Oral Contraceptives - Ortho Tri-Cyclen

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What it is: Birth control pills, notably Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which contains progesterone and estrogen.

What it does: Ortho Tri-Cyclen decreases testosterone levels, which in turn decreases the severity of acne in women. Studies show about a 50% decrease in total "lesions".

Things to be aware of while taking it:
(see full story for details)		 Cigarette smoking with oral contraceptive use increases the risk of serious heart disease.

There are many negative side effects and poistive side effects to taking birth control pills for acne. Talk to your doctor to decide if it is right for you.

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References

Berger, Timothy G., William D. James, and Richard B. Odom. Andrew's Diseases of the Skin. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 2000.

Bettoli, Vincenzo, Alison M. Layton, and Diane Thiboutot. Fast Facts-Acne. Oxford, UK: HealthPress Limited, 2004.

"Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives)." MedlinePlus. 2004. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2000 link.

Fulton, James E. Acne Rx. James E. Fulton Jr., M.D., PhD: 2001.