Can Birth Control Pills Cause Acne?

Birth control pills are commonly prescribed to women who suffer from acne. Doctors will generally recommend their patients try using oral contraception if other treatments have failed. Some women who use the pill report that their acne worsens, however. Do certain birth control pills actually cause acne as a side effect? Here's what all women should know about how the pill may affect their skin.

Do All Birth Control Pills Treat Acne?

Some birth control pills have been proven to treat acne. They work by reducing androgen (male hormones), which slow down overactive oil glands, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Overactive oil glands are not the only possible cause of acne. If another factor is responsible for pimples, some women may not see any improvement in their skin.

However, it is important to keep in mind that not all oral contraceptives have been approved to treat acne. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have only approved three birth control pills for acne treatment. These pills include Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Estrostep, according to the Mayo Clinic. Birth control pills that are not approved may either improve or worsen acne problems. Acne is a known side effect of extended-cycle birth control pills, such as Seasonique or Seasonale.

When Is Acne Related to the Pill Most Common?

Some women may experience acne the whole entire time they are using certain birth control pills. That said, acne may occur any time a woman experiences hormonal changes. Many women will experience an increase in pimples when they first start oral contraceptives or stop this method of birth control, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). If starting or stopping birth control pills has triggered acne, the problem may lessen once your body has adjusted to the changes in hormone levels.

If you are interested in a birth control pill that will reduce your acne problem, the best thing that you can do is talk to your gynecologist. He or she may prescribe you with one of the pills that is FDA-approved for acne treatment or a pill that they suspect will work effectively. Women who have questions about the side effects that are caused by the oral contraceptive that they are using should be sure to ask their doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about their health should speak to a licensed health care professional.

Sources:
Colombia University's Health Q&A Internet Service
Drugs.com
MayoClinic
NIAMS
National Women's Health Information Center