According to dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., birth control may be considered as an acne treatment for women when topical prescription treatments have not responded to her skin. The Food and Drug Administration has recognized a few contraceptives approved for treatment of acne in women. A woman should consult with her physician to choose the correct method for her.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Women as young as 15 can safely start taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for both pregnancy prevention and to treat acne if they have begun menstruating. Ortho Tri-Cyclen consists of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. Women take one pill by mouth per day. The pill packs contain 28 pills. The first 21 pills, or three weeks, are active pills while the remaining seven pills are inactive–meaning they have no hormones in them. Women taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen may experience spotting, nausea, headaches, vomiting, depression, changes in breasts and temporary infertility after discontinuing the pill. Benefits of Ortho Tri-Cyclen include decreased risk in pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Ortho Tri-Cyclen can also help regulating menstrual cycles and decrease iron deficiency anemia.
Estrostep 21
Estrostep 21 can be safely taken by females as young as 15 who have began menstruating for both protection against pregnancy and acne treatment. Ingredients of Estrostep 21 consist of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. Pill packs consist of 21 pills, the three weeks of pills are active pills that contain the necessary hormones to prevent pregnancy and treat acne. During the fourth week, no pills are taken to allow her period. However, women should start the new pack at the end of the seven days for continuous pregnancy protection and acne treatment. Estrostep 21 should only be taken by females as an acne medication if they plan on continuing the pill for a minimum of six months. Side effects that accompany Estrostep 21 include yeast infections, vomiting, nausea, spotting, problems with contact lenses and temporary infertility once the pill has been discontinued. Benefits consist of fewer cancers of the uterine lining and ovaries as well as less painful menstruation.
Yasmin
Yasmin, or Yaz, contains a combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol to treat acne and PMDD–premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as prevent pregnancy. Yaz has been approved for females who are at least 14 years old and who have achieved menarche. There are many drug interactions that could occur while taking Yasmin–prescription and nonprescription. A doctor may need to change the dosage to accommodate specific medications for safe continuance of Yaz. Yasmin side effects can include anxiety, chills, stomach pain, fevers, numbness of fingertips, shortness of breath, nervousness, coughing up blood and pain in the leg, groin or chest.
