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Do you avoid progestin only contraceptives and IUDs in patients with acne due to their androgenic properties?

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Have you observed alopecia and mood changes as possible side effects of progestin-only IUDs?

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3 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Dermatology · Dermatology Associates of Northern Kentucky
Answered on

I counsel similarly to Dr. @Dr. First Last above. I also reference the following article, which shows the following odds ratios for certain conditions with hormonal IUDs vs copper:

  • Acne vulgaris: 2.514
  • Hirsutism: 0.446
  • Rosacea: 0.376
  • Androgenetic alopecia: 0.109

Basically, I say they're less likely ...

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Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Dermatology · Feinberg School of Medicine
Answered on

Progestin-only implants and IUDs have been shown in the literature to be associated with acne (Oliveira et al., PMID 39109858; Munjal et al., PMID 35219751). Combined estrogen-progesterone oral contraceptives, in contrast, are used in the treatment ladder for hormonal acne. In patients with pre-exis...

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Dermatology · Texas Institute of Dermatology
Answered on

I see a significant number of patients with hair loss, and progestin-only IUDs may have an adverse effect on alopecia in some cases. The mood changes are another notable side effects.

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