I am new to acne.org. I never wouldve thought I would need to join, but here I am trying to get some help and advice from women that have been through this. At 15 years old, I finished yet another round of antibiotics and the Dr had no other choice but to prescribe Accutane. For 7 years I was acne free. Beautiful skin! I had my first baby November of 2008. I had absolutely no acne while I was pregnant or after. In January of 2009 I had the Mirena IUD placed. Then, thats where it all goes down hill. I started breaking out in June, July, and August. I went to the dermatologist and had the IUD removed. I am now on ortho tri cyclen lo, and minocycline. Its my second month of ortho tri cyclen lo, and 2nd day of minocycline. I am also using Acanya and benzoyl body wash. Please tell me this will get better. I am trying to be patient. But I am extremely down. I fixate on this all day long. It obviously has to be hormonal. Am I doing the right things here? I beg of someone to help me, or give me advice, anything. Its ruining my life. I no longer work out, I barely want to go to work, and dont want to see anyone anymore. I just want my life back. Anything would be so greatly appreciated.

Just started Yaz 5 days ago. Today, my entire body is cramping. Every major muscle is tight (abs, butt, thighs, calves, forearms...). I almost fell when I stood up as my legs were nearly numb. Should I be worried? Or will this pass as my body adjusts?

Should or shouldn't I? Its a safer option than accutane, one my friends acne cleared like crazy on birth control.

I am wondering for those women that did go off a birth control pill, then started breaking out and went back on. How long did it take after you started them again for the breakouts to subside? I got the Mirena IUD taken out August 18, 2009. I then started Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo that Sunday. I just finished my second pack. And it seems to be getting better, but not completely clear. Your responses would be greatly appreciated!

Hello everyone! I'm freaking out!

I've been off birth control for 7 months now, and my skin has gone crazy! Anyone with the same issues? Will these breakouts ever stop?!
Thanks, TK

Hello,
I just need some advice or suggestions from the Spiro users out there. I am really, really tired of the constant flu like stomach aches I've been experiencing using Yasmin. I have been taking it for almost 5 months now and each month it has seemed to get worse and worse. Now, on the plus side, I love that my face has finally cleared up, I only get small, sometimes larger pimples, but they're gone by like a day or two, in August I started incorporating Spiro into my routine and it's been great! The only time I experienced side effects is when I first took it, after that nothing. Sometimes weird muscle aches, but it goes away because I end up drinking lots of water, as I knew to do before I started taking this drug. I've upped my dosage to 75mgs, once a day, but I'm terrified that this won't be enough for my breakouts, especially if I quit Yasmin. I quit taking Yasmin for like 2 days just to see if in fact if I was experiencing the painful and constant stomach aches, while still taking Spiro, sure enough, they stopped! As much as I love the effects with Yasmin, I just don't think I can go on with constant gas and pain. Seriously it's every single day 24 hours. So, I just want to take Spiro. I'm on the white pills of Yasmin right now and I have 3 left. So I was thinking of stop taking it, and just take my spiro. The thing is I'm so scared, I mean I haven't had to worry about my skin since July and it's been such a relief! I have a life now. Has anyone gone off a bcp that has helped with their skin, and continued Spiro with success? Does spiro help with hormonal acne then and do you think it could keep me clear on it's own? I really don't like birth control and I don't need it since I am not currently sexually active. Sorry for such a long post and probably the same questions as I usually ask, I just need some encouragement or advice at least.



Thanks guys for reading!
P.S. I do not have insurance, otherwise I'd go on Yaz.

hey, have any adult 20+ yr old males tried any hormal treatments for acne and had success? and what type of acne did you have?

thanks

So I have been on Yasmin for about two months. My skin is great, but my hair is shedding more than usual. I'm not sure if it's because my body is getting used to the bcp and thats the way my body reacts to it or is that it is a side effect?

Has anyone else experienced this and how did you cope with it? There are a few posts on this topic, but not too much. I really do hope its temporary and not an on going condition. I already have thin hair already.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

When you take BCP's, do you stop making estrogen and progesterone or do you make it in addition to the hormones in the pills?

Has anyone noticed dry skin from spiro?

I dont really mean flaky skin but more so slightly dull and tight skin.

I'm posting this to let all of you who are looking for a BCP or thinking of switching to TRINESSA really think about it. I was told that it was the same thing as OTC and would just cost me less. This lie caused me to go from amazing skin to the wreck I am today. I took it for two months instead of OTC and my skin exploded. I started losing my hair, having panic attacks, insomnia, etc. Some women have NO issue w/ this drug but I want everyone to be aware that it's really NOT the same. I am glad for everyone who can save the money on it and be fine but you should be informed. I have yet to get my skin to settle down even after going back to OTC and doing all the things I used to when I had clear skin. Just a few months of Trinessa completely threw my system out of whack. I went from one blemish every 6 months to a mess. I've read others had this very same issue and I want everyone, especially those who have never taken BC before, that you should really think it over.

