Recent studies on adult acne point to using a combined oral contraceptive pill with drosperinone, norgestimate and desogestrel, as being most effective for conquering adult acne. However, the pill doesn’t work straight away, and you must be persistent and wait a few months,” Dr. Anjali Mahto at Cadogan Clinic tells Cosmopolitan
Contraceptive pills with its hormone balancing properties – is also frequently used to sort out issues with regulating periods and dealing with acne. Some birth control pills for acne works better than others, and some don’t work at all.
The reason is each pill is made up of varying hormones, and not all of them are efficient in tackling your hormone imbalances which result in acne. In general, the birth control pills for acne is often advised for healthy women who also need contraception.
However, FDA has approved only some of the birth control pills for acne. In this article, we’ll deal with the benefits, the risks, and the precautions to take the birth control pills. It will enable you to make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
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Who Needs Birth Control Pills?
People who want to prevent pregnancy and those suffering from acne need birth control pills. Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that results in whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules. It commonly occurs during puberty but can happen at any age.
Your skin has pores that connect to the oil glands, present under your skin. Follicles are small sacs, and they join the pores to the oil glands. The oil glands produce sebum which carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin through the follicles.
Small hairs grow through the follicle out of the skin. When the follicles get blocked, the oil gets trapped under your skin which leads to pimples. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) lives on your skin and infects your pimples. The pimples can appear on your face, chest, back, shoulders and neck.
What is a Birth Control Pill?
Birth control pills are hormones that you take every day to prevent pregnancy. The pill is safe, effective and affordable. It produces best results up to 99.9 percent when you take it on time. However, it does not give protection from AIDS.
Your body secretes hormones that control the release of the egg from the ovary. The process called as ovulation prepares your body to accept the fertilized egg. The birth control pills for acne contain a small amount of human-made estrogen and progestin hormones. If you take birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone, it tends to lower the androgens present in your body. This action results in less sebum and less severe acne.
Since the last decade, there has been an explosion in the new methods of birth control. The truth is that FDA has approved only three kinds of birth control pills for treating acne.
These birth control pills for acne are “combination” oral contraceptives. They contain both estrogen and progesterone. These combination oral contraceptives contain a low dose of the same form of estrogen but possess different kinds of progesterone. The birth control pills for acne that contain only progesterone can make acne worse
Pills to help acne fade away that are approved by FDA include Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and YAZ. Ortho Tri-Cyclen uses estrogen in combination with a progestin called norgestimate. Progestins are synthetic progestogens. These medications are human-made and have similar effects to those of progesterone. Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains different doses of progestin.
Estrostep contains estrogen in combination with a progestin called norethindrone. It includes varying doses of estrogen.
YAZ contains estrogen in combination with drospirenone, a human-made form of progestin. According to FDA, birth control pills containing drospirenone may increase your risk of blood clots when compared to pills containing other progestins. Other brands containing drospirenone include Yasmin, Loryna, Beyaz, Gianvi, Ocella, Safyral, Syeda, and Zarah.
You can take these pills if you are at least the age group of 14 or 15, have already started menstruating and need contraception. Doctors usually prescribe the best birth control pills that fight acne for the full spectrum of acne, from mild to severe.
If you feel comfortable with your present birth control pills for acne, then you don’t need to switch brands. But if it’s your first time, then it’s wise to use one of the three types now approved for acne treatment. To see the best results you may need to take these oral contraceptives, for a few months before your skin starts to clear.
You might have an initial flare-up of acne that is more common when you first start taking birth control pills. Be known that the birth control pills work on only one acne-related factor — excess sebum. Doctors give you other forms of acne treatment such as antibiotics or topical medications, to use along with these birth control pills that fight acne.
If you have irregular periods along with severe acne, obesity, and excess facial hair, your doctor may further test you for a polycystic syndrome or other hormonal problems. Research studies have shown that taking birth control pills results in decreased acne flare-ups, fewer pimples, less inflammation and less severe acne.
Nowadays the birth control pills for acne contain lower doses of estrogen and progesterone. This action has dramatically lowered their medical risks. But be warned that women taking oral contraceptives do have a higher chance of side effects, such as stroke, dangerous blood clots in the legs or lungs and heart attack.
The oral contraceptive targets only part of the acne problem. So be sure to take other acne treatment prescribed by your doctor. Consult your physician about possible side effects of the birth control pills that you’re planning to take.
The birth control pills for acne can cause breakthrough-bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, or an initial, temporary flare-up. It’s important to know what to expect. Be careful to follow the schedule for taking birth control pills religiously. It will give you the maximum benefit and safety.
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking. Some medicines will reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and will lower its efficiency which may lead to an unwanted pregnancy. If you take some types of birth control pill together with the oral antibiotic tetracycline, it may be become necessary to use a backup form of contraception.
What are the benefits of birth control pills?
Gynecologists recommend 50 percent of the Pill prescriptions for birth control and others for non-contraceptive benefits. A lot of non-pregnancy related benefits of the birth control pills are coming up from a waterfall effect.
