264 replies to this topic

[ancar]

I am new to this forum and just found it surfing the internet. I am saddened yet relieved to be hearing all your stories. My story is very similar:

I was put on BCP for severe cramps during my periods. I was 16 at the time. I was mostly on OrthoCyclen and switched to OrthoTriCyclen. When I met my husband, at the age of 28, he wanted me off of BCP b/c long story short, he doesn't believe in medication. So, I stopped taking BCP's at 28. Right after, my face, my chest and my back started breaking out like mad! I had beautiful skin up until the time I stopped BCP! I was so shocked and taken aback by the way I looked! True, I had a couple pimples break out during my periods, but they were very tiny. One or two here and there, but now I was having cyst-like pimples, little tiny pimples all over my forehead, my cheecks and my chin. I have tried everything from Clinique, DDR, Arbonne, Shiseido, and much more, just can't think of them right now. I have spent so much money on acne products, its unbelievable! I just to not wear any makeup, but now I can't leave without any makeup on! It's so embarassing and I've been so depressed! Nothing seems to be working! I even went to Sephora today and bought Murad, but reading the reviews, I think I'm going to take it back. I'm just so frusterated...I don't know what to do anymore. I don't think that if I tried Murad, it would even work seeing that this breakout is hormonal! I've been off BCP for almost 3 years now and I still have horrible skin!

I saw on here that some of you use the "blue light." I looked it up and Sephora seems to sell it, but it is $250... does it really help you?

[ancar]

Hi Susan,

Have you tried any supplements or diet changes? Or thought about having your hormone levels checked. You can help balance your homones through what you eat and the supplements you take.

I can't believe how much diet & supplements have helped improve my skin. I am currently due for my period and have had NO new pimples, yay! (this is the first time in years) I am converted to spending my money on these things instead of expensive beauty products.

I highly recommend apple cider vinegar (Bragg's organic brand), both drinking it and toning your skin with it (it also acts on your insulin which impacts your hormones). Also vitex chaste berry and evening primrose oil are great for balancing hormones.

I have no dairy, caffeine and avoid cakes, biscuits & things made with white flour. I miss these things heaps but I am prepared to sacrifice them for clear skin. I get more depressed looking at my bad skin than not getting a sugar fix. I also drink heaps of green tea and water.

I also love "natural progesterone cream", this is great to balance your homones if you are estrogen dominant.

When i started all these changes my skin broke out badly for about 2 weeks, I think it must have been detoxing and i felt rotten with headaches from the caffine and sugar withdrawals, but now I am so happy i persisted.

Anyway, just some thoughts on what is working for me, hope you find your answer.

[susan78]

Hi Ancar~

Thank you for your reply! As I was reading this board, I went to the health food store today and bought evening primrose. I have changed my diet somewhat... not as drastic as you, but it wasn't b/c I knew to do it b/c of my acne, my husband is a health nut... so I haven't had junk food in a long time, HOWEVER, during my periods, I do sneak in some chocolate. I didn't know that diet could infact help me... I will try to cut out as much "bad" things as I can... Right now, I am on prenatal vitamins (no not pregnant) and now on the evening primrose. I am just so depressed thinking about all the hundreds and hundreds of dollars I've spent on products as well as being depressed when I look in the mirror! I really wish that I had never gone on BCP, but at that time, for my cramps, my OBGYN said that it was the best route to take. Now, I'm so anti-BCP!

Do you take evening primrose? If so, how many do you take daily? The bottle says 6 a day with meals, but I read online and some people take as many as 8-10????

[ancar]

Hi Ancar~

Thank you for your reply! As I was reading this board, I went to the health food store today and bought evening primrose. I have changed my diet somewhat... not as drastic as you, but it wasn't b/c I knew to do it b/c of my acne, my husband is a health nut... so I haven't had junk food in a long time, HOWEVER, during my periods, I do sneak in some chocolate. I didn't know that diet could infact help me... I will try to cut out as much "bad" things as I can... Right now, I am on prenatal vitamins (no not pregnant) and now on the evening primrose. I am just so depressed thinking about all the hundreds and hundreds of dollars I've spent on products as well as being depressed when I look in the mirror! I really wish that I had never gone on BCP, but at that time, for my cramps, my OBGYN said that it was the best route to take. Now, I'm so anti-BCP!