I'm on birth control (Yasmin) for my acne, and I've noticed that when I start taking the sugar pills and my period comes, I get breakouts.

Does this happen to anyone else? If so, would it be worth it to try skipping my period by not taking the sugar pills and going straight to a new pack of active pills?

I am currently starting my third week of Zovia and am noticing my acne is staying a bit the same. It has improved a little however, its not preventing every pimple. I just wanted to know if anyone has tried using this BCP and wanted to know their experiences. Anything is helpful. Thanks

starting my third pack of Diane 35, i'm skipping my period because i have exams and my boyfriend is in town this week lol so i went straight to the third pack. anyhow, about last week, i got about one or two SMALL pimples, they weren't cystic though. but still basically clear. i am still diong egg and lemon mask alternating. The hardest part is the dark scars, it'll prob take months to fade, about a month to fade to an acceptable level that i don't have to wear concealer. Again thank goodness for Diane!! I am going on vacation after New years and by then i should be getting ZERO zits. Oh back in the day i would get a pimple like once every two months or something and it would be pretty minimal. i can't wait for those days!!

Just wondering if anyone has similar breakouts...

Since I started YAZ I get about one of these zits once a month, right before my inactive pills. An area on my cheeks will get extremely red/purple (looks like a bruise). The area gets tender and hurts. A few days later it will get a head and then it will take another couple of days for it to drain and for the swelling to go down (sorry if that's gross). I NEVER used to get acne like this before YAZ, so I'm wondering if YAZ could be causing these breakouts.

Thanks for any responses.

Okay, so I'm confused...if birth control (Yasmin, Diane 35, and others) never affects my acne, then how is it that when I was pregnant with my daughter I had no acne the entire time as well as while I was breastfeeding? I'm just wondering how this is possible? If my acne is hormonal (which is suggested by the lack of it during pregnancy) than how come bc pills have no effect?

Thanks to anyone who can help me out with this one

Hi everyone, I have been reading through lots of posts on this board and am hoping someone can help me.

I am 22 female and have pretty bad acne on my chin, jawline, top of neck and around my lips (see pic...it's really not pretty!) and have now got another cyst on my neck. I get some pimples around my hairline and forehead but they are tiny and don't worry me at all. My chin is usually very red inbetween the acne spots, too. I used to get acne on my chin when I was 17, but only the odd one or two, and from age 19 onward, it's just gotten worse. I must admit, I used to squeeze and pick them, so I probably have made it worse. Although, the neck ones all began at the start of this year and I have not squeezed them etc.

In the past, I have tried Estelle, Yasmin, Doxycycline, minocycline (which I think actually may have made it worse...since I was on these antibiotics for 4-6 months). I have also used Differin and Duac (Duac was great but had to stop after 3 months). I am currently taking probiotics, zinc, fish oil, b-complex, everning primrose oil and eat lots of food with vit c. I exercise regularly, too. Not much is helping me, though. I have been advised by doctors not to take roaccutane, since I am active and don't want to get sore joints and also have anxiety issues.

My hormone levels last year showed I had high levels of androgens and testosterone (didn't have progesterone done), although they were within the normal range (by one point!). Then I got referred to an endocrinologist and I had them tested again about 2 weeks ago while I had my period and my testosterone was down to 2.2 and my progesterone level is normal.

The endocrinologist has diagnosed me with "likely having PCOS" (although my periods have always been regular, although heavy, until the last few months). She said I could consider spironolactone (although, if the hormones are always imbalanced and I stopped taking the meds, then the problem would come back, right?) but I am uneasy about this, since it has side effects I am not too keen on (e.g. needing to pee more...not a good thing at work!), and the tumour controversy also worries me.

The other med she mentioned was Vitex. However, I have heard this med is more for people who have low progesterone, and mine is normal (well, while I had my period, anyway). So, would this herb actually work for me, or worsen my acne?

I have heard that a sluggish liver can contribute to acne...blood tests show my liver function is fine (and kidneys), but is it possible maybe I have some liver damage that does not show up on the results? I used to not look after myself very well in my younger days (various bad things I used to do!), and maybe I am paying for it now.

Is there anyone on here with similar problems that can help me?

thanks!

