To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu

Title: Ultra-Low Dose Oral Contraceptive Effective Against Acne

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=R
Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12658330&dopt=Abstract

Skin Therapy Letter 2003;7:10:1-5. "The use of low dose oral contraceptives for the management of acne"
04/08/2003 01:40:27 PM
By David Loshak

An ultra-low dose oral contraceptive offers an attractive alternative single or associated medication in the management of acne in women and girls. The 20 microgram levonorgestrel/estradiol combination oral contraceptive (Alesse, Wyeth) effectively reduces non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions in mild-to-moderate acne, with a side-effects profile similar to placebo, say endocrinological specialists at the Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. They described the evidence that oral contraceptives are effective in the management of mild-moderate acne vulgaris as ''compelling.'' There was also cumulative evidence that elevated levels of androgens in acne patients, relative to appropriate controls, were an underlying pathophysiological factor in acne. An important factor in the development of acne is increased production of sebum, which is regulated by androgens. The oral contraceptive pill's oestrogen component suppresses sebaceous gland activity. Combination oral contraceptives are anti-androgenic, reducing the amount of free testosterone and increasing sex hormone-binding globulin. Pointing out that all low dose oral contraceptives reduced serum-free testosterone to a similar extent, the specialists said that was contrary to the traditional concept that a patient with acne should not use an oral contraceptive containing a progestin with androgenic properties. The efficacy of various oral contraceptives to improve acne had been reported, the specialists added, in transverse, cohort and comparative studies, and more recently in multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled trials.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=R
Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12658330&dopt=Abstract

Copyright © 2009 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content.