Acne Birth Control Pills

and your Long Term Health

The main acne birth control pills are ortho tri-cyclen (the only birth control pill fda approved in acne use so far) containing the synthetic hormones norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (it is a combination pill), yasmin (containing the synthetic progesterone drospirenone), and Diane-35.

It takes 6 to 8 weeks to see any effect as the pill works to prevent new outbreaks of acne rather than healing existing inflammation and lesions.

Acne birth control pills work by lowering the level of androgen hormones that stimulate oil production.

Clinical studies with the acne birth control pills ortho tri-cyclen showed results on par with benzoyl peroxide and topical or systemic antibiotics. Other acne birth control pills may be similarly effective but they have not been used in studies yet.

This alternative to acne birth control pills for those who want a permanent and simple solution to their acne is simple and very effective. Whilst many treatments claim to cure acne, this one has a 3 year proven track record of satisfied customers.

That's real customers with all types of acne who have managed to clear up their current outbreaks as well as prevent future outbreaks by following the simple 3 step system. What else will you be doing with the time and money you'll save?

And to cover yourself in the contraceptive area, there's a handheld biocomputer called the 'Persona' that gets to know your cycles over a period of a couple of months. It tells you when you are ovulating, and when you are likely to get pregnant. So you then have a choice of using barrier or other contraceptive devices on those days. Once it gets to know your cycle, it is very accurate (94%). For more information, on Persona, click here.

Advertising now touts that women with acne problems can have a dual advantage - birth control and acne control. But is it that simple?

Side effects of birth control pills

These are many and of significant concern. The introduction of low dose pills may have mitigated some of the negative effects of the high dosages of estrogen given to women when the pills first came out (like fluid retention, heart attacks and strokes). But there are still significant links with inceased blood pressure, and increased chances of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Sherril Sellman states in her book, "Hormone Heresy: What Women Must Know About Their Hormones":

"However, the entire basis for the FDA's consent was the result of clinical studies conducted on 132 Peurto Rican women who had taken the Pill for one year or longer. (However, there were five women who died during the study without any investigation into the cause of their deaths)."

The combined pills, including acne birth control pills like ortho tri-cyclen, are associated with increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, cervical cancer, infertility, strokes, nutritional deficiencies and high blood pressure.

Major side effects of the pill, including acne birth control pills, are: disturbances to blood sugar metabolism, possibly leading to diabetes or hypoglecemia; increased risk of blood clots, and gall bladder disease/gall stones; liver tumours (greater risk with longer use of the pill); increased risk of a stroke; increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy; greater risk of more rapid development of pre-existing cancers; and osteoperosis. (Source: Sellman)

Minor side effects of the pill, including acne birth control pills, are: allergic reactions; lowered immune functioning; liver functon problems; facial and body hair growth; hair loss; fungal infections and tinea; lumpy or tender breasts; migraines; nausea; venereal warts; varicose veins; urinary tract infections; systemic candida infections; emotional problems/depression/mood changes; skin discolouration; fluid retention; vitamin concentrations are affected, and fatty acids and zinc are depleted. (Source: Sellman)

There are alternatives to acne birth control pills that still work on the same princple of reducing the androgen hormones that have been linked with acne. Natural progesterone cream is one example worth seriously considering. The premise behind its use is that in conditions of estrogen dominance (and associated low progesterone levels) there is a greater increase in the production of an androgen hormone, androstenedione, by the adrenal glands. In testing for the actual levels of active hormones, the popularly used blood test is not effective. The saliva test is more accurate. By using a natural progesterone cream at the appropriate times in your cycle, the effects of too much estrogen on the adrenal glands is reduced.

Natural progesterone creams should only be used when menstruation is finished, usually day 8 of the cycle. Apply small amounts twice daily for the next two weeks, and increase the amount on the last week of the menstrual cycle - day 21 to 28. Do not take it whilst you menstruate. Topical applications are considered better than tablets.

This natural acne treatment comes highly recommended for those women concerned with the side effects of the pill, or who are just uncomfortable with keeping the body on artifical hormones. The good news is that it helps your overall health too - as well as being simple and easy to use. So you'll feel great as well as look great. - It won't take time out of your already busy life. Without the added worry of acne, you might even get more time to relax! Or catch up with friends.

Acne Birth Control Pills

and your Long Term Health

Side effects of birth control pills

Other Acne Treatment Articles

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