Effect of Contraceptives on the Skin
October 1988
in “
PubMed
”
combined oral contraceptives COCs androgenic hormones testosterone sebaceous oil production progestogen estrogen cholasma malignant melanoma erythema nodosum lupus dermatitis copper IUDs birth control pills skin oil birth control skin discoloration skin cancer skin inflammation autoimmune disease skin rash copper intrauterine devices
TLDR COCs can improve acne but may cause skin issues like cholasma; high estrogen is advised for hair loss concerns.
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) affected the skin by reducing androgenic hormones, limiting circulating testosterone, and decreasing sebaceous gland oil production. For women with acne, a COC low in progestogen and high in estrogen was recommended. Despite concerns, there was little evidence linking COCs to hair loss, but if hair loss occurred, a high estrogen to progestogen ratio was advised. COCs could cause cholasma, especially without sun protection, and were not recommended for women with a history of malignant melanoma or frequent skin candidiasis. Other skin disorders associated with COCs included erythema nodosum, lupus, porphyria, herpes gestationis, spider naevus, and telangiectasia. Additionally, dermatitis was linked to barrier methods and spermicides, and copper IUDs were suggested to cause various skin disorders.
