Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, are used to protect against unwanted pregnancy, as well as treat hormonal disorders in a woman’s body. Hormonal imbalance not only negatively affects the health of the reproductive system, but also affects the condition of a woman’s skin, hair and nails. When diagnosing a hormonal imbalance that leads to skin rashes, a specialist prescribes hormonal medications as a medical treatment.
How does taking synthetic hormones affect a woman’s body and is it worth taking them? One of the most difficult questions to study. Before you start taking the pills, you must evaluate all the risks of side effects. Only a specialist can do this.
Different drugs act on the body in their own way. If no improvement in skin condition is observed within 2-3 months, then the tablets are replaced with others or discontinued. Often, skin problems can only be solved with the help of complex therapy.
About hormonal acne
In the body of the weaker sex, not only female sex hormones are actively produced, but also male ones. It is the male hormone testosterone that actively affects the condition of the skin. This hormone regulates the processes occurring in the layers of the skin (division, keratinization, sebum production).
If a woman’s body produces a lot of male hormone, this will provoke increased work of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Sebum will mix with dead skin flakes. This will lead to disturbances in the water-lipid balance and clogging of pores.
Similar processes of formation of foci of inflammation occur in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. During this period, the level of steroid hormones in the body increases, which activate processes leading to acne.
Why doesn't everyone get acne?
Despite the fact that all people have sebaceous follicles, and everyone produces androgens, not every person develops acne. This is explained by the structural features of the sebaceous glands and the immune response, which are determined by hereditary mechanisms.
The sebaceous glands of people suffering from seborrhea and acne consist of a larger number of lobules and are much more sensitive to androgens than the sebaceous glands of people who are not prone to acne. It should be noted that the difference lies in the response of the hair follicles to androgens, and not in the amount of these hormones. In most patients, androgen levels do not exceed the norm for gender and age.
As a result, overactive glands produce more sebum than necessary. In addition, the composition of sebum changes not for the better. Horny epithelial cells exfoliate poorly and clog the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands. As a result, the initial element of acne is formed - a comedon.
Next, in the anaerobic environment of the comedones, propionic bacteria, which are representatives of the normal flora that live on human skin, begin to multiply. Due to the hereditary characteristics of the immune system, in response to the proliferation of propionic bacteria, some people develop inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicles. In an inflamed follicle, the processes of exfoliation of the epithelium become even worse and the situation worsens.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
You can calculate hormonal imbalance using the following signs:
- frequent weakness
- causeless lethargy
- migraine
- sleep disturbance
- decreased libido
- active growth of body hair or hair loss
- sudden weight fluctuations
- dryness of the vaginal mucosa
- acne outbreaks
- excessive sweating
- disorders in the digestive system.
Action OK on acne
In addition to sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, the female body produces the male hormone testosterone. This substance has an effect on the formation of subcutaneous fat. As a result, pimples and blackheads form.
The hormone estrogen, on the contrary, suppresses sebum production. If a woman uses birth control for acne, she will be able to normalize hormonal levels in the body and suppress inflammation.
These medications provoke the active production of female sex hormones, having the following effect on the body:
- tighten pores
- reduce the functioning of the sebaceous glands
- dry out the skin
- increase the outflow of sebaceous gland secretions
- reduce inflammatory processes in the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue
- reduce the number of hormonal breakouts
- reduce facial swelling, improve color.
Pros and cons of hormonal contraceptive drugs
A convenient form of use, protection from unplanned pregnancy, the ability to relax and have fun are some of the few advantages of hormonal drugs. Meanwhile, a number of advantages of oral contraceptives are accompanied by an impressive number of side effects, which often do not allow a woman to lead a full sexual life. For example, acne popping up from birth control pills is a common occurrence. What to do in case of such a reaction of the body, how to deal with rashes?
Protecting your body from the consequences of taking hormonal drugs is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Before using oral contraception, it is important to carefully read the instructions for the drug you are using. But even if the list of side effects contains a manufacturer’s mention of the possibility of acne, you should not immediately refuse birth control pills.
Contraindications and side effects
Treatment of rashes with hormonal drugs is prohibited for men. The use of any medications will provoke serious hormonal imbalances and lead to severe side effects.
Contraindications for taking oral contraceptives:
- pregnancy period
- breastfeeding time (6 months)
- malignant neoplasms
- diabetes
- puberty (up to 18 years of age)
- cardiac ischemia
- serious liver pathologies
- allergy to individual components of the drug.
It is forbidden to use oral contraceptives for smoking women over 35 years of age and women with high blood pressure. Persons during the lactation period are prohibited from using combination drugs.
