TLDR The oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol/chlormadinone acetate is effective in reducing acne and improving other skin conditions related to high androgen levels.
The 2011 review article evaluated the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol/chlormadinone acetate (EE/CMA) in treating dermatological conditions related to high androgen levels, such as acne vulgaris, hirsutism, seborrhea, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL). In a study of 199 women with mild-to-moderate papulopustular acne, EE/CMA led to a significant reduction in acne after 12 treatment cycles compared to another oral contraceptive, with 59.4% of women experiencing at least a 50% reduction in acne lesions. EE/CMA also showed improvements in facial skin condition, acne lesions, pore size, seborrhea, and hirsutism in smaller subgroups of women. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with breast pain and headache/migraine being the most common adverse events. While the review suggests potential benefits of EE/CMA for conditions associated with hyperandrogenemia, it calls for further research to confirm its efficacy. The review was supported by Faes Farma, with no conflicts of interest reported by the authors.
Cited in this study
8 / 8 results
42 citations
,
July 2009 in “Contraception” The oral contraceptive with ethinyl estradiol and chlormadinone acetate is effective in treating moderate acne.
31 citations
,
January 2008 in “Gynecological endocrinology” Both birth control pills improved hormone levels and skin conditions in women with hyperandrogenism, but the one with drospirenone was more effective.
22 citations
,
January 2002 in “Treatments in endocrinology” Birth control pills help treat skin and hair growth problems linked to high male hormone levels.
research Acne
81 citations
,
January 2002 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Hormonal treatments can help with acne, especially in women, by lowering androgen levels or blocking their effects.
89 citations
,
January 2001 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Hair loss in women is common, starts in late 20s, and affects 30% of women over 50.
180 citations
,
September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.
198 citations
,
January 1998 in “Dermatology” The human sebocyte culture model has improved understanding of oily skin and acne, and how they can be treated.
75 citations
,
November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.
13 citations
,
September 2011 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” The oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol/chlormadinone acetate is effective in reducing acne and improving other skin conditions related to high androgen levels.
17 citations
,
February 2004 in “European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology/European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology” Certain hormone medications can treat symptoms like acne and unwanted hair, regulate periods, and prevent pregnancy in women and teenage girls.
