Overview
What is it?
Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone are synthetic hormones used in combination as an oral contraceptive. Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen, while drospirenone is a synthetic progestin with antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid properties. This combination is not naturally occurring but is designed to mimic the effects of natural hormones in the body.
How does it work?
Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone work together to regulate hormonal levels, particularly by reducing the activity of androgens (male hormones) in the body. Androgens can contribute to acne by increasing oil production in the skin. By lowering androgen levels, this combination helps reduce oil production, leading to fewer acne breakouts.
What are the benefits?
The combination of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone is effective in treating moderate acne in women who also desire contraception. It helps reduce the severity of acne lesions, improves skin clarity, and can also provide additional benefits such as regulating menstrual cycles and reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research shows that ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone are effective in reducing acne severity. In one study, the median acne severity score on the Leeds scale decreased from 3.00 before treatment to 1.00 after six months of treatment (p < 0.001) . Another study found that the median acne lesion count decreased by 62.5% after nine cycles of treatment . These results highlight the effectiveness of this combination in managing acne.
Side Effects
Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect, especially when starting the medication, but it often subsides over time .
Headache
Headaches may occur, though they are usually mild and temporary .
Breast tenderness
Breast tenderness can happen due to hormonal changes but typically improves after a few cycles .
Mood changes
Mood changes, such as irritability or mild depression, have been reported in some users .
Weight gain
Weight gain is a possible side effect, though studies suggest that drospirenone may have a lower risk of causing weight gain compared to other progestins .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment Study
This study evaluates the methodological quality and variations in clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which often includes acne as a symptom.
View study[2] Treatment of lean PCOS teenagers: a follow-up comparison between Myo-Inositol and oral contraceptives
This study compares different treatments for PCOS in adolescents, including oral contraceptives, and their effects on symptoms like acne.
View study[3] Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol
This paper discusses the unique properties of drospirenone combined with ethinyl estradiol, including its efficacy in treating acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
View study[4] Drospirenone: a novel progestin
This review highlights the antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid properties of drospirenone and its benefits in treating acne and other conditions.
View study[5] Safety and Efficacy of Combined Oral Contraceptive Ethinyl Estradiol/Drospirenone (YAZ) in Chinese Women: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Multicenter, Post-Authorization Study
This study assesses the safety and efficacy of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone in Chinese women, including its effects on acne.
View study[6] Experiences with Yasmin: the acceptability of a novel oral contraceptive and its effect on well-being
This study evaluates the effects of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol on acne, seborrhea, and overall well-being.
View study[7] Metabolic and Dietary Factors in Acne Vulgaris and Evaluation of the Acne Vulgaris Treatment with Oral Contraceptive-Based Therapies in Young Adult Women
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone in reducing acne severity, with significant improvements observed over six months.
View study[8] The combined oral contraceptive pill containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol plus levomefolate calcium
This paper discusses a new oral contraceptive formulation that includes drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate calcium, with potential benefits for acne treatment.
View study[9] Beyaz®: an oral contraceptive fortified with folate
This review discusses the benefits of a folate-fortified oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, including its effects on acne.
View study[10] Very low dose of flutamide in the treatment of hyperandrogenism
This study compares the efficacy of flutamide combined with ethinyl estradiol and gestodene versus drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol in treating hyperandrogenism, including acne.
View study[11] YAZ and the novel progestin drospirenone
This review highlights the unique properties of drospirenone and its efficacy in treating acne, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and providing contraception.
View study[12] Quality of life issues. Potential role for an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone
This paper discusses how ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone can improve quality of life by reducing acne and other premenstrual symptoms.
View study