Do you take evening primrose? If so, how many do you take daily? The bottle says 6 a day with meals, but I read online and some people take as many as 8-10????

[ancar]

Hi Ancar~

Thank you for your reply! As I was reading this board, I went to the health food store today and bought evening primrose. I have changed my diet somewhat... not as drastic as you, but it wasn't b/c I knew to do it b/c of my acne, my husband is a health nut... so I haven't had junk food in a long time, HOWEVER, during my periods, I do sneak in some chocolate. I didn't know that diet could infact help me... I will try to cut out as much "bad" things as I can... Right now, I am on prenatal vitamins (no not pregnant) and now on the evening primrose. I am just so depressed thinking about all the hundreds and hundreds of dollars I've spent on products as well as being depressed when I look in the mirror! I really wish that I had never gone on BCP, but at that time, for my cramps, my OBGYN said that it was the best route to take. Now, I'm so anti-BCP!

Do you take evening primrose? If so, how many do you take daily? The bottle says 6 a day with meals, but I read online and some people take as many as 8-10????

I would take 6 I think that is enough.

If you want to get pregnant I would really recommend the natural progesterone cream, read up about it on the net. I tried for over a year to get pregnant and within 2-3 months of using it I fell and my skin also cleared using it. I can't recommend it enough. It will help with your period cramps as well.

Hope your not feeling too down. I am sure you have lots of people who still love you despite your skin.

[kazza]

Hi ancar,

This is a slight aside from the initial subject, although I have stopped the pill ( approx 8 months ago ) and I have poor skin, but I don't think it's related ( skin was the same on the pill ).

I was interested in starting with natural progesterone cream, but for different reasons. I came off the pill ( I was on and off it for 16 yrs ) because I am certain that is what is responsible for my complete lack of libido. I have looked at all other factors and it can be nothing else.

My Dr checked my testosterone and SHBG ( sex hormone binding globulin ) and they came back normal, but I have yet to have my oestrogen and progesterone levels checked. I read that lack of progesterone can effect sex drive.

I am def not menopausal, I'm 33yrs and have regular periods. I was thinking about ordering some cream ( haven't actually looked into buying it in the shops yet ) and was wondering if you may have noticed any difference in that dept ( not that you may have had a prob initially mind, lol ). Also, which brand do you use and is there different strengths? I'll have to pay a visit to the chemist I think. Don't know if it's even prescription only.

The worrying thing is, I've read about a study (2006 Journal of Sexual Health) that has found taking the pill can effect libido in the long term, possibly permanently. I would have thought 8 months is long enough for my body to get back to normal so I will persevere with the hormone testing. It's damn frustrating, when you're meant to be in your prime, to feel like you're over the hill!

Sorry for rambling and thanks in advance x

[ancar]

Hi ancar,

This is a slight aside from the initial subject, although I have stopped the pill ( approx 8 months ago ) and I have poor skin, but I don't think it's related ( skin was the same on the pill ).

I was interested in starting with natural progesterone cream, but for different reasons. I came off the pill ( I was on and off it for 16 yrs ) because I am certain that is what is responsible for my complete lack of libido. I have looked at all other factors and it can be nothing else.

My Dr checked my testosterone and SHBG ( sex hormone binding globulin ) and they came back normal, but I have yet to have my oestrogen and progesterone levels checked. I read that lack of progesterone can effect sex drive.

I am def not menopausal, I'm 33yrs and have regular periods. I was thinking about ordering some cream ( haven't actually looked into buying it in the shops yet ) and was wondering if you may have noticed any difference in that dept ( not that you may have had a prob initially mind, lol ). Also, which brand do you use and is there different strengths? I'll have to pay a visit to the chemist I think. Don't know if it's even prescription only.


The worrying thing is, I've read about a study (2006 Journal of Sexual Health) that has found taking the pill can effect libido in the long term, possibly permanently. I would have thought 8 months is long enough for my body to get back to normal so I will persevere with the hormone testing. It's damn frustrating, when you're meant to be in your prime, to feel like you're over the hill!

