Hormonal Contraceptives and Dermatology
- PDF / 772,281 Bytes
- 12 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 101 Downloads / 229 Views
REVIEW ARTICLE
Hormonal Contraceptives and Dermatology Natalie M. Williams1 · Michael Randolph1 · Ali Rajabi‑Estarabadi1 · Jonette Keri1 · Antonella Tosti1
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Hormones play a significant role in normal skin physiology and many dermatologic conditions. As contraceptives and hormonal therapies continue to advance and increase in popularity, it is important for dermatologists to understand their mechanisms and dermatologic effects given the intricate interplay between hormones and the skin. This article reviews the dermatologic effects, both adverse and beneficial, of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, injections, and vaginal rings. Overall, the literature suggests that progesterone-only methods, such as implants and hormonal IUDs, tend to trigger or worsen many conditions, including acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and even rosacea. Therefore, it is worthwhile to obtain detailed medication and contraceptive histories on patients with these conditions. There is sufficient evidence that hormonal contraceptives, particularly COCs and vaginal rings, may effectively treat acne and hirsutism. While there are less data to support the role of hormonal contraceptives in other dermatologic disorders, they demonstrate potential in improving androgenetic alopecia and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Key Points Hormonal contraceptives, particularly combined oral contraceptives and vaginal rings, may effectively treat acne and hirsutism and demonstrate potential in improving other dermatologic conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia and hidradenitis suppurativa. Progesterone-only methods, such as implants and hormonal intrauterine devices, tend to trigger or worsen many conditions, including acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and even rosacea.
1 Introduction Hormonal contraception is the most common form of female birth control. It acts through the manipulation of hormone levels, largely progesterone and estrogen. When used as prescribed, hormonal contraceptives may act by halting * Natalie M. Williams [email protected] 1
Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1150 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, USA
ovulation, blocking the implantation of fertilized eggs, and/ or increasing cervical mucus secretion. Numerous types of hormonal contraceptives exist, including combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, skin patches, injections, and vaginal rings. The dermatologic effects of hormonal contraceptives are due to their capacity to affect androgen receptors through progestins, as well as estrogen receptors through mestranol or ethinylestradiol (EE) [1]. COC pills are divided into four generations, each with varying androgenic potencies. Firstgeneration pills contain progestins derived from norethindrone and have relatively high androgenic activities. The estrogen component of first-generation pills is mestranol, or ethinylestradiol 3-methy
Data Loading...
