I was on OTC for 15 years and miss it! I loved it and never had PMS or any breakthrough bleeding, and my skin was clear (except for 2 dark spots under eyes which happens from the pill). However; when I turned 35 my OBGYN recommended I get off due to being in the age range of higher health risks (stroke, blood clots, etc.). I don't smoke and am very healthy, so I decided maybe it's time to quit. My skin stayed clear for the first 2-3 months and the 2 dark spots disappeared! Strangers commented on how great my skin looked, so I was pleased to have quit the OTC. Then, it all happened..breakout after breakout- worse than my teenage years! After 6 months of over the counter acne remedies and a prescription from the crappy dermatologist, my horrible acne remained. I ran back to the pill, but the dr. prescribed TriNessa this time (told me it was the same, just generic version). I've been on it for 2 1/2 months now and have NONSTOP breakthrough bleeding and HUGE ZITS and hard knobs all along my cheeks and jawline and dozens of little bumps on my forehead! I am switching to OTC next month and will see what happens. Otherwise, I am going to get off the pill and STAY off the pill. I'd rather have teenage acne than CYSTIC BOILS and constant bleeding!

I was on OTC for 4 years- switched to cheaper Trinessa and my skin became awful. OTC made my skin look great. I break out all the time now and my sex drive has decreased.

I've been taking Ortho-Tri-Clen (regular) since Sept 04, along with Retin-A Micro .1%. I used this particular combo for approximately one year before being placed on Accutane. Unfortunately, even though it seemed like this combo was working for me (after six weeks of constantly breaking out when I started), it began to lose effectiveness about eight months after starting this regimen. I began to get very stubborn, cystic acne that was mainly located on the sides of my chin. It wasn't very widespread, but the lesions would stick around for weeks, and as soon as one would disappear, another one would come up almost right next to where the old one was! Plus, my skin had gotten extremely oily. Also, the only week where I would see somewhat of a clear face was always the week I was not taking any active pills. Usually, about two weeks out from my period, the madness would start all over again. Other side effects, like weight gain and breast tenderness, were definitely present in the beginning, but wore off after a few months; however, I did lose pretty much all of my sex drive. Overall, this pill is good for shortening and making periods more bearable, but didn't help my acne much at all. If anything, it morphed it into this evil monster type that was even more frustrating to deal with. After my Accutane course is over with, I'll be requesting a change to Yasmin. Hopefully, that will be a better fit for me.

I have used Ortho-tri regular and it works really well for acne- been on since 1998- however I have stopped using it off due to side effects like mood swings and constant yeast infections. I have used Alesse in between switches- I still break out on Alesse but it was bearable- however I am trying to not be on any pill and suffer severe break outs when I go off- I am hoping Othro-tri-lo will not give the rash side effects of the regular pill but still stabilize my breakouts.

Oh man. I have been on a total of 6 birth control pills because of weight gain. OTC made me gain the most of all!!! 20 pounds about. Since then, I went on 5 different pills, but I have to say in terms of acne, OTC definitely cleared me up the best of all. I am on Yasmin right now and that is the best in terms of weight issues. I actually LOST the weight that I had gained from all of the birth controls once I started taking this!!! Only, my acne got much worse! I guess I'll just have to keep looking. Kind of sucks....

Ortho tri-cyclen cleared up my skin for years- about four- but then I abruptly began breaking out. I managed to get my skin under control (I was still breaking out, but it wasn't too bad) and then had the brilliant idea to go on ortho tri-cyclen lo. I broke out worse than I ever had before. I went back on regular ortho tri-cyclen and skin went back to being okay. Recently I switched to the patch, which is supposed to be the same as the pill but with more estrogen, and my skin is perfect.

I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 2 wks now. So far, I've been going through the "normal" symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, etc. My mood is quite the same but I'm definitely hungrier than usual. I get crazy cravings after all my meals. I don't feel bloaty so far. I used to break out A LOT but it's been helping (I think). My face looks a bit clearer and less oily. As for my boobs, they look about the same (sucky!)--only they hurt like a bitch. Overall, I'm pretty content. I agree that it's not for everyone.. you just have to find the one that works WITH your body, not against it.

I went on OTC (regular) early in college because of acne and it worked WONDERS. My skin cleared up (along with some cleocin lotion) and except for the occasional pimple (which i can easily deal with after what I had previously) I never had any problems. Because of insurance reasons I was switched to OTC Lo about 6 months ago and my face broke out worse than ever before. It took about a month and a half or two months and then no matter what I tried (proactiv, retin-a, ANYTHING) nothing seemed to work. I did some research on my own and found out that OTC Lo has not been tested in any way for its effectiveness on acne prevention and clearing and that the medical reason given for OTC's effect is the specific hormone combination - which is different in OTC Lo. Needless to say I am going back on OTC starting this Sunday -- let's hope my face can recover.

I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen (regular, not lo) for almost a year now and it works great! It took about 6 months for my face, back, and chest to clear up, but now - aside from a few minor breakouts - my skin looks great. I am very happy with this BCP, no side effects. In fact, my periods are lighter and I have hardly any cramping. Everyone is different, but I would give this pill a try and see if it works for you.

I've been using Orthyotrycycline for 4 months. It's served its intended purpose just fine, but hasn't touched my skin at all (yet!). Hopefully I'll see some difference soon? I'll give it a year before I try something else....