Sorry for rambling and thanks in advance x

Hi Kazza,

I know how you feel, I am 30 and 5 years on the pill did nothing for my sex drive! I think natural progesterone can help, it helps with stacks of things. I can't personally testify to a huge increase, but I fell pregnant 3 months after using it! I am back on it now but I have 2 kids under 4 (that would effect most womens sex drive!) I think it really helped my moods, especially my PMT, breast pain etc. I think it is worth giving it a go. I have fibrocystic breasts and it is suppose to help with that as well.

I use ProgesterAll brand, I live in Australia but buy it online from the states. You need a prescription in aust and I used to do this but got tired of paying to visit my specialist just to get the prescription. ProgesterAll has the right amount of progesterone that was research by Dr John Lee over a decade ago (he is like the guru for natural progesterone). I use a pea size amount morning and night from day 10 of my cycle to day 26. You use it for 3-4 months and see how you are going, I think it is good to prob give your body a break once your symptoms subside and monitor how you go.

Hope this is helpful and you get back to enjoying your 30's!

[kazza]

Thanks ancar! It def is appealing and can't do any harm, tho I would like to know if I have an actual deficiency in progesterone first, ideally. It's just getting an app with a damn GP! I've read up on the symptoms of oestrogen dominance, and I maybe have a couple of those ( being careful not to diagnose self here! )

I have also read that, when they do a blood test for any hormone levels, this may not be entirely accurate. It's to do with it also inc the levels that are bound up with protein and unavailable for the body to use. So, for e.g, the testosterone levels may come back normal cos they're testing the total amount, as opposed to the free testosterone, which is available for the body to use.
Also, time of day can vary the results.

So anyhow, I read that saliva testing is more accurate. But the tests are sooo expensive!
Well, I'll start with an app with the Dr and take it from there.

Cheers,

[tatiglass]

[quote name='Dannie' date='Nov 27 2008, 10:10 PM' post='2462441']
[quote name='PrEgO~PoX' post='2461856' date='Nov 27 2008, 07:57 AM']Wooooow... I guess it happens cause of BCP's dammit! I was on yasmin for about 6 years and never had a zit, maybe once in a blue moon. My skin was always flawless and all I got werw compliments on it all day long (nor being conceited) I got married and got off the pill in 01/07 and ended up happily pregnant in april! My skin started getting these nasty blackheads around the nose and chin which I picked at everyday. Up until july or august was when it was just horrific. I looked like a bad chicken pox case..NO EXAGGERATING..anyway yes, being on BCP's in my and my docs opinion is what contributed to to the chicken pox breakout on my face. All thjose years of hormones and then pregnancy hormones... Sucks ass but now I have an almost 1yr old son and I still have acne. Not like pregnancy in anyway but its painful to still see myself this way. I'm considering BCP's again though even though I knoiw it will happen again next pregnancy. I am 30 but hopefully I grow out of it! Good luck


omg im freaking out..im suppose to stop tri cyclen this month...my face is so clear.
i was on the pill for 15 years..im 29
i was on accutane already and i cahnged mydiet and i take suppliments so i wonder if ill still get acne back after getting off the pill

isnt there away to avoid this transition phase?





reply: i took accutane in 2002 my skin cleared up totally, but then went off BC in 2007 and had the WORST acne of my life. the only way to avoid the transition phase seems to be treating the hormonal problem internally, while on BC your body doesnt make its own hormones - when you get off it has to start from scratch which throws everything off. im risking it again in 3 months. im terrified but more prepared.

[hina79]

I think its not fair that only women have to take all these hormones to prevent pregnancy and men get free sex without putting foreign chemicals in their bodies.....
I took the BC pill for a while b/c my then BF didn't want the "hassle" of condoms and the acne I got from that was disastrous.
The genetic acne I usually get is so much milder than what I got from the BC pill, deep cysts on my chin which I had never experienced before. I got off the pill within a month, but the cysts continued for another 3 months but luckily they stopped after that...

Edited by hina79, 29 October 2009 - 07:38 PM.

