Can the emergency contraceptive pill trigger acne?
People are familiar with the oral contraceptive pills effect on acne, but have you considered if the emergency contraceptive pill has had an impact on your skin? We always ask about emergency contraceptive pill use in consultations, because anything that we ingest / apply / inhale that disrupts our hormone function, can play havoc with our skin. But like any medication, you need to be aware of the side effects that may occur when you take this, or any other drug.
How Emergency Contraceptive Pills Work
In Australia we have two different types of ‘morning after pills’. There is levonorgestrel, which can be taken within four days of having unprotected sex, or a newer emergency contraceptive option, ulipristal acetate (brand name ‘EllaOne’), which can be taken within five days of unprotected sex. Both pills impair or delay the ovaries from releasing an egg, so ovulation is either postponed or doesn’t take place.
Both pills also contain strong synthetic steroid hormones, so if you are androgen-sensitive or steroid hormone-sensitive, they will likely trigger acne. The following table summarizes the different hormonal impacts of these options:
| Type of Pill | Hormonal Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel | High in the synthetic progesterone ingredient, progestin, which has androgenic properties. |
| Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) | Changes the function of natural progesterone in our body. |
Impact on Sebum and the Menstrual Cycle
Taking these medications can lead to potential acne flare-ups and increased sebum. For the next three months of your cycle, you may notice changes with your cycle as the ovulation process rectifies. Your once regular periods may now be irregular, or your once light flow may become heavy.
Recovery and Skin Healing
If your skin has flared, it may settle on its own after a few months, and you can always consider some additional support like Formula S2 to assist skin healing. In summary, if your skin is temperamental at the best of times, prepare for a rocky month or two until your hormones settle back down.