Birth Control for Acne

Birth Control for Acne Simplified

Birth control pills, IUDs, implants, and shots are widely used today and prescribed often as a means to control acne. Most forms of birth control can have the potential to cause acne and weight gain in those susceptible. Typically birth control is divided up as estrogen or progestin dominant and has varying degrees of androgenic (testosterone-like) effects. As a general rule of thumb, those with the potential for higher androgenic symptoms should be avoided for people prone to acne because they promote breakouts. As an acne sufferer, it is important to speak with your doctor about selecting a form of birth control that is higher in estrogen and lower in androgen potency.

 

The most commonly prescribed in this category are:

Brevicon Necon Tri-Nessa
Demulan Ortho Tricyclen Tri-Previferm
Femcon Ortho-Novum Tri-Sprintec
Kelnor Ovcon Zovia
Modicon Previferm
MonoNessa Sprintec

 

It is best to avoid the following that is high in androgen activity and low in estrogen:

Alesse Kariva Nexplanon
Amethyst Lessina Nordette
Apri Levora/Levonest Norplant
Azurette Linessa NuvaRing
Caziant Loestrin Ogestrel
Cryselle Lo-Feminol Ortho Tricyclen Lo
Cyclessa Lo-Ogestrel Ovral
Depo-Provera Lo-Ovral Paragard/Copper IUD*
Desogen Lutera Portia
Emoquette Marvelon Reclipsen
Estrostep Fe Microgestin Seasonale/Seasonique
Implanon Mircette Sronyx
Jolessa Mirena or Skylar IUD Triphasil/Trivora

 

Only you and your doctor can determine what form of birth control is right for you. The above is just a basic guideline that should be used to initiate a conversation between you and your physician. If you are considering using birth control, it is important to know that it can be associated with a high risk of blood clots, weight gain, nausea, mood changes, depression and breast tenderness. Serious side effects include strokes, digestive issues and embolism.

Finally, it is entirely possible to treat acne without using birth control. If you have no underlying health issues that require you to be on birth control and are considering using birth control only to control your acne, please feel free to talk with one of the estheticians to get some additional perspective on how we can help you with the use of topical products and treatments.

*Although the Paragard/Copper IUD does not contain any hormones, we have observed that it has aggravated acne with our clients.

 

© 2012 Face Reality Acne Clinic

Pin It on Pinterest