296 replies to this topic

[Casablancaa]

Happyduckling, I have never had eczema in my entire life, not even patches of dry skin and I've developed a severe case these past few years while on BCP.. Flare ups- caused by SUN exposure...I have been in the sun my whole life and this summer I have been sitting in my room because if I am out too long, blisters and flare ups will happen on my right hand...as I'm typing now, my hand looks like a horrific sight, half of it is peeled off...the docs don't tell you that BCP hormones mess with your nutrient levels...after researching for a month I just discovered this...

All I'm saying is this better not be permanent. I'm hoping after a few more months and into cooler weather, I won't have eczema anymore..

________________________________________
Also, wanted to mention, perhaps those going off the birth control pill should consider taking acne antibiotics temporarily. I said in my previous post, I've been off the BCP for 1 month only, and started to break out severely...well I've only been taking my minocycline for a few days and the acne is starting to go away ! I forgot about how effective this drug is ..

yay for minocycline!!

Edited by calichick01, 19 July 2011 - 06:07 PM.

[HappyDuckling]

Hi Calichick01, I feel your pain and anger. Being suddenly allergic to sun is like being allergic to life!
Glad that minocycline is helping you, but have you seen the side effects? "Minocycline increases sensitivity to sunlight." Maybe that's making your BCP caused eczema even worse?

[Casablancaa]

Hi Calichick01, I feel your pain and anger. Being suddenly allergic to sun is like being allergic to life!
Glad that minocycline is helping you, but have you seen the side effects? "Minocycline increases sensitivity to sunlight." Maybe that's making your BCP caused eczema even worse?

Yup, I know that with Minocycline, they warn you to be cautious of burning quicker and more sensitivity to sunlight, but I know Minocycline isn't making it worse because I had not taken it in over half a year, since December or January. I was trying to take less medications, so I was only on the high-dose BCP, and my hand this year has been at its worst yet...so no I just started up with the Minocycline again a few days ago....

this "allergic to sunlight" thing from BCP is absolutely insane, basically just a waste of a summer for me...my 21st one too..

Edited by calichick01, 19 July 2011 - 11:13 PM.

[Stiletto Ninja]

Hey guys I just stopped my bcp and started breaking out bad, but I looked up all the hormonal changes and anti-androgen stuff and I think u guys should start looking into it, so far I just started washing my face with nizoral (dandruff shampoo) and it seems to be working really well so far. I've also started taking DIM and saw palmetto+pygeum, and hopefully my hormones will level out and my face will stop being retarded. Hope this helps!

[Casablancaa]

I've decided I may want to go on BCP again, this time a lower dose pill, as I'm sure this will help.
After 1-2 months of not taking BCP, the cons are building up...this is what I've experienced so far-

-Mild cystic acne has returned
-hair gets oilier after the 1st day
-I have lost 4-5 pounds (for some this may be good, but I look like a pile of bones right now)
-Lost 1 inch off my bust size
-Periods come more often (before starting BCP, sometimes I'd have 2 periods in 1 month)
-Period flow is heavier, more cramps at the start of it.


I'm thinking of going on Ortho Tri Cyclen. It seems similar to Yasmin and I never had any problems while on Yasmin....I have my appnt with the doc this monday!

[N.clare]

I've just started using progesterone cream, it can help if your estrogen or androgens levels aren't normal. There's lots of info about it online, and I've been reading dr John lee's hormone balance made simple. It's quite simple to use with the instructions, and there are no side effects if used correctly.
I'm using emerita pro-gest as it's recommended on most the info I've found and it's natural and paraben free.
I would suggest ppl give it a try before trying chemical hormones, bcp or spiro

[poodleboo]

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 exact same thing happened to me. I am 23 years old and was on Cyclessa for 7 years and about 3 months after I stopped taking birth control pills my skin went from perfect to terrible. I tried Proactiv, Skin ID and various over the counter products and nothing seemed to work for me... I went to the dermatologist and I started using Duac and Ziana in December of 2010 and April 2011 my skin was completely clear with the exception of hyperpigmentation marks from previous acne. By May 2011 my skin was completely clear and hyperpigment-free. My daily regimen consisted of the following:

-AM-
Cerave cleanser & pat dry
Duac gel all over face
Murad skin perfecting lotion
-PM-
Cerave cleanser & pat dry
Ziana gel all over face
Cerave PM facial moisturizing lotion

**I also had 2 chemical peels performed at my dermatologists office during the first 6 weeks of my treatment. These were TERRIBLE and made my skin much worse. My doctor then suggested I have a pulsed light/heat energy therapy treatment. I had two sessions of this and noticed great improvement after each one.