Birth control pills prevent mensuration by stopping your ovaries from ovulating each month. Some best birth control pills to fight acne contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, but some pills contain only progestin. These hormones not only prevent pregnancy but helps your body in other ways, too.
Prevents acne. The hormones present in birth control pills for acne decreases circulating androgens, which in turn reduce the production of sebum. The tablets must contain both estrogen and progestin to be effective against acne. Mini pill doesn’t help because it only contains progestin.
Pills to help acne symptoms fade away must contain progestin with low doses of androgenic hormones. Researchers from the Cochrane Group looked at 31 trials involving the use of birth control as an acne treatment. After looking at six new tests, the authors concluded that all combination birth control pills treated both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne.
Furthur, the researchers, found that there was slight evidence that combination birth control pills containing drospirenone were more effective than those that included norgestimate or nomegestrol acetate plus 17 beta-estradiol. Combination pills containing drospirenone were then found to be less efficient than those containing cyproterone acetate.
These best birth control pills to fight acne may take weeks or months before you notice a visible improvement. The reason is your hormones need time to get into your system and recalibrate your levels.
Regularizes periods. The birth control pills help you know when you’ll have your periods. In case of traditional birth control pills, you’ll take three weeks of hormone-containing active pills. You must follow it up with one week of inactive pills. You’ll get your period the week you take the inactive pills.
In the case of extended cycle pills, you take active pills for a more extended amount of time, probably three months of active pills before taking a break. That means you have your period only three or four times a year.
Get lighter periods. About 10% of women suffer from menorrhagia: heavy, prolonged menstrual periods, which disrupt a woman’s activities. A healthy person has an average blood loss of 30 to 40 milliliters, or 2 to 3 tablespoons during menstruation that lasts for 4 to 5 days. Officially, menorrhagia is a loss of over 80 milliliters of blood in one cycle or twice the average amount. If you don’t treat the blood loss it may cause anemia; the pill thins the lining of the uterus and reduces blood loss.
Lowers endometrial cancer risk. Endometrial cancer begins in the uterus. It is otherwise called as uterine cancer. The symptoms include bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, an abnormal, watery or blood-tinged discharge and Pelvic pain.
If you use oral contraceptives for at least one year, it dramatically reduces endometrial cancer risk because they keep the lining of the uterus flat. The American Cancer Society, says that you’ll have a lower risk of endometrial cancer if you take the birth control pills for a long time.
The benefit seems to last for at least a decade after you stop, the organization says. The medicine also lowers your risk of colon and ovarian cancers. If you are in the high-risk group, your doctor may prescribe these medications for you.
Eases endometriosis. When the uterine lining tissue develops outside the uterus, the condition is called endometriosis. It causes abdominal pain, heavy periods, and infertility. The birth control pills help ease the symptoms of endometriosis by thinning out the uterine lining. The extended-cycle pills block your period from happening each month.
Suppresses ovarian cysts. The ovarian cysts develop as a result of your menstrual cycle (functional cysts). Each month your ovaries usually grow cyst-like structures called follicles. These follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The follicles also release an egg when you ovulate. If a normal monthly follicle keeps growing, it’s known as a functional cyst. The oral contraceptives suppress ovulation that can lead to ovarian cysts.
Helps deal with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Women who suffer from PCOS have higher than average amounts of male hormones. It causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant. It causes hair growth on the face and body and baldness. And it can contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease. The birth control pills help to regulate periods and lower the testosterone levels.
Eases crippling menstrual cramps. During your Aunt Flo, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. The prostaglandins- hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins link up with more severe menstrual cramps. Consequently, some doctors will prescribe birth control pills to help ease crippling menstrual cramps.
The blood vessels feeding the uterus may constrict due to severe contractions. You can compare the resulting pain to the chest pain that occurs when your blocked blood vessels deprive portions of the heart of food and oxygen.
“Because the ovaries aren’t releasing eggs, the cascade of events that occur afterward are curtailed,” “For example, the uterus doesn’t get the signal to release chemicals that cause period cramps, so some women on the Pill will experience less painful periods,” Women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D., tells SELF.
Eliminates menstrual migraines. A menstrual migraine affects over 50% of women. Most of them will experience a headache during menses. They may even suffer from migraines at other times of the month. Head pain during menses tends to be more severe, harder to treat and often reoccur even despite medications.
A migraine occurs due to a drop in estrogen which happens during mensuration. If you take extended-cycle birth control pills, it prevents hormonal ups and downs.
Prevents unwanted pregnancy. You may want to plan for a baby when the timing is right. You can get pregnant right after you stop taking the birth control pills. After you stop taking this medicine, it can take a few months for your periods to get back to normal.
What are the precautions to in taking birth control pills?
It’s in your best interests to consult your doctor before taking birth control pills for acne if you have a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder, history of heart attack or stroke, and high blood pressure. Chest pain, liver diseases, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver tumors, high cholesterol, heart valve problems, Gallbladder disease, and depression are other conditions to watch out before taking oral contraceptives.