[maggie22]

I’m so glad I found this board to know I’m not alone in my awful fight against adult acne. I just wish I could know when it will get better. I’m currently trying to conceive and my face is a mess. I wish birth control wasn’t the only solution for clear skin.

Has anyone seen a decrease in acne over time after coming off the pill? I’ve been off since June. The first few months weren’t so bad, but after 3 month my skin is the worst it’s ever been; face, back and chest. It’s a nightmare.

Looking for hope.

[xtinatron]

I've only been taking BC for 3-4 months but I really don't think I'll continue to take them. I don't like the idea of putting chemicals in my body. Plus it really hasn't done anything for my skin.

[michellemac]

Hi Everyone!

I have had the worst experience since coming off my BCP. I started the pill 5 years ago to start controlling some of my acne and really bad cramping that I was dealing with every month. Over the five years I switch to few different pills - Alesse, Diane 35, Tryciline, and the last one was Yasmine. I was on Yasmine for a little over a year and I started to have these depressed episodes every month right arround the start of my period. The episodes started to get longer and more severe so I decided to stop taking the pill. Up to this point my skin had been relatively clear with only a pimple or two around my period or in times of stress.

I decided to try to combat any possible skin problems when i came off the pill so I started Minocycline a month before I stopped the BCP. That was in Jan 09. the first couple months weren't so bad. I did have an increase in breakouts but nothing unmanageable with the minocyclien and topical treaments like SA and BP.

By the third month things got a lot worse! I had not one or two blemishes a week but a new pimple coming up daily. Most of my pimples are and have always been the little white heads but I started to get larger cysts about once a week and they wouldn't clear up for a couple weeks or even longer!

At this point I tried a couple laser treaments called Smoothbeam and V-Beam. They worked really well when I was on the pill and broke out a bit. But they didn't do anything to make it better now being of the pill! in the last 11 months I have been to a dermatologist and tried, tetrocycline, doxycycline, differine, clindets, diet change, retinol A, every possible drugstore brand you could think of and nothing has worked. My doctor has even checked my hormes and he says they are all in their normal range but they could be fluctuating within this range and there's nothing i can really do about it.

Right now I am taking vitamines and an evening primrose supplement to try to get my hormones balanced, but I've heard it can take up to two years to get your body to start producing it's own hormones regularly again. I'm really worried about this. In the last couple months my acne has become a lot worse and I'm starting to feel very beaten down by the struggle of trying to find somethign that works.

I can't go back on the BCP now, although I'm sure it would help the withdrawal has been horrible. Besides the skin problems I have had to deal with, the acne is affecting my back, shoulder and chest, I've developed an iron deficiency (caused by hormonal fluctuations) and I'm loosing my hair, I have ovarian cycsts that rupture on occasion, migrains, and I have horrible cramps and back aches before and during my period every month that are unresposive to drugs like advil and aleve. I'm kind of getting exhausted from dealing with all of this!

I am now seriously considering Accutane. But I'm afraid that if my acne is purely hormonal than it won't work or will even make things worse. Accutane really scares me because of all of it's posible negative side effects as well and I feel like after what I've been through I'll be that small percentage that gets to deal with all the really rare horrible side effects! I don't know what else I can try but I would love any input, suggestions, or advice that any of you may have.

It has already helped tremedously to know that I am not alone and I thank you all for your stores and your positivity! Your all really helping me endure the struggle and stay strong and positive!

So thank you

[kiwi_kazoo]

Hi Everyone!

I have had the worst experience since coming off my BCP. I started the pill 5 years ago to start controlling some of my acne and really bad cramping that I was dealing with every month. Over the five years I switch to few different pills - Alesse, Diane 35, Tryciline, and the last one was Yasmine. I was on Yasmine for a little over a year and I started to have these depressed episodes every month right arround the start of my period. The episodes started to get longer and more severe so I decided to stop taking the pill. Up to this point my skin had been relatively clear with only a pimple or two around my period or in times of stress.

I decided to try to combat any possible skin problems when i came off the pill so I started Minocycline a month before I stopped the BCP. That was in Jan 09. the first couple months weren't so bad. I did have an increase in breakouts but nothing unmanageable with the minocyclien and topical treaments like SA and BP.

