Mirena and Acne

Mirena causes acne: fact or myth?

Here are the facts:

Compared to several other lUDs, the chances of developing acne are much higher with Mirena after 12 months of use, according to one study.⁽¹⁾
One case study reported that acne developed in Mirena patients within 3 to 6 months of use, with some conditions varying from lesions and rosacea to large, painful cystic nodules. ⁽³⁾
Data shows almost 14% of women age 18-40 with no prior acne or dermatological issues developed acne within 3 months of using Mirena.

The side effects of Mirena are very real. In addition to acne, Mirena contributes to other side effects including severe cramping & abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, weight gain, and even mood swings and depression. ⁽⁵⁾

The Mirena Detox Program can help you clear up your acne today.

How Does Mirena Cause My Acne?

Your skin naturally produces oil to lubricate the skin. Sometimes dead skin cells clog up the pores, trapping this oil within acne-prone skin. The oil then stimulates natural bacteria in the skin, causing acne.

During normal use, Mirena interferes with the biochemical environment in the body and changes the secretion of certain hormones. One of these hormones is androgen (“the male hormone”). Androgen can overstimulate your oil glands and is a major contributor to acne.

Your risk of developing acne also increase with Mirena if you:

Have prior history of acne (in adolescence), or
Have pre-existing acne (adult acne)

How Do I Treat My Acne Caused By Mirena?

There is no one cause or treatment to acne. But, there are several things you can do to fight it.

Proper Skin Care

A good cleaning regimen is the first step. Use a face cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, using your hands to gently cleanse your face. (Don’t scrub!) Next, find a topical ointment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that works for you. If you have oily skin, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Don’t let your hair or hands touch your face. Oils and dirt from them can contribute to acne. Also, promptly remove sweat from your face.
If you use makeup, make sure you remove it thoroughly each day.
Hydrate your skin by drinking more water.

Use Supplements

Certain vitamins and supplements, like vitamins A & E and zinc, have been shown to reduce acne. Always consult a doctor before starting a new supplement.

See a dermatologist

Dermatologists are skin professionals. They can prescribe medication for your acne, such as antibiotics or prescription retinoids.
A dermatologist could also prescribe birth control pills, which can double as an alternative contraceptive to Mirena and as an acne treatment.

Detox from Mirena

A full detox can cleanse Mirena and its side effects completely from your body. Using natural, holistic remedies, the Mirena Detox Program brings your body back to its normal hormonal balance.

Try the Mirena Detox today.

References:

Suhonen, S., Haukkamaa, M., Jakobsson, T., & Rauramo, I. (2004). Clinical performance of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and oral contraceptives in young nulliparous women: a comparative study. Contraception, 69(5), 407-412.
Arowojolu, A. O., Gallo, M. F., Lopez, L. M., Grimes, D. A., & Garner, S. E. (2009). Combined oral contraceptive pills for treatment of acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 3, CD004425.
Karri, K., Mowbray, D., Adams, S., & Rendal, J. R. S. (2006). Severe seborrhoeic dermatitis: Side-effect of the Mirena intra-uterine system. European J. of Contraception and Reproductive Healthcare, 11(1), 53-54.
Gemzell-Danielsson, K., Schellschmidt, I., & Apter, D. (2012). A randomized, phase II study describing the efficacy, bleeding profile, and safety of two low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive systems and Mirena. Fertility and sterility, 97(3), 616-622.
Ewies, A. A. (2009). Mirena®-the discontinuing story. Gynecological Endocrinology.
Gach, J. E., & Humphreys, F. (2001). Acne of the scalp—why is it so rare?. Clinical and experimental dermatology, 26(1), 101-102.