As a general rule: never combine stuff that can alter your hormones, especially bcp which is a synthetic medication with a natural herb that can potentially alter your hormones in a different way. I was actually researching this saw palmetto, and while the side effects are very rare, they can still be quite severe for some people. As a side-note, the effects of Diane 35 can also be severe, although in most cases the person doesn't really notice much. Except, on a cellular level, bcp can have a very bad effect. I would suggest that you google : Side-effects of Diane 35 and Side-effects of birth control. In my opinion, the risk is not worth it. Why not choose a more natural solution such as Vitex or Primrose oil to balance hormones? You do realize that being on bcp doesn't cure anything in the long run. Plus, you won't be able to be on bcp forever, nor would it be safe to do so. Women need to really learn to take care of themselves better IMO, and to give up the magic pill that has really bad effects in the long run. That's just my 2 cents.

I am also against birth control. I have more respect for my natural hormone rhythms than to mess with them like that. I think it's very bad in the long run and not a sustainable method of clearing your skin. Not that I ever experienced that anyway. All birth control I ever took gave me horrible cystic acne. Maybe you'll have a different experience, but don't buy into the commercials that promise improved skin.

Hi all,

I'm about to go back on the bcp Diane 35 (after having 2 kids), and I'm quite excited about trying to get my skin under control again. I've had to let it be while trying to conceive, being pregnant and nursing, so as that's now coming to an end (I'm 35) I'm pretty anxious to be able to do something about it again! I'm wondering if anyone has used the combination of Diane 35, or another bcp, with saw palmetto and had favourable results? Also, was anyone's doctor able to tell them anything about this combination together, as mine didn't know what s.p. was but said because it's natural it should be fine...oh dear. Not good enough for me, but thanks anyway doc!!

Was also thinking of trying zinc, but again I'm unsure of combinations and my doctor was less than helpful. I asked to be referred to a derm as well and he said let's just see how you do on the bcp and we'll go from there...

Any help/advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

I don't know about the saw palmetto, but birth control was the only thing that made my acne go away and kept it that way for 10 years. It has been the only thing to clear my daughters acne also. She and I both used ortho tri cyclen. I have seen Yasmin clear acne also.