74 citations,
April 2002 in “PubMed” Both oral contraceptives reduced acne effectively and had similar positive effects on skin oiliness and hair growth.
16 citations,
August 2014 in “International Journal of Women's Health” The estradiol valerate/dienogest oral contraceptive helps with heavy periods, may improve acne and symptoms in PCOS, and doesn't affect sexual function.
6 citations,
March 2012 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The oral contraceptive improved hair and skin quality in women.
3 citations,
January 2018 in “Reproduction, Fertility and Development” Birth control pills increase certain receptor activities in female gerbil prostate glands and can lead to prostate changes.
3 citations,
July 2022 in “BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology” Some birth control pills increase young women's risk of blood clots more than others.
January 2022 in “Clinical Cases in Dermatology” Some hair loss from medication may reverse after stopping the drug, but treatment options are limited and ongoing research is needed.
78 citations,
January 2000 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Norgestimate is the most effective birth control progestin for reducing an enzyme linked to acne and excessive hair growth in women.
36 citations,
July 1980 in “Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health” High doses of ethynylestradiol in rats caused growth issues, organ changes, and some tumors, but didn't increase overall tumor rates.
24 citations,
July 1980 in “Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health” High doses of norethindrone acetate in rats caused various organ changes but didn't significantly increase tumor rates.
68 citations,
May 1991 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Both cyproterone acetate and spironolactone effectively reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.
61 citations,
January 1970 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” 1 citations,
March 2011 in “Hospital Pharmacy” Various medications and vaccines can cause serious side effects.
May 2024 in “JAMA Dermatology” Oral contraceptive use may increase the risk of frontal fibrosing alopecia in women with a specific CYP1B1 gene variant.
Oral contraceptives are generally recommended for healthy young girls, but specific types may vary based on individual health conditions and barrier methods are less popular among adolescents.
108 citations,
March 2006 in “Archives of Dermatology” Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.
67 citations,
March 2018 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Oral contraceptives and antiandrogens are effective for treating hirsutism, with antiandrogens being the most effective.
66 citations,
September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy” The conclusion is that the best initial treatment for hirsutism is usually oral contraceptives, with the addition of antiandrogens or insulin sensitizers if needed, and topical eflornithine or laser treatments as supplementary options.
53 citations,
January 1985 in “Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica” Low-dose oral contraceptives reduced hair growth and testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
52 citations,
June 1999 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America” Antiandrogen treatments combined with oral contraceptives can help manage hair growth and hair loss in women with PCOS.
52 citations,
September 1996 in “Obstetrics & Gynecology” People often struggle to consistently use contraceptives and other medications, and long-acting options might be better for those who want to avoid daily doses.
50 citations,
January 2007 in “PubMed” Minoxidil 2% and 5% are common treatments for female pattern hair loss, with other options including anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and hair transplantation.
42 citations,
July 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The conclusion is that oral contraceptives and antiandrogens can treat hirsutism and acne in women with cutaneous hyperandrogenism, but more research is needed for effective treatments, especially for hair loss.
33 citations,
November 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” FPHL common in Taiwanese women; risk factors include BMI, high glucose, early puberty, fewer childbirths, oral contraceptives, and UV exposure.
23 citations,
March 1994 in “Fertility and sterility” Most patients improved with oral contraceptives, but some needed additional treatment.
19 citations,
March 2018 in “JAMA” Treat hirsutism in premenopausal women with oral contraceptives and consider additional treatments if needed.
14 citations,
September 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets” The conclusion is that while oral contraceptive pills are effective for PCOS-related high androgen levels, new treatments with fewer side effects are needed.
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.
13 citations,
June 2018 in “Journal of Womens Health” Combination therapy with oral contraceptives and spironolactone improves hair growth, menstrual issues, and acne in women with PCOS.
12 citations,
May 2017 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Adult acne severity is influenced by stress, skin sensitivity, makeup, stopping oral contraceptives, and requires female-specific treatment guidelines.
10 citations,
April 2018 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” In 2017, Spanish dermatologists most often prescribed minoxidil and finasteride for male hair loss, and minoxidil and oral contraceptives for premenopausal female hair loss.