A quantitative biometrological assessment of acne and hormonal evaluation in young women using a triphasic low-dose oral contraceptive containing gestodene.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of a triphasic low-dose oral contraceptive pill containing gestodene on acne severity and hormone levels in young women over 13 menstrual cycles.


METHODS
A total of 33 subjects aged 16-25 years with moderate facial acne were enrolled in the study. The primary efficacy end-points used in the clinical assessment of acne were the overall severity and number of lesions, sebum secretion and superficial follicular biopsy. Both physicians and patients evaluated acne status. Blood levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, progesterone and androgens were monitored.


RESULTS
By cycle 13, the total lesion count had been reduced by 80%. Physicians and patients assessed acne status in 90% and 95% of cases, respectively, as better or much better (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, SHBG levels had increased by 229% and total and free testosterone levels had decreased by 41% and 70%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
An oral contraceptive containing triphasic gestodene has a beneficial effect on the severity ofacne, decreases major circulating androgen levels and is well tolerated.
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
C
C
Piérard-Franchimont
U
U
Gaspard
P
P
Lacante
M
M
Rhoa
P
P
Slachmuylders
G E
GE
Piérard
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000728:Androgens; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D006728:Hormones; D009652:Norpregnenes; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; C033273:Gestodene; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol