TLDR Birth control pills with low-dose estrogen and antiandrogenic progestins can effectively treat acne.
The document from 2011 discusses the use of oral contraceptives in managing acne, which is primarily caused by increased sebum production stimulated by androgens. Estrogens, on the other hand, reduce sebum production by increasing the production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds androgens. Oral contraceptives, particularly those containing ethinyl estradiol, can reduce androgen production by inhibiting the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and increasing SHBG levels. The antiandrogenic effect of oral contraceptives is also influenced by the type of progestin they contain. Progestins derived from 19-nortestosterone have androgenic properties, while others have antiandrogenic properties, which can help in the management of acne. The paper suggests that for treating acne, oral contraceptives with low doses of ethinyl estradiol (20 or 30 µg) combined with antiandrogenic progestins like cyproterone acetate, drospirenone, or chlormadinone acetate are effective, as supported by studies in animals and humans.
42 citations,
May 2009 in “Contraception” The oral contraceptive with ethinyl estradiol and chlormadinone acetate is effective in treating moderate acne.
118 citations,
February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility” Most women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones, and free testosterone is the best marker for this.
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33 citations,
January 2009 in “Contraception” Chlormadinone acetate is a strong, well-tolerated hormone used in birth control and hormone therapy with benefits for menstrual pain and skin conditions.
658 citations,
June 2003 in “Endocrine reviews” Male hormones may play a role in the development of heart disease, and more research is needed to understand their effects.
233 citations,
November 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Creating stronger blockers for skin enzymes might lead to better treatment for conditions like acne and excessive hair growth.
74 citations,
April 2002 in “PubMed” Both oral contraceptives reduced acne effectively and had similar positive effects on skin oiliness and hair growth.
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196 citations,
May 2001 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Sebocytes play a key role in controlling androgen levels in human skin.
76 citations,
December 2009 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Hormonal treatments can help with acne but are not the first choice due to side effects and the need for careful patient selection.
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January 2018 in “Springer eBooks” The document says that early treatment of Acne Vulgaris is important to prevent scarring and that adult onset acne is common in women, often due to hormonal imbalances.
96 citations,
September 2008 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Hormonal treatments, including birth control and antiandrogens, can effectively treat acne in women.
5 citations,
December 2014 in “Medicine and Pharmacy Reports” Ciproterone acetate improves hair regrowth and acne in most female patients.
24 citations,
January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Hormonal treatment is effective for women with acne not helped by usual treatments, especially if they have hormonal imbalances.
