Oral Contraceptives in Dermatology

What are oral contraceptives?

Oral contraceptives, commonly referred to as birth control pills, serve dual purposes in dermatology. While their primary function is to prevent unintended pregnancies, certain brands like Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Estrostep are FDA-approved for treating acne. These medications regulate hormones that can otherwise lead to sebum production and acne formation.

What are possible side effects of oral contraceptives?

Low-dose estrogen contraceptives are generally favored in dermatology for their reduced side effect profile, including mitigating water retention and bloating. However, even low-dose options carry a risk of thromboembolic events, such as blood clots in the legs or lungs. Therefore, a comprehensive medical history is often collected to assess risk factors like smoking, family history of clotting disorders, and previous thrombotic events before initiating therapy.

How are oral contraceptives used?

Consistency is key when taking oral contraceptives. They should be ingested at the same time every day to maximize their efficacy and minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations that could affect skin conditions. The typical regimen consists of a cycle of active hormone pills followed by a short period of placebo (or sugar) pills, designed to mimic the natural menstrual cycle and trigger a withdrawal bleed, commonly referred to as a period, every 28 days.