Get help with your university decisions here! TSR Decisions Drop In 2025

PCOS acne and combined oral contraception

I was diagnose with PCOS at 18, but it was well managed with metformin. I never had breakouts until 7-8 months ago now and its been a nightmare ( I'am 25 now), my face is scarred all over with acnes that just don't stop coming. I have tried tretinoin, adapline, benzo, clindamycin and gentamycin topicals and have had absolutely no luck. I was also given azelaic acid topical with lymecyline antibiotics (which I have been on for over 6 months now and its has no effect. I have been reffered to dermatology but the wait is over a year and my skin does not stop breaking out. I have completely cut down on milk and milk products.

I have been told to take combined oral contraception in the meantime but not sure if this helps at all or if it will just end up making me gain weight

Has anyone seen a positive effect with combined oral contraception on acne?

Reply 1

simrankc26

Original post by Anonymous

I was diagnose with PCOS at 18, but it was well managed with metformin. I never had breakouts until 7-8 months ago now and its been a nightmare ( I'am 25 now), my face is scarred all over with acnes that just don't stop coming. I have tried tretinoin, adapline, benzo, clindamycin and gentamycin topicals and have had absolutely no luck. I was also given azelaic acid topical with lymecyline antibiotics (which I have been on for over 6 months now and its has no effect. I have been reffered to dermatology but the wait is over a year and my skin does not stop breaking out. I have completely cut down on milk and milk products.
I have been told to take combined oral contraception in the meantime but not sure if this helps at all or if it will just end up making me gain weight
Has anyone seen a positive effect with combined oral contraception on acne?

Hi, don't have PCOS but ever since using the contraceptive patch, I have not (touchwood) had any breakouts during any of my periods and I struggle with PMS but still no spots when I'm on the patch. It might be worth a try if ur not having any luck with oral contraceptives.

Reply 2

simrankc26

Original post by Anonymous

I was diagnose with PCOS at 18, but it was well managed with metformin. I never had breakouts until 7-8 months ago now and its been a nightmare ( I'am 25 now), my face is scarred all over with acnes that just don't stop coming. I have tried tretinoin, adapline, benzo, clindamycin and gentamycin topicals and have had absolutely no luck. I was also given azelaic acid topical with lymecyline antibiotics (which I have been on for over 6 months now and its has no effect. I have been reffered to dermatology but the wait is over a year and my skin does not stop breaking out. I have completely cut down on milk and milk products.
I have been told to take combined oral contraception in the meantime but not sure if this helps at all or if it will just end up making me gain weight
Has anyone seen a positive effect with combined oral contraception on acne?