Hi guys,

I'm thinking about starting lybrel (the no period pill) as I only break out when I'm about to come on my period, and the thought of no period + contraceptives = heaven.

I was wondering if any of you have tried it, and have had any success with it as an acne controller?

Thanks!

I wanted to make the following caveat to my blog related to Eplerenone. Eplerenone and Spiranolactone are the only aldosterone antagonists in the U.S. Rx marketplace. Eplerenone is a selective androgen blocker. Spiranolactone is a non-selective androgen blocker. This translates to acne management in the following way: while the drugs share similar properties Spiranolactone is apt to be infinitely more powerful in its action upon the androgen receptor, thus it is apt to be more efficacious in the treatment of acne.

Hi, again. A few months ago I wrote about my 17 year acne problem and how, after trying everything unsuccessfully (from Birth control to Accutane 2x to oral antibiotics to ProActiv to Spironlactane), that I was now on Aviane birth control for the 4 period per year thing and it seemed to be helping. Well, I had to use Aviane with 1 period per month because my body just wouldn't take to the only 4 periods (I kept spotting). My skin is perfectly clear. I have not had a pimple in over 1 month. It's wonderful but also kind of eerie. I would recommend Aviane to all women facing adult acne (4 periods total or 1 period every month - whatever works best for you). All of the birth control pills I had been on before had been the typical Low-Dose Estrogen. I needed none at all, I guess.

Also, as for Acne spot scars. I strongly recommend the Oil of Olay lactic acid chemical peel with the regenerist age spot/acne cream. Clears up spots at lightning speed. It takes 4-6 months, but I have seen exceptional results in 2 months.

Another product I would strongly recommend would be Zeno. Before my breakouts went away, that thing worked miracles!

As for working with dermatologists, be very careful taking spironlactane. It caused problems with my new memory formation for learning material. I am in graduate school so I noticed this effect after taking the drug for 2 months. After I stopped the drug, the side effect mostly went away. It took about 1 year until my memory was back to normal. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, has worked as a secretary and bookeeper for 30 years. She has been on the drug for over 20 years. At 55, she has almost no ability to form new memories and possibly has Alzheimers. According to her husband, her memory had been getting worse for over a decade. My advice is, just be careful. Doctors do not know about this side effect, but pharmacists do.

Also, my age is 26. The last time I saw myself with clear skin was when I was 9 years old. 22 doctors and 1 very observant nurse later, I now have clear skin.
I post this just so others don't have to go through the 17 years of cystic-hell-acne I went through. My mother had it, and her skin was not clear until she was 40. She went on every drug and had every surgery of her time. I wish all of you the best of luck for clear skin.

So I think I might have pcos. I can't really say how regular my periods were before I got on birth control a few months ago because I wasn't ever keeping track of it. I remember a few times though, thinking I haven't had it in a while. Also my blood sugar is a little high. Ve had it tested fasting 3 times and t was 103/78/98. Then I did it 2 hrs after eatng and it was 114. I know that's not diabetic but it's getting close to prediabetic or insulin resistance. The main symptom I hav though is this cystic acne that I get on my chin around my mouth and jawline really bad before Nd during my period. So I am going to see my gyno on Thursday and I'm just wondering whY kinds f tests do they do and if thy are testing my hormones than what about the fact that I'm on birth control. Will that mess up the test results. ? I guess I should mention I'm on accutane for 3 months and m skin is geting way better but I'm still breaking out bad before my period. ThAt's why I'm so concerned about if I have pcos because I feel like if I do the acne will come back when I get off tane. I'm fine with going on spiro after tane if that's what I need to do. I just wanna find o
ut what's goin on.

Thoughts. Comments. Suggestions?

Hi, i have been on Spiro (2 50mg a day) for almost 3 months now, but my period has been been irregular so my derm/obgyn told me to go on Yaz birth control to help get my period on regular. I started my first yaz pill today and very nervous. Being on spiro for almost 3 months has not done much for my persistent acne. It's not that bad but bad enough that it makes me sad. The spiro hasn't helped with my oily face either, which I was told it would?! Has anyone ever taken Spiro for a couple months and then added Yaz to the mix? If so, what was the outcome. I do not have PCOS but think my acne is hormonal. Thanks!!