Inform your doctor if you suffer from allergies to dyes, foods or preservatives and unexplained vaginal bleeding. Let your doctor know if you’re going to undergo surgery, smoke cigarettes, are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and are breastfeeding. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are taking prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the best birth control pills for acne?
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Estroblock
Overview:
This best birth control pills for acne is an estrogen blocker, testosterone blocker, and anti-aromatase inhibitor. It helps in hormonal balance and weight management. Estroblock contains Diindolylmethane (DIM) a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables.
It promotes healthier estrogen metabolism. Most female hormonal acne is the result of estrogen dominance. If you’re an adult woman suffering from classic hormonal acne, then this best birth control pills to fight acne can be a magic bullet for you.
“Thank God for the people who made this product. I have suffered from severe adult hormonal acne since I was 22 and I am now 30. I was already taking the DHT Blocker, eating a healthy diet and using a natural skincare routine and I saw slight improvements. Then I added in this product, and my face cleared up! My friends even say that they’ve never seen my face clearer. I have never seen my face this clear! I didn’t even break out during or before my cycle,” writes Carissa Reyna a satisfied Amazon user of this product.
Pros
- Clears severe hormonal acne
- Helps in weight management
Cons
- May cause mood swings
- May cause headaches
Nature’s Way DIM-plus – Estrogen Metabolism Formula
Overview:
This best birth control pill for acne is a vegetarian product. It contains diindolylmethane, which supports the activity of enzymes that improve estrogen metabolism. This best birth control pills for acne is suggested as a dietary supplement; you should take it twice daily along with your food. This product does not contain artificial colorings or flavors. It is free of preservatives, gluten, salt, sugar, wheat, and yeast.
“This worked within weeks for crazy cystic acne associated with pre-menopause. Never had that kind of acne before in my life and I’m 44. Also is helping with mood!! Give it some time… my stomach did not agree at all the first few days when I took two a day. I reduced to one a day and now feel great with no acne at all after about a month,” writes Parker a verified purchase Amazon customer.
Pros
- Vegan Approved
- Significantly reduces acne
- Natural Ingredients
Cons
- Some users complain swelling of feet
AfterPill Emergency Contraceptive Pill
Overview:
This best birth control pill for acne is the bestselling emergency contraception. It is manufactured and distributed with FDA approval. The AfterPill is personal and private. It is only available for purchase online.
These birth control pills contain 1.5mg of levonorgestrel; the best No 1 doctor recommended medicine for emergency contraception. It is the same medicine that has been safely and efficiently used in regular birth control pills for over 30 years. This product is featured on Amazon’s choice.
Pros
- Bestselling emergency contraception
- Amazon’s top choice
- FDA authorization
Cons
- Users complain of nausea, fatigue and mood swings
Levonorgestrel Tablet, 1.5 mg Plan B
Overview:
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic form of the female progesterone hormone. It can be used as an emergency contraceptive. For acne treatment, it is best if you take birth control pills containing the ingredients Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. This ingredient combination helps to curb acne by reducing monthly hormonal mood swings which slow down oil production in your skin.
Pros
- Emergency Contraceptive
- Convenient
Cons
- Can cause acne outbreaks
- Works well with ethinyl estradiol to combat acne
My Way Emergency Contraceptive
Overview:
It is the first contraceptive pill approved by FDA. This contraceptive pill is a backup plan to prevent pregnancy and not for routine use. “Levonorgestrel is a synthetic form of progestin. It works to thicken cervical mucus, which prevents pregnancy. “Ideally, the levonorgestrel is supposed to stay in your uterus and have a localized effect, but there is some absorption into our main circulation that can affect your body,” says Dr. Debra Wickman MD to refinery29.com.
Pros
- Emergency contraceptive
- Great results
Cons
- Can cause acne outbreaks
- Works well with ethinyl estradiol to combat acne
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Our choice for the best birth control pills for acne
We found that Estroblock is the best birth control pill for acne. This product has a potent balancing blend of DIM with 13C. This superior combination reduces the fat building estrogens and enhances the good estrogens.
This best birth control pills for acne contains a unique carrier molecule to allow the DIM to become highly efficient and five times more effective than crystalline DIM that is used by most of estrogen blockers. This best birth control pills for acne fights elevated forms of estrogen which causes breast pain, moodiness, and fatty tissue growths.
“I ‘m hooked on this product! It truly is a superior blend to the over-the-counter DIM-Plus I have taken in the past. It has greatly helped me to balance my mood, cystic acne, cortisol levels, and stress levels. Like all items in the Delgado Protocol, it is overpriced, but it does not disappoint. The other great thing is that it is safe for men and women to take, given that many of us are all suffering the side effects of an over-estrogenized culture. Try it; you won’t be sorry!” Writes Mrs. Stepford a verified product purchase reviewer on Amazon.
We conclude by saying that Estroblock is the best birth control pill for acne among all the other birth control pills sold on Amazon.
