Oral contraceptives in the treatment of acne.
Oral contraceptives (OCs) can reduce acne by lowering the production of adrenal and ovarian androgens, by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, which in turn, reduces the levels of dihydrotestosterone, and by stimulating sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thus reducing the levels of free testosterone. In newer OCs, such as Tricyclen and Diane-35, the progestin component is minimally androgenic and anti-androgenic respectively, thereby enhancing the favorable profile of these products in the treatment of hyperandrogenic disorders, including acne. The efficacy of these agents and their long-term safety profile supports their use in various grades of acne in females: * As adjunctive therapy to topical agents for women with mild non-scarring acne desiring oral contraception * As primary therapy for patients with moderate non-scarring acne in combination with topical therapy and systemic antibiotics * As one of two preferred methods of contraception in patients with scarring and severe inflammatory acne being treated with systemic isotretinoin.
Acne Research and Treatment Centre, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
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D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000728:Androgens / Q000502:physiology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017373:Cyproterone Acetate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019304:Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000728:Androgens; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D017373:Cyproterone Acetate; C032640:Cyproterone acetate, ethinyl estradiol drug combination; D019304:Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination