Acne treatment birth control methods: Availability, purchase options, and alternative solutions
Acne, a common skin condition that affects more than 70% of Americans at some point in their lives, can be treated with combined oral contraceptives (COCs). These medications, which contain both estrogen and progestin, have been approved by the FDA for acne treatment in females who have started menstruating and require contraception.
The FDA has approved four COCs specifically for acne treatment: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz, and Beyaz. Among these, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and Yaz are frequently mentioned as FDA-approved options for acne management.
COCs work by suppressing ovarian androgen production and increasing sex hormone-binding globulin. This lowers free testosterone and reduces sebum production, a key factor in acne development. Studies comparing different COCs have not definitively found one to be superior, but pills with varying progestins like chlormadinone acetate or drospirenone significantly reduce acne symptoms. Pills combining levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol are more effective than those with levonorgestrel alone based on limited data.
It's important to note that while COCs can be effective for treating acne, they may also have side effects such as weight gain, nausea, mood swings, and an increased risk of blood clots. Smoking should be avoided during use to reduce the clotting risk.
If a person does not want to use COCs to treat their acne, alternatives could include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, topical antibiotics, laser therapy, corticosteroid injections, regular use of gentle, noncomedogenic skin care products, lowering stress, following a healthy diet, minimizing intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, and getting enough sleep.
Recurring acne breakouts that cause social, emotional, or psychological discomfort should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. It may take a person up to 3 months to see improvements in their skin after starting COCs for acne treatment.
Online retailers such as Nurx, Hers, Wisp, and Pill Club offer COCs, and typically require a person to share their health history and may include a telehealth session with a licensed medical professional.
In conclusion, COCs are a well-established and FDA-approved hormonal treatment for acne in women, particularly useful for moderate acne linked to hormonal factors. Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and Yaz are the main approved options for acne management.
- Depression, a health condition that affects many individuals, may occur as a side effect of certain COCs, alongside weight gain, nausea, mood swings, and an increased risk of blood clots.
- Science has identified obesity as a medical condition linked to hormonal imbalances, making hormonal treatments like COCs potentially effective in management.
- Women's health goes beyond just acne treatment; it encompasses various medical conditions, including diabetes, and the importance of skin care in maintaining health and wellness.
- CBD, a popular compound in skin care products, has shown potential benefits in treating acne by reducing inflammation and regulating sebum production.
- Predictive studies on different COCs have not conclusively found one to be superior in acne treatment, but those with specific progestins like chlormadinone acetate or drospirenone have demonstrated significant acne symptom reduction.
- Women's health resources like Nurx, Hers, Wisp, and Pill Club offer COCs online, requiring a person to disclose their health history and potentially engage in a telehealth session with a licensed medical professional.
- Acne treatment should take social, emotional, or psychological impacts into account, as recurring acne breakouts can cause discomfort and require evaluation by a doctor.
- Health and wellness are interconnected: Managing medical conditions like acne may involve lifestyle changes such as lowering stress, following a healthy diet, minimizing intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, and getting enough sleep, in addition to medical treatments like COCs.
