18 citations
,
March 2010 in “Gynecologic and obstetric investigation” The oral contraceptive alone is the preferred treatment for hirsutism, as adding the GnRH analog showed no significant benefit.
11 citations
,
October 1986 in “International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics” The contraceptive reduced hair growth and altered hormone levels in hirsute women.
74 citations
,
April 2002 in “PubMed” Both oral contraceptives reduced acne effectively and had similar positive effects on skin oiliness and hair growth.
25 citations
,
October 2019 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” Both types of oral contraceptives improved symptoms and hormone levels in women with PCOS.
16 citations
,
August 2014 in “International Journal of Women's Health” The estradiol valerate/dienogest oral contraceptive helps with heavy periods, may improve acne and symptoms in PCOS, and doesn't affect sexual function.
11 citations
,
October 2003 in “Contraception” 4 citations
,
August 2024 in “PLoS ONE” Both injectable contraceptives lower testosterone and SHBG levels, with NET-EN having a greater effect than DMPA-IM.
3 citations
,
June 2024 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” COC treatment improves hormone and metabolic levels in PCOS patients.
3 citations
,
July 2022 in “BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology” Some birth control pills increase young women's risk of blood clots more than others.
3 citations
,
January 2018 in “Reproduction, Fertility and Development” Birth control pills increase certain receptor activities in female gerbil prostate glands and can lead to prostate changes.
November 2025 in “Contraception” COC use doesn't increase hair stress hormone levels, but hair treatments may affect results.
April 2025 in “Pharmacy Practice” Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may harm liver function.
COCs can improve acne but may cause skin issues like cholasma; high estrogen is advised for hair loss concerns.
39 citations
,
January 2019 in “The World Journal of Men's Health” Testosterone replacement therapy can prevent men from fathering children and should not be used by those wanting to stay fertile.
25 citations
,
September 1977 in “Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health” High doses of some contraceptive steroids cause health issues in dogs, but their relevance to humans is unclear.
2 citations
,
January 2013 in “Iraqi journal of Medical Sciences” January 2012 in “Medical Journal of Babylon” 36 citations
,
July 1980 in “Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health” High doses of ethynylestradiol in rats caused growth issues, organ changes, and some tumors, but didn't increase overall tumor rates.
24 citations
,
July 1980 in “Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health” High doses of norethindrone acetate in rats caused various organ changes but didn't significantly increase tumor rates.
October 2021 in “Research Society and Development” Herbal medicines can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
78 citations
,
January 2000 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Norgestimate is the most effective birth control progestin for reducing an enzyme linked to acne and excessive hair growth in women.
68 citations
,
May 1991 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Both cyproterone acetate and spironolactone effectively reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.
61 citations
,
January 1970 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology”
January 2022 in “Clinical Cases in Dermatology” Some hair loss from medication may reverse after stopping the drug, but treatment options are limited and ongoing research is needed.
January 2014 in “Side effects of drugs annual” Exposure to certain sex hormones can increase health risks, while some hormone therapies may offer benefits for specific conditions.
49 citations
,
August 1996 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The combination of cyproterone acetate and testosterone enanthate is highly effective in preventing sperm production and could be a good reversible male contraceptive.
1 citations
,
March 2011 in “Hospital Pharmacy” Various medications and vaccines can cause serious side effects.
150 citations
,
February 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Antiandrogens are somewhat effective in reducing excessive hair growth in women.
66 citations
,
October 1987 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Measuring androstanediol glucuronide in blood is useful for assessing and tracking treatment in women with excessive hair growth.
46 citations
,
January 2007 in “The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care” Birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots, especially within the first year and with certain types.