Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
184 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Oiliness And Pores On Facial Skin After Taking Plan B?

I took the Plan B bill 3 years ago and have had skin problems ever since. I have been off and on birth control once since then, and am currently using Ortho Tri Cyclin lo, for a little over a year. In a year, the pill has not helped the oiliness that I v experienced ever since taking Plan B that one time, and has caused noticeable pores on my nose and cheeks for the first time ever, as well as continued oiliness and general redness on my nose/some spotty discoloration on cheeks. Differin gel prescribed by a dermatologist has not helped the matter at all, and I do not know if I should be blaming this on Ortho Tri or Plan B from year ago. I just want my skin to be the way it used to. Will going off the pill and using non-hormonal contraception get me back to the skin I used to have, or will these noticeable pore/splotchiness be permanent side effects? If I go off my current pill, will the pores disappear, or will I likely just experience more skin problems long-term because of the hormonal change. Until age 22, I had completely clear skin, no acne, and no oiliness, maybe one blackhead every couple of months, no visible pores. For the past 3 years I am constantly monitoring my skin and it just seems to be getting worse. Now 25 and otherwise healthy, good diet as well and I use gentle cleansers, SPF moisturizer, and the occasional exfoliant scrub. I am convinced there is a correlation between Plan B and my skin, but don t know whether it makes more sense to talk to a dermatologist or a gynecologist. Seems like they are an integrated issue not addressable by one specialty doctor. Thanks!
posted on Sat, 27 Jun 2015
Twitter Thu, 6 Aug 2020 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 14 Aug 2020 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Hormonal contraceptives can cause acne or pigmentation of skin as side effects. Generally, these effects may reduce after few months of starting the drug since your body adjusts to the newer hormone levels. In case of continuing side effects, I would suggest you to switch to non-hormonal contraception which may help in reducing the defects. I would also suggest you to check any high androgen levels and also rule out polycystic ovarian disease.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Oiliness And Pores On Facial Skin After Taking Plan B?

Hi, Hormonal contraceptives can cause acne or pigmentation of skin as side effects. Generally, these effects may reduce after few months of starting the drug since your body adjusts to the newer hormone levels. In case of continuing side effects, I would suggest you to switch to non-hormonal contraception which may help in reducing the defects. I would also suggest you to check any high androgen levels and also rule out polycystic ovarian disease. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician