WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 1997: Re: Acne/Hormones/Birth Control...

Re: Acne/Hormones/Birth Control...

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 4 Nov 1997 23:28:01 -0600 (CST)

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At Tue, 4 Nov 1997, M.A.M. wrote: >
>Hi. This is my first exposure to this forum, and I'd like to throw some
>questions out... if anyone can help, all opinions will be greatly
>appreciated!
>
>(I'm sorry if this post will end up being too long!)
>
>Some background info:
>
>I'm a 21-year-old female who has had acne problems since around the age
>of 11 years. The acne became more cystic with age. (Skin very
>oily/pores clogged) Also, I have never had regular menstruation - with
>my periods being *at least* 2 months apart - usually more.
>
>My acne would usually flare up before my period, (and it would flare up
>certain times each month even if I didn't menstruate), but there was
>still a constant amount of it anyway, no matter how small (or big).
>
>Also, for what it's worth, from Nov. '96 to March '97 (5 months) I was
>on my first course of Accutane (worked my way from 10mg/day to start, to
>60mg/day to the end). A couple months after treatment, the oil came
>back full-force and I slowly began breaking out again - although to a
>lesser extent. Also, I noticed my facial hair seemed more noticeable
>than before (enough to definitly want to remove it - although it's at
>least blonde!).
>
>I have started a second course of Accutane from the beginning of
>October, which will go to the end of January (so 4 months this time),
>and I'm on 60mg the whole way through.
>
>Also, in mid-September, I began taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, because I
>thought this might help my acne. I figured my irregular periods were a
>sign of hormonal imbalance, which was probably contributing to the acne.
>(I am aware of the importance in not getting pregnant while on Accutane
>too, in case anyone should wonder.) Since I started Accutane soon after
>the birth control, I can't say for certain whether or not the BC pills
>are having any effect on my skin, but I think I am noticing that I break
>out now once I start BACK on the first/second week of the new pill pack,
>rather than before my period, as I did before BC. (Not really much
>improvement! Just breaking out at a different time...)
>
>A woman has recently told me that she thinks her acne might be related
>to too much progesterone, and she said the tri-cyclen only made her acne
>worse. So she's looking for a different pill to help her
>progesterone-sensitivity, as she called it.
>
>Could this be the same problem for me?
>
>Should I be on a different BC pill - one that has lower amounts of
>progestin, and higher amounts of estrogen?
>Or something else.... I'm not sure.
>
>If anyone has any opinions re: my situation, please let me know!! I am
>TRULY sick and tired of having this skin condition, and REALLY would
>like to continue to do what I can to fight it after I go off of the
>Accutane. I want to find the BC pill that can help me the most.
>
>If possible, respond via email, but I'll try to check back in too.
>
>Thanks a lot!

I believe your doctor is on the right track with the birth control pills and just needing a change should do it. Which one is right is very individual and your doctor and you may have to try a couple until you get the one that fits your needs and hormonal status.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
Great Neck, New York
http://www.obgyn.net/states/bios/marchbein.htm
http://www.obgyn.net/women/advisors/harveym.htm

*Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.
**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Good News at Last"
Previous message: Jennifer: "Re: Cervical Stenosis"
In reply to: M.A.M.: "Acne/Hormones/Birth Control..."
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