HC9 0 Posted December 30, 2004 Hello everyone. Irecently just had my birth control switched to a pill that contains more estrogen. Is a higher dose of estrogen supposed to be more effective in fighting acne? (Because I asked for something that would help with my acne. I was on ortho-tricyclen Lo and got switched to ortho-novum) Also does anyone know the side effects, if any, of having a higher dose of estrogen. Thanks for your help!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acnehater 0 Posted December 30, 2004 It all depends on the pill. Generally, a higher dosage of Estrogen is good but if the progesterone is one that aggravates acne, it can make it worse. The progesterone used in Ortho Novum (norethindrone) tends to be on the bad end of the spectrum in being considered "acne causing". So, there is a good chance it will make your acne worse. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I highly suggest the following article - it helped me in my decision of what pill to take and thoroughly explains the whole acne/hormone/pill connection. Acne and Hormones Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GuardedlyOptimistic 1 Posted December 30, 2004 Actually, I think it's the opposite. If you have too much estrogen and not enough Progesterone you get monthly hormonal breakouts. At least, this is how I understood it. But, I may be wrong. Are you taking hormones just to clear your skin? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HC9 0 Posted December 31, 2004 I am taking it both as a contraceptive and to help clear my skin. I told my doctor that I needed something to help my acne and the ortho-lo wasn;t helping so shje said ortho-novum might be better, it has more estrogen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
