Hi all

I would like to know if oral contraceptives make it more difficult to lose weight for most people. I'm on Dianette/Diane-35 (not available in Canada) for contraceptive reasons and for my skin problems, and happy with the results. The issue with this Pill, and the reason it is not available in Canada (apparently) is because of its unique androgen blocking capabilities (which is why it clears the skin).

The medical description of the drug: "What’s unique about Diane-35® is its ability to block androgen activity at the pilosebaceous unit. While all oralcontraceptives may decrease the production of androgens to some extent, only Diane-35® decreases the ability of androgens to bind to their receptors, improving signs of androgenization such as acne, seborrhea and hirsutism in women."

It is a little troubling to read that there is debate as to whether this Pill is safe to take long-term, as I have been on it almost one year.

You may think "just change pills", but as someone who has had difficult adult acne (even been on that Accutane drug), to find something that makes my skin reasonably clear is a godsend.

Any comments appreciated. Doreen's expertise treasured!

Karen

sorry, I must correct myself: Dianette/Diane-35 is available in Canada, but not the USA

Ah Accutane .. and years and years of antibiotics, etc.... Now I have Rosacea, just to add some excitement to the program.

About interfering with weight loss ... it's slightly possible, since the pill does have a low dose of estrogen in it, and estrogen can slow weight loss. However, I think the fat-burning advantage of a sound lowcarb program should outweigh this.

From what I've read, the progestogen-based contraceptives are more likely to cause weight gain and stalled weight loss efforts .. these include Provera and DepoProvera injections.

You are wise to keep yourself informed and updated on the drug and its effects. Everything's a trade-off .... and I understand perfectly that life can be miserable when your face is ravaged with angry red blemishes ... especially as an adult, when you're working and dealing as a professional in the public eye.

Doreen

Thanks Doreen!

Well actually Accutane was the only thing that really worked for awhile, then the spots started creeping back. Now it's under control. But I can honestly say that until I was 25, I never had any self confidence in my looks. Now I know that when I'm talking to someone at work or whatever, they aren't thinking about how ugly my skin is.

People on the UK lowcarb list I subscribe to are advocating getting an IUD and going off the pill, but this just sounds so 1970s to me. People in Canada (where I'm from) don't get them or even talk about getting them. I guess it is quite normal here (England).

K

Hi Cupiedoll:

I have been on Diane for about 2 yrs. My dermatologist also recommend using 'Spectra Gram2 Gel' for washing your face and use Dove soap for your body.

I have had acne problems since I was 14 and find this method works the best for the past 10 years. I am turning 37 soon. For moisturizer, I use 'Cliniderm' cream(it does not clog your pores). And use SPF 60 sunblock. Both recommended by my Dr.

Years of antibiotic for my face has aggrevated my Rosacea hence the sunblock.

You can find all this products at the local drugstore and its much cheaper and work better than stuff you get at the cosmetic counter.

Since I have been on the LoCarb diet (6/4/01) I have noticed my skin got better. I will give it a few more months then I will wean myself off Diane and see what happens. I have only lost 10 lbs, but I am happy since it took me 10 years to get where I am.

A small reminder, whatever you put on your face and body will get absorb into your body so the simpler the better.

I think IUD's are bad news. There have been a whole host of problems associated with them including pelvic inflammatory disease. As a matter a fact I used to nurse in a obgyn office and both of the specialist there would remove them but would not prescribe them.
And now that you mention it, you must agree to use BCP while on Accutane if I do recall.
Good luck.