Effect of Cyclic Progestin-Estrogen Therapy on Sebum and Acne in Women

Abstract

In a study of 36 female patients, 10 of 12 who received up to 10 mg of norethynodrel plus 0.15 mg of mestranol showed a significant decrease in sebum production. By administration of norethynodrel and mestranol separately, it is shown that the effect is primarily due to the mestranol. Similar suppression of sebum secretion occurs with combinations of norethindrone with mestranol and ethynodiol diacetate with mestranol. The suppression in sebaceous gland activity can be directly correlated with improvement in acne.