By the third month things got a lot worse! I had not one or two blemishes a week but a new pimple coming up daily. Most of my pimples are and have always been the little white heads but I started to get larger cysts about once a week and they wouldn't clear up for a couple weeks or even longer!

At this point I tried a couple laser treaments called Smoothbeam and V-Beam. They worked really well when I was on the pill and broke out a bit. But they didn't do anything to make it better now being of the pill! in the last 11 months I have been to a dermatologist and tried, tetrocycline, doxycycline, differine, clindets, diet change, retinol A, every possible drugstore brand you could think of and nothing has worked. My doctor has even checked my hormes and he says they are all in their normal range but they could be fluctuating within this range and there's nothing i can really do about it.

Right now I am taking vitamines and an evening primrose supplement to try to get my hormones balanced, but I've heard it can take up to two years to get your body to start producing it's own hormones regularly again. I'm really worried about this. In the last couple months my acne has become a lot worse and I'm starting to feel very beaten down by the struggle of trying to find somethign that works.

I can't go back on the BCP now, although I'm sure it would help the withdrawal has been horrible. Besides the skin problems I have had to deal with, the acne is affecting my back, shoulder and chest, I've developed an iron deficiency (caused by hormonal fluctuations) and I'm loosing my hair, I have ovarian cycsts that rupture on occasion, migrains, and I have horrible cramps and back aches before and during my period every month that are unresposive to drugs like advil and aleve. I'm kind of getting exhausted from dealing with all of this!

I am now seriously considering Accutane. But I'm afraid that if my acne is purely hormonal than it won't work or will even make things worse. Accutane really scares me because of all of it's posible negative side effects as well and I feel like after what I've been through I'll be that small percentage that gets to deal with all the really rare horrible side effects! I don't know what else I can try but I would love any input, suggestions, or advice that any of you may have.

It has already helped tremedously to know that I am not alone and I thank you all for your stores and your positivity! Your all really helping me endure the struggle and stay strong and positive!

So thank you

hi michellemac,
if you do not want to get back onto BC, then you might want to look into using vitex, or chaste tree berry, to help balance your hormones.

[michellemac]

hi michellemac,
if you do not want to get back onto BC, then you might want to look into using vitex, or chaste tree berry, to help balance your hormones.
[/quote]


I'm already taking evening primrose oil to try to do that. Would you recommend vitex and chaste tree berry over that? and how do I take those two?

Thanks!

[lish]

Hi,

I am 26 years old and have taken Ortho TriCyclen birth control pills since I was 18 (about 8 years). I never had major problems with my skin before or during my time on birth control pills (I was VERY blessed). I stopped taking the pill about 5 months ago because my husband and I want to start having children within the next year, so I figured this would give my body time to get adjust. I have had terrible problems with my skin for the past five months! I am breaking out all over my face and back, my skin is VERY oily, and my hair and scalp are SOOO greasy! The breakouts mainly occur one week before my period and the week during. I know it has to be directly linked to the pill and hormones, but I thought it would get better with time!! It actually seems to be getting worse with time. I have tried Proactiv and tons of other face washes and products. Has anyone else experienced this and had anything work for them? Thanks!!

This happened to me too!! I was on Alesse for about 7 years and stopped taking it in July. In December I started breaking out on my chin...now I have it all over my chin, jawline, and a bit on my forhead. I have never in my life had acne this bad before. It's awful. So in January I started taking Daine 35 (birth control pill). It's supposed to be good for clearing up acne. My face got even worse after I started taking that. I then started on antibiotics and am waiting for an appointment with a dermatologist. I went to an esthetician (sp?) and recently started using DerMed cleaner and toner (expensive!). I had tried all kinds of cleansers, creams, etc. nothing worked. So as it is now my face has improved a bit since it was at it's worst, but it's still quite bad (in my opinion). I don't understand why this would have happened, but the only thing I can link it to is stopping the pill. Oh and by the way, I'm 25.