Hi, I am new here, but anyway, I wanted to know if anyone else has had the Mirena IUC inserted and had problems with breakouts. I decided to try Mirena after having my daughter. I have never had perfect skin, but it was tolerable at the least. Shortly after i had Mirena in, i broke out terribly. my face is so bad and i swear it has something to do with the Mirena. It did say Mirena could cause acne but it would usually go away after the first few months. Well i've had it for going on 7 months now and my skin has only gotten worse. Unfortunately, if I would to have it removed, my insurance woulnd not cover it so i would be paying the $600 for it so I am very torn on what to do. I went to my derm, but unfortunately again my crappy insurance does not cover treatment for acne, and she suggested Accutane but that is out of the question because it would be way to much to pay on my own. So now i am on antibiotics and differin and benziclin. But those haven't had any effect yet....
Anyway, I would not recommend Mirena. Anyone else had this experience??

I've had the Mirena IUD placed about 3 months ago. Before that I was on the pill Yaz everyday which seemed to be the only thing that helped my skin. I decided to change BC because I was ready for a change. I have never been clear in my life, even on the yaz. My skin was more dry with the yaz and more oily with the Mirena. I love everything about Mirena except for the acne. There is no chance I am getting this IUD removed before it needs to, it's too wonderful. I just started the Regimen over a week ago and I've been seeing great results. The truth is I'm clearer now than I think I ever was on the yaz. It's also nice not to have that fluctuation of hormones! It might not work for everyone but it works for me.

I am so frustrated tonite, ahh! I started taking accutane in November 2008 20 mg for 1 month 40 mg for 4 months then 20 for the remaining last month. My skin cleared up in no time and was flawless! Yes, I was dry and had back pain and it made me very short tempered and moody. I thought once I got thru with the accutane I would have my life back and not have to deal with acne.....WRONG! Here I am, depressed because, once again, I dont want to leave the house. I have 7 big bumps on my face and I am so oily. Really, my forehead shines, its disgusting. I have two kids that suffer, bc I dont want to go to bday parties, ect, because my face is ugly and the bumps hurt. I am on 25 mg spiro now, since begining of this month, but I'm still oily. I am using clinique products, makeup remover gel, acne wash, and acne toner. I tried some of my sons differn gel but nothing seems to help.
So, tonite I remembered that I had 14 accutane tablets left, 20 mg from my last month. My husband made me stop early in my last month of accutane bc he said I was too frustrated, and I was. Anyhow, I just took it because I know it will clear me up fast. Any advice on how to stay clear afterwards. Maybe I should up my spiro to 50mg. I am going to call my derm in the morning but honestly, other than accutane, she hasnt been much help to me or my son, who also suffers from acne, at the tender age of 10. He has had it since he was about 7 yrs old.

I'm on my 3rd month of Dianette now, why on earth is it doing absolutely NOTHING to help my skin?! I've been taking antibiotics for 4 weeks too and I had to stop taking it because it gave me a really bad allergic reaction. I just don't know what on earth to do..I don't know whether to just stop taking it or what!?

How long did it take for everyone who used Dianette to work? It has given me severe acne and I just don't know what to do, I have pretty bad scarring and really dry skin too so whenever I try to cover it up it just looks rubbish because of my dry skin! ruuuuuuubbissssssssh xx

I'm on my first week of Ocella and wondering what I'm up against...For anyone who doesn't know, it's the new generic Yasmin. Been out since July 1st. I know it's too soon for changes in my skin but I've been on Yasmin for over a year and the last 4 months have not been good. My skin is getting worse and worse...

I'll keep you updated on what I'm noticing...any other Ocella users please post!

has anyone has good results switching from diane to yasmin??????

Hey everyone... I have been using loestrin 24fe for about a month and a half. i've always had a little bit of acne here and there, somedays are worse than others. i got on birth control for the sole purpose of healing my acne and it's made it severely worse. i literally am too scared to show my face in public it's that bad. i've been broken out ALL over my chin since about a week after i started the pill, and absolutely nothing has gotten better. i'm also on spiro with it-- which was supposed to help too, but yet no results. ALSO i'm on ampicillin in case it was a bacterial thing... yup that didn't help either. i'm signed up to get on accutane but i can't get on it for about a month and i heard it makes your skin worse before it makes it better. i've been turning down trips to the lake, outings with friends, etc. because my skin is SO horrible. if anyone has any helpful advice it would be MUCH appreciated... thanks !

I was just prescribed Loestrin 24 Fe today at the gyno and I'm a bit nervous about taking it.

The last time I was on BCP was at the beginning of this year. I was on Yaz for 5 months, and it broke me out like crazy. My face was in pain from all the deep cysts I got all over my chin and mouth area.

I'm wondering if anyone has been on both Yaz and Loestrin and has had it affect them differently? Honestly, I was miserable for a long time and it took a long time to clear up even after I was off of it (the scarring and everything), so I'm wondering what I'm getting myself into. :/

Thanks