How do oral contraceptives work?
Acne is common in women and men and most of the time the cause is a set of hormones known as androgens. When the amount of androgens increases in your body, acne increases because of these oil-producing glands. Excessive androgen production is a root cause of acne and only a good doctor can help you find out the real reason behind it and treat it. There are some clues that can help a doctor identify if the acne is hormone related or not. For example, if your acne develops for the first time and you also have irregular menstrual cycles and elevated levels of androgens in your blood, you likely have hormone-related acne.
In case any of the above applies, it means that you need hormonal therapy, which includes use of medications or specific treatment regimens. You could use a combination of both as well. Ensure that you consult your doctor before making any contraceptive decisions. At times, use of some contraceptives without the knowledge of the doctor can complicate things and make things worse in many ways. For example, the foetus might be affected. This is why it is best to take expert medical advice before taking anything.
Contraceptive pills contain a combination of oestrogen and progestogen. These pills need to be taken orally and apart from being used as contraceptives, these pills are also used for treatment of acne. Small doses of the hormone oestrogen help you suppress the androgens that are produced by the ovaries. Older formulations had some androgenic substances which are not present in new pills. Newer agents such as desogestrel and norgestimate, are less androgenic. You can ask your doctor more about these newer formulations and how they are going to be helpful to you in the long run.
There are some side effects such as blotches, melisma, breast tenderness, fatigue and headaches when you use contraceptive pills but these side effects can be controlled.
Dianette
This contraceptive pill contains two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate. Dianette pill is a typical combination of these medications and it is known as co-cyprindiol. This medication is a type of anti-androgen and it is responsible for the stimulation and production of the skin and this includes sebaceous glands that are known to produce sebum or oil. This medication treats acne and prevents unwanted pregnancies. Dianette pill works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and stops them from getting fertilised. It also increases the thickness of cervical mucus and hence makes is harder for sperm to reach the uterus and attach there.
Microgynon
This hormonal contraception is commonly known as the pill or a combined oral contraceptive pill. Microgynon pills contain ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, which are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Microgynon pills work by over-riding the menstrual cycle and preventing ovulation. The lining of the womb is thickened and this is how pregnancy is prevented.
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