**Also, I took FertilAid (http://www.fairhavenhealth.com/fertilaid-for-women.html) fertility supplement which helped to regulate my periods again because they were all over the place after going off the pill. Even though it is advertised as a "fertility supplement" it really seemed to be more of a hormonal regulator supplement. This may or may not have directly helped my skin but it did regulate my cycles and when you have acne after going off the pill irregular cycles and hormone levels are at the root cause of the acne. So basically its worth a shot...

**Occasionally I would use the Proactiv refining mask as a spot treatment overnight after my Cerave lotion if I had la arge pimple coming on.

**Occasionally I would use CVS brand 10% benzoyl peroxide acne spot gel in the AM after my Murad lotion if I had a cluster of small pimples.

I followed this regimen religiously for 5 months and my stubborn acne that I thought would never go away was finally gone. Also, even though it is not recommended my dermatologists, I think that being in the sun during the month of May really helped to fade my hyperpigmentation spots. I originally thought they only appeared faded because I got a sun tan but now that my tan has faded quite a bit it is obvious that the marks have indeed faded as well. Hope this helps, good luck!

[lilmisssunshine30]

hi ive been on birth control for about 5months and ive considered discontinuing them because ive had terrible depression and mood changes. i am using the pill to prevent pregnancy.
i researched side effects for discontinuing birth control and i did not know severe acne was one of them. i am terrified to stop my pill after reading all the stories .
i had mild acne before the pill, and none during. i am eager to stop bc, but im afraid of the symptoms .
has anyone ever heard anything about the acne that can occur after stoping from just a few months of being on birth control ?
i am taking a low dose pill if that helps

[blissful828]

Hi all, this is probably my first post. After reading all your comments about acne after pill, I am so scared.

I am on the Gracial Pill (any one here who took this?) for 1 year exactly. I decided to go off because of mild depression (i get moody and emotion very quickly over small things) and I just didn't want any more artificial hormones.

My skin had some moderate acne beforeI went on the pill. During the pill, I am SO proud of my skin - very nice and no spots! Yay! But I didn't associate this benefit, only after 6 months later I started to realize this advantage.

And now I read this post I am terrified!!! Should not have went on the pill, if I had known, I would had never taken it.

I came off the pill last Saturday for the one week gap and since THIS Saturday (when I was supposed to start again) my skin has developed some acne....

I have done some research by reading this thread, I had been taking am taking ever since last week :

1. Zinc for Acne from Puritan's Pride
2. Burdoch Root, Dandelion Root, Milk thistle Seed Extract (all in one bundle from the Swanson's liver essentials)
3. 2000mg of evening primrose oil every day


I am totally freaked out, I hope it doesn't get worse...

I have heard that some people developed acne 3 - 6 months after they stopped their pill. But mine came IMMEDIATELY! OMGOSH!! WILL IT GET WORSE!!!!????

[Kristabel]

There are a few of you very scared by this whole thread, as i was. And its very understandable.
But keep in mind that this thread is full of worst case scenarios from women who came here out of desperation, it is not representative of the average woman's experience coming off the pill.

Most women do not experience acne problems as bad as this after coming off the pill. Its common to experience 3 or 4 months of bad skin after coming off the pill but nobody knows how each person will react as everyone is different.

I would say the majority of women who experience severe acne after stopping birth control are those who had some degree of acne before starting the pill

[blissful828]

There are a few of you very scared by this whole thread, as i was. And its very understandable.
But keep in mind that this thread is full of worst case scenarios from women who came here out of desperation, it is not representative of the average woman's experience coming off the pill.

Most women do not experience acne problems as bad as this after coming off the pill. Its common to experience 3 or 4 months of bad skin after coming off the pill but nobody knows how each person will react as everyone is different.

