Effects of combined oral contraceptives on the skin of mice

Aim: To find the effects of a combination of 2 widely used contraceptives, ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate (ECPA), on skin and sebaceous gland morphology and dermal vascularity of mice. Materials and methods: Female mice were divided into groups: treatment with ECPA for 1 month (T) and its control (C); and cessation of treatment for an additional month (recovery, R) and its control (CR). Body weight, skin histology and morphometry, and vaginal smears were performed and analyzed. Results: In the T and R groups, there was a significant increase in epidermal and dermal thickness and dermal vascularity. In group T, the number and size of sebaceous glands (SGs) decreased. In group R, all features of SGs were similar to those of group C. Estrous cycle was arrested at the diestrus stage in group T, but regained its regular pattern in group R. Conclusion: A decrease in the number and size of SGs explains the mechanism through which ECPA acts. The increase in skin thickness and vascularity explains the enhancement of shape and texture induced by these hormones. The contraceptive effects of ECPA are confirmed. Changes are reversible after cessation of treatment.