills are authorized through the Food and Drug Administration specifically for women with acne breakouts.

  • Ortho Tri-Cyclen
  • Estrostep
  • Yaz Oral Contraceptive

Although these drugs are presently authorized through the FDA, professionals also agree that low-dose contraceptives can decrease acne breakouts regardless of which formula is utilized. Seek advice from your gynecologist to discover the formula that’s correct for you.

Although usually safe and effective, the use of birth controls may not be for you. Possible oral contraceptive side effects:

  • Headaches
  • A change in your menstrual cycle
  • If used while pregnant, problems may occur with the fetus.
  • Tenderness in the breast
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Depression
  • A higher possibility of heart disease, higher blood pressure, higher potassium, and blood clots.

Speak to your physician about your background and age and the possible complications that may occur if you use birth control.  It is best not to use estrogen-progestin tablets if the following apply to you:

  • If you are 35 or older and presently smoke
  • A background of cardiovascular disease
  • A background of uterine, liver cancer, or breast cancer.
  • A background of blood clots within your legs or lungs

One of the most effective methods to deal with acne breakouts is prevention. Although birth control might assist in reducing acne in some women, it is simpler and much less risky to avoid acne outbreaks with proper skin.