The use of drugs has a list of side effects:
- nausea and vomiting
- severe pain in the lower abdomen, heaviness and a feeling of “tightening”
- diarrhea, flatulence
- spotting between periods
- enlarged breast areas, sore nipples
- quick change of mood
- decreased libido.
All of the listed adverse reactions caused by taking hormonal contraceptives disappear after a month. If symptoms persist, the woman is advised to immediately consult a gynecologist. Then get tested, and then either change medications or stop taking them.
Recommendations for taking medications
Despite the fact that contraceptives are quite effective in fighting acne, they cannot be taken constantly. Many women note that throughout the entire period of taking medication, the skin is really good and clear, but as soon as they have to take a break, the skin again becomes covered with hated pimples.
For this reason, many women refuse the recommended break and continue to take pills because they value their beauty. This phenomenon can lead to serious problems such as:
- disruption of your own hormonal balance;
- overweight;
- disruption of the heart and blood vessels;
- decreased sexual desire.
The longer oral contraceptives are taken, the more likely it is that the skin will break out in rashes again after stopping the drug. You should also stop taking synthetic hormones if the desired result has not occurred after 6 months.
Types OK
There are two types of oral contraceptives:
- Combined. They differ in that they contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. They can be single-phase (the dosage and ratio of hormones does not change during therapy), biphasic and triphasic (imitate the level of hormones during the cycle).
- Progestogen (“mini-pill”). Such drugs contain only a synthetic analogue of the hormone progestin.
Combined
Combination drugs have many positive and negative aspects.
Taking contraceptives of this kind has the following advantages:
- reducing the number of comedones on the skin
- prevention of relapses of inflammatory processes in the epidermis
- 99% effective in preventing unwanted fertilization
- prevention of oncological processes and cystic formations in the ovaries
- normalization of the menstrual cycle
- reduction of pain during menstruation.
Combination drugs also have some disadvantages:
- cephalalgia
- migraine
- gagging
- increased sensitivity of the mammary glands
- risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mini-pill
Minipills (minimal pills) are medications that help prevent unwanted fertilization. They contain a low amount of progesterone. There are also no estrogens, which reduces the possibility of side effects.
In addition, the drug contains a progestin, which increases the viscosity of cervical mucus. Mini-pills slow down the movement of the egg, reducing the risk of fertilization. Drugs of this kind are prescribed to women who, for one reason or another, cannot take classical hormonal contraceptives.
Taking pills has several important advantages:
- Possibility of use during the lactation period
- treatment for hypertension
- taking while smoking
- reducing the risk of inflammatory processes and neoplasms in the genital organs.
Disadvantages of hormonal contraceptives:
- weak effect compared to combined agents
- high probability of developing an ectopic pregnancy.
The drug has many side effects that must be taken into account when taking the drug:
- severe pain in the abdominal area
- migraine
- increased amount of discharge during the menstrual cycle
- sleep disorders
- swelling of the face
- thrombosis formation
- nausea, vomiting
- decreased visual acuity.
Rating of the best birth control pills
Yarina
Low-dose OK-and with antiandrogenic effect. The tablets must be taken for 3 weeks in a row, there are 21 of them in the package, the tablets must be used in a timely manner. The main components of the drug that suppress ovulation are ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. Women who use oral combined contraceptives experience a number of positive changes in the body: the menstrual cycle is normalized, the intensity of bleeding during menstruation decreases.
- Improving the condition of the skin of the face and head;
- Regular menstrual cycle;
- Significantly reduces menstrual pain;
- Affordable price;
- Does not increase body weight.
Silest
A combined oral contraceptive containing a high level of hormones, therefore Silest is contraindicated for use in adolescence. The drug is well tolerated. There are 21 tablets in the package, and they need to be taken for 3 weeks. The drug normalizes hormonal levels and ensures a painless menstrual cycle.
- Affordable price;
- Good tolerance;
- Convenient instructions for use;
- Eliminates acne;
- Has a beneficial effect on facial skin;
- Treatment of mild acne.
- Can't be found everywhere;
- Possible bleeding;
- Reduces libido.
Marvelon
A combined contraceptive has a reduced amount of active ingredients and is therefore an excellent option for women over 35. It mainly contains estrogen and progestogen. Marvelon also balances the volume of discharge and eliminates pain during menstruation. The effectiveness of this drug varies around 80%. When using the medicine, you should be examined not only by a gynecologist, but also by a hematologist and a vascular surgeon, since there is a risk of thrombosis.
- Affordable price;
- Increases libido;
- Detailed instructions for use;
- Normalizes the menstrual cycle;
- Does not affect weight gain;
- Effectively normalizes hormonal levels.
- Thickens the blood;
- The breasts become hypersensitive;
- Diarrhea;
- Has many contraindications;
- Nausea;
- Partially causes pimples.