I would say the majority of women who experience severe acne after stopping birth control are those who had some degree of acne before starting the pill

Thanks for this! Really helps me relief.. By nonetheless, I have experienced some mild (very) acne ever since I came off a week ago. Small tiny red bumps, around 5, on my face at areas which never appeared. I am going to the doctor today and see what's wrong and what to do. Hope for all the best!!

And before I went off the pill, I asked the nurse about acne after pill and the severity. She actually never seen a bad case and told me to see what happens. Hope all is going to be well!

[Casablancaa]

I think that it is apparent that us girls coming off the pill who's acne has returned, had acne before the pill, and during the pill, it did wonders for our skin, cleared it while using it, so when we come off of it, and our body is returned to its "natural" state, i.e. acne, we aren't used to it and need to get used to controlling it once again.
________________________________________________________________

Soooo a little update, I have been off the pill for 2.5 months. I honestly don't think I will ever touch chemical hormones ever again (if I absolutely have to, it will be a low dose pill for sure)...

The pill I was on was creating an "estrogen dominance" in my body. My liver was overworked. I'm trying to get back to a healthy, natural state. My acne is still bad after stopping the BCP, not going to lie. It is around my mouth area, a lot of cysts. Big cysts. I am starting back on Minocycline to control it. I have had great results with antibiotics in the past..and my acne responds immediately after taking it.

The estrogen dominance from taking the BCP was causing a lot of problems for me. I still have my sun allegry/eczema on my right hand although I've learned to control it with applying an SPF 50 on it. After these 2.5 months, I can tan way better. I am no longer burned within a few hours of being in the sun. I feel better...my libido is increased tenfold....starting to regret being on birth control pills all these years. My prime years 18-19-20-21...it totally changed me as a person...no sex drive whatsoever...but yea..we can only learn..


I wanted to mention to you all still on BCP, to be careful of estrogen dominance. If your body does not like the added estrogen that you are taking from the BCP, it will respond. (your estrogen levels are too high) It will mainly affect those who are on the BCP for more than a few years or who are on high dose or normal dose pills. ED can be mild, or severe in some cases and symptoms include-

"ESTROGEN DOMINANCE SYMPTOMS

The symptoms and conditions associated with estrogen dominance are:

Acceleration of the aging process
Allergies, including asthma, hives, rashes, sinus congestion
Autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosis and thyroiditis, and possibly Sjoegren's disease
Breast cancer
Breast tenderness
Cervical dysplasia
Cold hands and feet as a symptom of thyroid dysfunction
Copper excess
Decreased sex drive
Depression with anxiety or agitation
Dry eyes
Early onset of menstruation
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
Fat gain, especially around the abdomen, hips and thighs
Fatigue
Fibrocystic breasts
Foggy thinking
Gallbladder disease
Hair Loss
Headaches
Hypoglycemia
Increased blood clotting (increasing risk of strokes)
Infertility
Irregular menstrual periods
Irritability
Insomnia
Magnesium deficiency
Memory loss
Mood swings
Osteoporosis
Polycystic ovaries
Premenopausal bone loss
PMS
Prostate cancer (men only)
Sluggish metabolism
Thyroid dysfunction mimicking hypothyroidism
Uterine cancer
Uterine fibroids
Water retention, bloating
Zinc deficiency"


JUST BE WARY AND MONITOR YOUR BODY.... be very careful with BCP, it is a strong potent chemical!! I just cringe to think, If I stayed on the pill for a few more years, what more severe problems I could have encountered.....scary..

Edited by calichick01, 13 September 2011 - 05:48 AM.

[clearing]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to posting, but I've been following this thread closely as I recently broke out as a result of going off the pill. I was on Ortho Tri for only 2 months...I had perfectly clear skin prior to going on, and only went on to control my menstrual pain. I had gone on ortho tri 3 years earlier when I was in university and it has no adverse effects, so I assumed it was a safe option. How i was so wrong!!!

As soon as I got on the ortho tri back in August, I started getting a new zit each week... it got to the point where it was unbearable, and I decided to go off at the beginning of October. As soon as I got off, I started getting painful NEW zits every day. My face has been taken over by major acne, to the point where I've had to invest in concealer, foundation and powder just to provide ample coverage.

