Androgenic Effects of Oral Contraceptives: Implications for Patient Compliance

January 1995 in “ The American Journal of Medicine ”

Ervin E. Jones

oral contraceptives androgenic side effects oily skin acne hirsutism obesity alopecia unfavorable lipid profiles diabetes hypertension norgestimate desogestrel gestodene low-dose OCs new generation progestins OCs birth control pills newer birth control formulations

TLDR Newer low-dose oral contraceptives with less androgenic effects improve patient compliance.

The document from 1995 discussed the androgenic side effects of oral contraceptives (OCs), such as oily skin, acne, hirsutism, obesity, and alopecia, as well as metabolic issues like unfavorable lipid profiles and increased risk of diabetes and hypertension. These side effects were causing poor compliance and discontinuation of OC use, particularly among younger patients. Newer OC formulations with less androgenic progestins like norgestimate, desogestrel, and gestodene were introduced, leading to fewer androgen-related effects and potentially better compliance. The document highlighted the role of healthcare providers in educating patients about the benefits of OCs and addressing fears to improve continued use. It concluded that low-dose OCs with new generation progestins have significantly less androgenic effects and provide additional health benefits, which should be communicated to patients to enhance compliance.

View this study on amjmed.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Started Finasteride almost three months ago and I'm upset

in Update 153 upvotes 8 months ago

A user started taking finasteride three months ago to treat hair loss and unexpectedly cleared their acne, which they had been struggling with since age 12. The conversation includes others sharing their experiences with finasteride, its effects on acne and hair loss, and mentions a related treatment, clascoterone, for acne and hair loss.

community An argument for why we should take topical Dutasteride seriously

in Research/Science 85 upvotes 3 years ago

Topical Dutasteride may halt hair loss and effectively treat androgenic alopecia. Combining low-dose oral Dutasteride with topical application could maximize regrowth and minimize side effects.

community PSA: Most men who stay on Fin will see the sexual side effects go away. Stop the fear mongering

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 191 upvotes 2 years ago

Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in less than 2% of men, but these often disappear over time, even if the treatment continues. Some users report persistent side effects, while others experience no issues or only temporary ones.

community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

in Progress Pictures 224 upvotes 7 months ago

A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

community Physio-metabolic method (antiandrogen, minoxidil, leg training and cold)

in Treatments 309 upvotes 5 months ago

The method combines finasteride, minoxidil, intense leg exercises, and cold exposure to treat androgenetic alopecia. It aims to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, enhancing hair growth.

community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

in Research/Science 111 upvotes 8 months ago

The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations, August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations, November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter”

Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.

research Androgenic Effects of Oral Contraceptives: Implications for Patient Compliance

22 citations, January 1995 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

Newer low-dose oral contraceptives with less androgenic effects improve patient compliance.