[lish]

Hi,

I am 26 years old and have taken Ortho TriCyclen birth control pills since I was 18 (about 8 years). I never had major problems with my skin before or during my time on birth control pills (I was VERY blessed). I stopped taking the pill about 5 months ago because my husband and I want to start having children within the next year, so I figured this would give my body time to get adjust. I have had terrible problems with my skin for the past five months! I am breaking out all over my face and back, my skin is VERY oily, and my hair and scalp are SOOO greasy! The breakouts mainly occur one week before my period and the week during. I know it has to be directly linked to the pill and hormones, but I thought it would get better with time!! It actually seems to be getting worse with time. I have tried Proactiv and tons of other face washes and products. Has anyone else experienced this and had anything work for them? Thanks!!

This happened to me too!! I was on Alesse for about 7 years and stopped taking it in July. In December I started breaking out on my chin...now I have it all over my chin, jawline, and a bit on my forhead. I have never in my life had acne this bad before. It's awful. So in January I started taking Daine 35 (birth control pill). It's supposed to be good for clearing up acne. My face got even worse after I started taking that. I then started on antibiotics and am waiting for an appointment with a dermatologist. I went to an esthetician (sp?) and recently started using DerMed cleaner and toner (expensive!). I had tried all kinds of cleansers, creams, etc. nothing worked. So as it is now my face has improved a bit since it was at it's worst, but it's still quite bad (in my opinion). I don't understand why this would have happened, but the only thing I can link it to is stopping the pill. Oh and by the way, I'm 25.

The exact same thing happened to me. I talked to my doctor and they said there is nothing they can do. My roommate literally has perfect skin her whole life and went off the pill for 6 months and broke out so badly that she went back on the pill. There is seriously nothing we can do. I recommend however, keep seeing the aesthetician, which has made a world of difference for me. I get dermabrasion and a salicylic aid peel once every month or two. I also take spironlactone; I would recommend it to anyone. Controls the oil production of your skin greatly! Also, look into taking vitamin D and other vitamins like zinc, fish old, A and B. I try to get most my vitamins from organic produce. I also discovered Estrosense, a natural hormonal balance herbal medicine. I just started it and do not know if it will make a difference. Even with BC I still have break outs, but I have always had bad skin. I am 25 and have been on Alesse for 10 years. Both times I have tried stopping I broke out so bad I would take it again because it was not worth the physical and mental pain! It's sad that doctors don't tell you about this before you make the decision to start the pill. Good luck!

[kiwi_kazoo]

I'm already taking evening primrose oil to try to do that. Would you recommend vitex and chaste tree berry over that? and how do I take those two?

Thanks!

EPO has estrogenic properties. so if your imbalance is being caused by estrogen dominance, then i would recommend the vitex. vitex helps to increase your progesterone levels by stimulating the release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland.

i tried EPO before i realized that it was estrogen dominance that was giving me problems and it did not help me at all.

[kestrelk8]

In march 2009 i stopped taking my bc pills after ten years straight. around july i started developing horrible acne. worse than i had it in high school and in places i've never had it before at all. like many of you i was freaking out but i decided to have patience and wait it out all the meanwhile using proactiv as well as neutrogena's home microderm abrasion kit twice a week. i was dead set on staying off bc pills no matter what. it is now mid november and i am happy to say that my hormones are leveling out and my acne is finally disappearing. my face is almost back to being as perfect as it was on the pill. i just wanted to post this to let people know that there IS light at the end of the tunnel. just have patience!

[Jaka]

In march 2009 i stopped taking my bc pills after ten years straight. around july i started developing horrible acne. worse than i had it in high school and in places i've never had it before at all. like many of you i was freaking out but i decided to have patience and wait it out all the meanwhile using proactiv as well as neutrogena's home microderm abrasion kit twice a week. i was dead set on staying off bc pills no matter what. it is now mid november and i am happy to say that my hormones are leveling out and my acne is finally disappearing. my face is almost back to being as perfect as it was on the pill. i just wanted to post this to let people know that there IS light at the end of the tunnel. just have patience!

That's so funny, that's when I stopped the BCP after 10 years too and my acne started in July as well!! I thought I was reading my own story for a minute LOL!! Except I don't think my hormones have naturally balanced out yet.... does it just happen on it's own? You didn't go see a derm or anything for help?