I was prescribed clyndoxl gel by my MD- didn't work at all. I've tried zinc (50 mg) + evening primrose oil (1300 mg) over the past 4 weeks with insignificant improvements. I'm using Queen Helene Mint Julep mask, and doing aspirin masks every other day- helping a little bit.

Here's where it gets interesting- I went to a Naturopath earlier this week. She's very well known in my area (Toronto Canada). She asked that I bring in all products that I was using (internally and externally). She started by asking a series of questions about my health, job, stress level, etc, etc. Then... she made me lye down, and she started checking for my pressure points. She advised that the problem WAS NOT hormone imbalance... but that it was in my gut. Apparently, the chemicals in certain birth control meds (i.e., ortho tri) lead to bad bacteria being inputted into your system, as well as good bacteria being taken away. My gut is unable to process positive nutrients without the good bacteria. After a series of weird kiniseology type tests (she essentially would make me smell an herb and then test my body's resistance to it- this process took an hour as she also tested my makeup and cleansers), she prescribed two herbs that should fix the problem within the week. She also told me to stop using zinc (my body didn't like it) and my Aveno moisturizer. See the vid/website below for the kiniesology explanation.

I was EXTREMELY skeptical at first as I had never heard of Gut-Acne problems... but my redness has been fading... my skin feels a lot smoother in texture. It's very strange- she was definitely on to something.

[blissful828]

Hi,

Just some updates ever since coming off the BCP almost two months ago. My post is still on the same page up there..
So I was taking the BCP called Gracial, been off around.. 9 weeks ago. Of course, some bumps and acne. But the tiny spots resided and now it is kind of smooth, with some bumps here and there.

I had my first period almost on the right time - only 2 days late.

HOWEVER (this is my concern now), I was supposed to have my period last Saturday (so it's been almost a week late)... Should I worry about this?

I have been taking a lot of herbs and chinese meds ever since I came off to re balance my hormones... But how come my period isn't coming yet?

How long does it take for the hormones to rebalance? I am kind of scared, especially with my acne problems, so scared that it will flare up again. it is now alright, but I wouldn't say it is a lot better than last month, at least not worst (fingers crossed).

[SarahWiedeman]

I am having this same issue. I was on BC for 3 years and got off it about 3 or 4 months ago. I have always had acne but the birth control helped immensely and I only had very minor breakouts during my period. But now that I'm off of it my face has gone haywire. I have about 5 cysts and many pustules all around my mouth and lower cheek area. It is driving me crazy! I have avoided my husband today just because I didn't want him to see my ugly face Does anyone know of any hormonal acne treatment alternative to BC? I heard of some woman using progesterone cream to help with hormonal acne. I am willing to try anything! Don't want to resort to using BC again! What I would do to have beautiful skin and not worry about if people are just looking at my pimples!

[SarahWiedeman]

My progesterone cream should be here tomorrow (Pro-gest by Emerita), I am very helpful that this will help with my hormonal acne flare ups. I have read that it works similar to birth control in healing acne in that it blocks androgens. I will be using it for the 2 weeks before my period every month. I hope this works. I will keep you all updated on how it and if it helps if you are interested!

[Sima]

I stopped taking birth control for a week, but I kept taking my Spironolactone daily. My forehead, which is one area that never breaks out, broke out in tiny whiteheads and red inflamed bumps. Needless to say, I'm going back on the BC. Not sure if I can make the transition yet to where I won't need prescription meds to even out my hormones.

[blissful828]

Ok, updates... Ever since my second period came along, my face is broken out... Usually I get acne on my forehead (which I do now), but today I woke up with random tiny red spots (like 5) on my cheeks. This never happens. I am freaked out... My scalp has also gotten more oily and I have these red bumps on my scalp now, all along the hair line. Don't know if it's bc of my shampoo, so I switched today and see how it will go.

I thought once your period comes it should be ok?! Argh i'm so upset, my forehead is like a mine, with scars and red bumps....

I am not going back on the BCP no matter what...

