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Love them or curse them, hormones found within the human body control so many complex processes that are vital for the body to function. Some allow you to feel emotions and sensations while others control how you react to situations and to how our hair and skin may grow. Hormones can cause emotional outbursts, those of anger and those of upset. This is why many of can have a love or hate relationship with the hormones produced in the body.

One particular hormone that many of us have an intimate relationship with is androgen. Androgen stimulates oil production under the skin, resulting in acne. Although androgen controls masculine characteristics and is the main component of testosterone, it is also found in women.

During puberty and episodes of high stress, androgen may be released into the body at higher levels, therefore causing a breakout of acne.
Severe acne is not only extremely painful for those who suffer from it, but it can also create problems in ones personal life due to self-esteem problems.

If the acne breakout is found to be caused by high androgen levels, which is usually determined by other characteristics such as irregular periods and hair growing in unusual places, there is a way of controlling it. One method that has been found to be successful is the use of birth control pills.

Female birth control pills prevent pregnancy by changing the levels of particular hormones found in the body. Changing the levels of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone that inhibit the ovulation process. One hormone that birth control pills can also regulate is that of androgen.

There are many types of birth control pills available on the market. Some contain varying degrees of hormone levels dependent on brand and manufacturer.

If you're interested in controlling your acne through the use of birth control pills, it's important you advise your doctor of this intention. They will provide the most effective birth control pill for you that will help androgen levels within the body.

You will also need to consider your diet and stress levels you may be suffering at the time of acne appearing. Consulting a doctor will determine if your acne is caused by hormone levels or other factors.

But the birth control pill also comes with increased risks to those who take it. Research has shown that birth control pills do have potential risks involved that range from weight gain, blood clots, mood swings and a higher risk of developing cancer if you are a smoker. Express any concerns you may have with your health professional and ask many questions.

If your acne is becoming severe and is starting to inhibit your personal and professional life, using birth control pills to control it may be the answer.

Learn more about this author, R.L Hanlon.
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