Use of Oral Contraceptives in the Management of Acne

November 2011 in “ DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) ”

Gb Melis, M Orr amp ugrave, Marotto MF, Monica Pilloni, M Perseu, Stefano Lello, Paoletti Am

oral contraceptives acne sebum production androgens ethinyl estradiol sex hormone-binding globulin SHBG progestin androgenic receptors antiandrogenic effects cyproterone acetate drospirenone chlormadinone acetate birth control pills hormonal acne antiandrogens

TLDR Oral contraceptives can help manage acne by reducing androgen levels.

The document discussed the use of oral contraceptives in managing acne, highlighting that acne pathogenesis is linked to increased sebum production stimulated by androgens. Oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol reduce androgen levels by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) production, thus decreasing sebum production. The progestin component in these contraceptives can either bind to androgenic receptors or exert antiandrogenic effects, enhancing the hypoandrogenic effect. The study suggested that oral contraceptives with low doses of ethinyl estradiol and progestins like cyproterone acetate, drospirenone, or chlormadinone acetate could effectively manage acne due to their antiandrogenic properties.

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