I have been taking EPO as well as zinc and other supplements for the 8,9 weeks i'm off BCP. Does any one know how long it takes the body to adjust back to its normal state? Thanks

[Ukulala]

I realize I am bumping this quite a ways, but I *had* to chime in. I only joined acne.org because of the - what I now think to be - combination hormonal and liver taxation breakouts I had about 6-7 months after coming off the pill, and two or so months after coming off an antidepressant.

Reading this thread has helped me SO MUCH because I feel what I went through MAKES SENSE now!

Though I had some mild to moderate acne as a teenager, it was never awful. Topicals did a fine job on it. At 18, I went on the pill under the guise of helping my skin (though I actually just wanted the sexual freedom that came with it); took it for almost five years non-stop. Tried a different pill for a minute, but mainly stuck to Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo.
Came off of it in January '11; in June, I started breaking out, and by August, my breakouts were SO SEVERE - enormous nodules that I had NEVER encountered before. Oh man, it was awful.

I had Epiduo, a prescription cream that is a combination of BP/adalpalene (Differin, basically), but it just didn't seem to do anything.

...Which makes sense, if my breakouts were indeed hormonal. Alas, my system just had to get it out of it.

But! There *is* a light at the end of the tunnel! Now, in December, my skin is under control. I'm actually even trying to discontinue use of the Epiduo; I'm not a fan of benzoyl peroxide. If my face gets spotted, I think I'll try Differin again (it worked wonders in College).

Have gone to a naturopath and he is guiding me through a pretty intense detox and cleanse -- though I think the majority of it is over. Boy, now that I know all that the BC pill can cause, I just want to rally against it! What a nightmare!

Keep your head up, do research, and support your system while it undergoes this massive shift. You *will* get through this; it's only a matter of time. I know that's daunting to hear, but I also HIGHLY advise against going back on BC. It's just so awful to mess with your hormones like that.

With regards --

Ok, updates... Ever since my second period came along, my face is broken out... Usually I get acne on my forehead (which I do now), but today I woke up with random tiny red spots (like 5) on my cheeks. This never happens. I am freaked out... My scalp has also gotten more oily and I have these red bumps on my scalp now, all along the hair line. Don't know if it's bc of my shampoo, so I switched today and see how it will go.

I thought once your period comes it should be ok?! Argh i'm so upset, my forehead is like a mine, with scars and red bumps....

I am not going back on the BCP no matter what...

I have been taking EPO as well as zinc and other supplements for the 8,9 weeks i'm off BCP. Does any one know how long it takes the body to adjust back to its normal state? Thanks

I think it differs for everybody. I seem to be getting back to normal about a year after quitting - a little under a year, actually - but I also had different circumstances, as my liver was a bit compromised from years of antidepressants (no bueno for poor liver!). It was about four months of really awful symptoms for me, once they set in, but once I could even *see* the light at the end of the tunnel, man, that was a great thing. Keep that chin up!

[blissful828]

Hello Ukulala,
Thank you so much for your response. It's good that you're done with the horrible effects after coming off the pill! And thank goodness that this ISN'T going to last forever, because I heard stories that it might! I went to naturopaths as well, took a lot of meds (probaby total of a month of a various herbs) and for some time (like the two months right after I came off the pill), it was good. This month just didn't do so well.

And another thing I realized about my cycle - is that my acne tends to LESSEN before and after my period. Isn't this weird? My face is good now (no active breakouts, or it may be due to I jus went for a peel), but I remembered a month ago my skin was also flawless when I was about to get my period, and afterwards. I was so glad, thinking it was the end! But was I wrong hahaha...

I have been on the pill for one year exact, on this pill called Gracial. I notice that not a lot of people take this pill, and especially on this thread, most people, like you, take Ortho. I hope that since I didn't take the pill for that long, it wont' take my body long to adjust!

By the way, other than topicals, did you happen to do anything to help 'fix' your acne flare during the times when it was unbalanced? Because I'm taking a whole bunch of supplements and herbs (SO MANY) that I don't even know which ones help and which ones don't. But they are mostly vitamins, herbs like olive leaf, burdoch root, blueberries etc etc.

Any how again, so glad that your skin is turning better! I'm so happy for you, and at the same time, I hope that this flare of mine goes away quick quick quick!

Edited by blissful828, 12 December 2011 - 08:45 AM.