3 replies to this topic

[Starlitskies]

Hey all

So I've been researching BCP a bunch lately, and I'm really looking into getting Ortho Tri-Cyclen (can't decide between regular and Lo though). I've read quite a few good reviews, but I'm just curious for some more personal experience responses.

So, if you've taken OTC, did it give you an initial break out, and if so how long did it take to see improvement?

Did it eventually help your acne? Make it worse? Or no changes?

Any other bad side effects?

I'm open to reviews on different types of BCP as well! I just want to know what WORKED for you girls!

[angolmois]

I'm actually taking Ortho Cyclen (not try cyclen - mine has consistent amount of hormones through out the pack). I've tried estrostep before which was suppose to help with acne. That caused about 5-9 lb weight gain, depression, and didn't clear my acne.

I really like ortho cyclen, it DEFINITELY helped with acne, no real side effects (except insomnia for me, but I always had that, it just made it worse - alot of hormone medications do that for me) and no weight gain. I was going to ask for ortho tri cyclen lo (just because of the lower dosage) but my doctor really pushed me towards this one because she said normal dosage shouldn't have side effects... and I'm glad she did because she was right!

You really need to experiment with BCP to see which one works for you, tbh... Hormones work differently on everybody. Try out the major ones first like OTC (or OC)... I heard different things with Yaz but most doctors I talked to told me not to worry about bad things I heard about Yaz although they didn't recommend it too much either.

Edited by angolmois, 11 June 2012 - 08:05 AM.

[Jabberwocky80]

Ortho Lo did nothing to help with my acne. I have considered coming off of it, but the various doctors I've discussed this with said my acne could rebound. I am currently on spironolactone after years of being off of it, and this has definitely been my saving grace.

[Starlitskies]

Hmmm, it seems like Ortho works good for some people, and not for others. I'm thinking about just going with the Mirena IUD since hopefully there won't be enough hormones in that to make my acne worse. It seems like Ortho will either make my acne better OR worse, and basically I'd rather just skip the risk of it getting worse and go with Mirena. Although it can make it worse, I don't think it will because the hormone dosage is so low...

I hate BC