Should teenagers take OK for acne?
During puberty, adolescents experience severe hormonal disruptions as the body begins to undergo restructuring. This is a temporary phenomenon that does not require hormonal therapy.
If you start taking oral contraceptives during adolescence, this will only worsen the deplorable condition of the skin, and one acne or pimple will turn into a source of inflammation.
To reduce the risk of new pimples and acne, it is strictly forbidden to use oral contraceptives at this time.
Should I visit a doctor or can I start taking contraceptives on my own?
Complex oral contraceptives are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, so any woman can start treatment with these drugs after carefully reading the instructions and not finding any contraindications. However, only a gynecologist can more accurately select an effective drug, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. In addition, during treatment, the doctor will be able to adequately assess the effectiveness of the drug, the likelihood of side effects, and give recommendations if unusual situations arise.
The condition of the skin largely depends on the hormonal activity of the body. Some diseases of the female genital organs can lead to increased androgen levels and the appearance of acne. In this case, to cure the signs of acne, it may be enough to eliminate the problems “through the female line.”
A woman taking hormonal contraceptives for more than a year is recommended to be examined annually by a gynecologist, take flora tests, scrapings for oncocytology, and monitor indicators of liver function and blood clotting.
OK for acne
Hormonal contraceptives are used in the treatment of acne due to their antiandrogenic effect on the body.
Hormonal imbalances change the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Increased production of sebum inhibits its release to the surface of the epidermis, which leads to impaired outflow. An optimal environment for bacteria to multiply appears.
Contraceptive therapy normalizes the hormonal environment, balances androgens and estrogens. The course of treatment for acne OK lasts no more than three months. This time will be enough for a woman to get rid of rashes and prevent relapses.
-Yarina
"Yarina" is one of the most expensive drugs that prevent fertilization. He has many rave reviews from women who have treated acne and other skin problems.
However, this contraceptive has a large number of contraindications:
- thrombosis and thromboembolism
- migraine accompanied by neurological symptoms
- diabetes
- pancreatitis
- liver failure
- liver tumors
- tumors of the genital organs and mammary glands
- causeless bleeding from the vagina
- pregnancy
- lactation period
- individual intolerance to components.
Jess
This hormonal drug has poor effectiveness compared to other contraceptives. Due to this, it contains a small list of contraindications and side effects:
- thrombosis and thromboembolism
- pancreatitis
- diabetes
- liver pathology
- hormone-dependent malignant neoplasms
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding period
- individual intolerance to individual components.
Diana-35
The oral contraceptive "Diane-35" is in the middle price category. The effectiveness of using this hormonal drug has a less pronounced reaction compared to “Yarina” and “Jess”.
Contraindications:
- thrombosis, thromboembolism
- conditions preceding thrombosis
- regular headaches
- diabetes
- cardiac pathologies
- liver diseases
- bloody vaginal discharge (not cyclical)
- pregnancy
- lactation period
- hormone-dependent malignant diseases
- high sensitivity to the components of the drug.
Review of popular contraceptives for acne treatment
There are two types of hormonal pills that protect against pregnancy:
- combined; include the hormones estrogen and gestagen, have a stronger effect;
- mini-pill; contain only gestagen, give less effect, but they are prescribed if the patient cannot tolerate estrogen; mini-pills can be used while breastfeeding.
There is no information in the instructions for the mini-pill that the pills reduce testosterone levels and are suitable for the treatment of acne. The package inserts for combined oral contraceptives contain such information.
How to take the tablets is indicated on the packaging of each drug.
Jess and Dimia
The big plus of the combination drug Jess is the reduced content of hormones compared to other hormonal contraceptives; Therefore, the drug is less likely to cause adverse reactions. Frequent negative effects noted in the instructions are:
- nausea;
- headache;
- pain in the mammary glands;
- irregular uterine bleeding;
- depression;
- decreased libido.
The substance drospirenone in Jess tablets prevents weight gain. The drug is indicated for contraception and for the treatment of moderate acne.
Well suited for young patients with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and acne.
Since drospirenone, which is part of the drug, has an antiandrogenic effect and, therefore, reduces the secretion of the sebaceous glands. S. Ulanova, gynecologist
https://protabletky.ru/yaz/
There is a variety of Jess Plus - with calcium levomefolate; it is indicated for those who are prone to edema and who lack folic acid.
It’s a pity that Jess, which on some sites is positioned as “the best contraceptive in pills,” is sold at a high price - from 1,100 rubles.
German birth control pills Jess compare favorably with other hormonal contraceptives because they have fewer side effects
But Jess’s analogue, Dimia, is much cheaper: the packaging will cost about 600 rubles. True, the product looks unattractive on the display window. The drugs differ in the composition of the excipients; If you decide to replace expensive Jess with a budget analogue, first consult your doctor.
