Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel

What does the research say?

Research has shown that ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel are effective in treating acne. Studies have demonstrated significant improvements in acne severity, with many patients experiencing a reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. In some cases, acne was almost completely resolved after several months of treatment. The combination has also been shown to improve hormonal markers associated with acne, such as increased SHBG levels and reduced free testosterone [3] [7] [10] [14] .

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect, especially when starting the medication, but it often subsides after a few weeks [4] [12] .

Headaches

Headaches may occur due to hormonal changes, but they are usually mild and temporary [4] [12] .

Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness can happen as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels, but it typically resolves over time [4] [12] .

Mood changes

Mood changes, including irritability or mild depression, have been reported, though they are generally not severe [4] [12] .

Weight changes

Weight changes are minimal for most users, with some experiencing slight weight gain or loss [3] [12] .

Breakthrough bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods is common in the first few months of use but usually decreases with continued use [4] [12] .

[1] The effects of hormonal contraceptives on female sexuality: a review

Hormonal contraceptives can influence female sexual function.

[2] Desogestrel+ethinylestradiol versus levonorgestrel+ethinylestradiol. Which one has better affect on acne, hirsutism, and weight change

To compare complications of third and second generation oral contraceptive pills (OCPs).

[3] Clinical and metabolic features of desogestrel: a new oral contraceptive preparation

Desogestrel is a highly selective gonane progestin. A monophasic formulation containing 150 micrograms of desogestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol has recently been approved as an oral contraceptive (OC) in the United States.

[4] Combined oral contraception with desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol: tolerability profile

Since their introduction nearly 30 years ago, oral contraceptives have been widely researched regarding their contraceptive and noncontraceptive effects.

[5] Effects of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel on clinical and metabolic parameters in Indian patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of an ethinyl estradiol (EE) and desogestrel (DSG) combination pill in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

[6] Ethinylestradiol/drospirenone: a review of its use as an oral contraceptive

Ethinylestradiol 30microg/drospirenone 3mg (Yasmin, petibelle) [EE/DRSP] is a combined contraceptive pill (CC) for the prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

[7] Clinical and hormonal effects of ethinylestradiol combined with gestodene and desogestrel in young women with acne vulgaris

The effect of gestodene 75 micrograms (GTD) versus desogestrel 150 micrograms (DSG) combined with 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol (EE) on acne lesions and plasma androstenedione (A), total testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and 'free androgen index' (FAI) was evaluated in an open study on 19 patients aged 18-35 years affected with postpubertal or persistent non-severe acne vulgaris.

[8] Treating acne with oral contraceptives: use of lower doses

Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to effectively treat acne. Clinical trials of various doses of ethinyl estradiol (EE) combined with progestins such as levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norgestimate, gestodene, cyproterone acetate and drospirenone in monophasic, triphasic and combiphasic formulations used to treat acne in women are reviewed here.

[9] Comparison of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol plus spironolactone versus cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) 30 mcg/desogestrel 150 mcg plus spironolactone 25 mg/day (group A) versus EE 35 mcg/cyproterone acetate 2 mg (group B) on hyperandrogenism and metabolism in PCOS.

[10] Pharmacodynamic studies on desogestrel administered alone and in combination with ethinylestradiol

Most progestogens in oral contraceptives are testosterone derivatives and have androgenic side effects such as weight increase, acne and hirsutism.

[11] Update and future of systemic acne treatment

Systemic treatment is required in patients with moderate-to-severe acne, especially when acne scars start to occur.

[12] Efficacy and tolerability of a monophasic oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and drospirenone

To assess the contraceptive reliability, cycle control and tolerability of a new monophasic oral contraceptive containing 30 g ethinylestradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone (Yasmin, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany), it was compared with an established oral contraceptive containing 30 g ethinylestradiol plus 150 g desogestrel (Marvelon, NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands).

[13] The role of combined oral contraceptives in the management of acne and seborrhea

Acne and seborrhea (or facial oiliness) are related androgenic skin disorders which affect a high proportion of women after menarche.

[14] Selecting an oral contraceptive agent for the treatment of acne in women

In women, acne can be successfully treated with oral contraceptives. This article focuses on the results of clinical studies on the treatment of acne with oral contraceptives.