The Hungarian drug Dimia contains the same components as Jess, but the former is much cheaper than the latter
Yarina
These tablets are popular in the CIS countries; the product has pronounced antiandrogenic properties (suppresses male hormones) and has a reputation as one of the highest quality combined contraceptives. Contains drospirenone. The Yarina Plus variety also includes calcium levomefolate.
Yarina is a stronger hormonal drug compared to Jess, so negative reactions of the body when taking it occur more often. Among the most common:
- mood swings, depression;
- decreased or loss of libido;
- nausea;
- migraine;
- pain in the mammary glands;
- bleeding from the genital tract.
The price of Yarin tablets starts from 700 rubles.
I have been using this contraceptive in practice for quite a long time, and I am pleased with the result!
However, a common complaint from patients is lack of libido. D. Beilin, gynecologist
https://protabletky.ru/yarina/
The German hormonal contraceptive Yarina effectively fights excess testosterone in the female body and improves skin condition
Janine
This combination preparation contains dienogest, a progestin component; it, as confirmed by clinical studies, reduces the level of male hormones. Thanks to dienogest, the skin is gradually freed from acne.
Dienogest, which is part of Zhanina, has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, reducing the production of sebum, which gives the drug an aesthetic effect.
An excellent drug, well tolerated by patients, and has a high safety profile. E. Itskova, gynecologist
https://protabletky.ru/jeanine/
Headache and pain in the mammary glands, as well as their engorgement - these temporary side effects from taking Janine are indicated in the instructions as occurring frequently.
Among the infrequent negative reactions of the body to the drug:
- vaginitis;
- thrush and other genital infections;
- decreased mood;
- increase in appetite;
- migraine;
- fatigue, weakness;
- increase or decrease in blood pressure;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- hair loss;
- bloody discharge from the vagina.
A package of Janine dragees costs from 926 rubles and above.
The German contraceptive Janine can promote weight gain, but such a reaction of the body is rare
Diana-35
Doctors characterize this German remedy with cyproterone as a contraceptive that has a pronounced antiandrogenic effect. Over the years of practice, the drug has proven to be a persistent “fighter” against acne. To get rid of acne with the help of Diana, it takes from 4 months to six months. The instructions say that after cleansing the skin, you should continue taking the drug (another 3-4 courses).
This is a contraceptive with the most powerful antiandrogenic effect, which gives an excellent cosmetic effect after 6 months of use.
Effectively fights acne, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism. O. Saraeva, gynecologist-endocrinologist, candidate of sciences
https://protabletky.ru/diane-35/
Frequent individual reactions to the drug include:
- nausea;
- stomach ache;
- weight gain;
- headache;
- mood swings;
- pain in the mammary glands.
In the first months of use, bleeding from the genital tract sometimes occurs. Some time after starting to take the pills, health problems, as a rule, disappear.
Prices for a package of Diane-35 dragees start from 935 rubles.
Chloe
These tablets contain the same main components that are present in Diana-35. And the same common negative reactions from using the drug are indicated in the instructions by the Czech manufacturer Chloe.
The difference between the two products is in the set of excipients; Since individual intolerance to certain components is possible, consult your doctor before purchasing the drug.
If the doctor doesn’t mind, you can choose Chloe: these tablets are much cheaper than Diana-35, their cost starts from 670 rubles.
Video: doctors talk about how to treat acne
Acne after stopping birth control
Using hormonal medications against rashes may have the opposite effect. Acne may reappear in larger numbers after stopping the contraceptive medication. The reason for this is hormonal fluctuations.
An increase in the number of rashes may be dictated by a sharp decrease in the level of estrogen in a woman’s body. In this case, the acne problem will be temporary. After 2-3 months, hormonal levels return to normal.
You should choose birth control pills for facial acne after talking with your doctor. Only a competent approach to the situation will help eliminate inflammation on the face and body and prevent relapses.
Doctors' opinions and reviews
Doctors recommend hormonal acne medications for women if the rash is associated with increased skin greasiness and hyperandrogenism. But at the same time, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary, which helps to increase the concentration of androgens. Sometimes, to improve the condition of the skin, the course can be supplemented with special ointments or acne cream, which fights infection in the pores of the skin.
I've had acne since I was a teenager, and I couldn't get rid of it for a long time. But the gynecologist said it was hormonal. She prescribed pills for subcutaneous acne, which I took for six months. The effect is noticeable, I hope that the skin will remain clean.
Acne appeared after taking the pills. It turned out that I prescribed them to myself incorrectly. I went to the gynecologist, she selected more suitable ones that erase all the rashes from the skin. Everything is fine now.
source
