All these posts are very discouraging and have me stressed out for when I decide to stop taking my BCP. Here is my plan for when that time approaches and hopefully it will work in some way, doesn't have to be 100%.

 

I am scared of just waking up one day and deciding..Well today is the day I stop cold turkey with my BCP. I am not sure if that is what everyone else does and that just sends your body into crazy mode. Two or three months before I would like to actually stop, I would like to only take half of the pill for the first month, second month if even possible take a smaller amount even if I have to crush that baby up and take a small amount. Then after that month I will stop. I'm not sure if that would make any difference but it's worth a try. During that time period though, I plan on trying the evening primrose oil and maybe Echinacea. That concludes my plan of weening myself off BCP.

 

My skin care routine will stay the same until I see any big time problems. Before BCP I never really had horrible acne, but I had some and at that time I wasn't really taking care of my skin either so that had to be the big cause for the few pimples I would get. I wouldn't wash my face with any acne face washes at all. I would just use a facial cleanser for removing make up. As I got older is when I started really caring about my acne and started trying acne washes. I didn't start BCP because of acne. I take Yaz and have been on it for ... around maybe 4-5 years. It has cleared up any acne that I used to get, but I do get one to two very tiny tiny pimples when that time of the month comes along which are no big deal unless I myself pick at it and make it red which I do that almost all the time, bad habit. I use Neutrogena facial cleanser to remove my makeup, their grapefruit acne scrub at night and their grapefruit acne gel wash in the morning. After every wash I use Lumene Radiant Touch Toner, followed by Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer spf 15. Twice a week or more if I feel a pimple coming on I use Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, I use it only as a mask and leave it on for quite a while or sometimes for spot treatment over night. I tell you ladies these products are wonderful for ME and I hope they still help after BCP. From reading all the other posts, I don't expect my face to be clear like it is now, but if I just get a few pimples like I used to, I have not problem with that. I can manage. I know everyone is different and might not get the same results but if you have not tried these please do. I also take Womens one a day vitamin and B complex. All this will stay the same once I am off BCP but I will add the evening primrose or echinacea and eat healthier.

 

Every body is different and will react differently. There are ladies out there that can stop taking BCP and do not break out badly. Just be positive and all you can do is try different things, don't give up. SO, if this has any good results I will keep everyone updated on it.

I read a thread on here about a girl who decreased her birth control pill slightly each month and it worked for her. She took 3/4 of it the first month, 1/2 the second, and 1/4 the third and experienced no acne breakout since she slowly eased off the pill. It's definitely worth a shot! I don't think any harm can be done.

I tried taking Yaz for acne a couple years ago... I'm 27 now and I used Yaz for a about a year. It helped with some of the oilyness and it surely helped with my appetite, but it didn't clear up my skin 100%. I still had some red inflamed bumps while taking the Yaz, and it would get worse before my period. Anyway, I stopped taking birth control because I was scared of the side effects like stroke, blood clots...

I think my skin has become more oily since I stopped. It's hard to remember how bad it was before though since the birth control did help a bit with that. And my face is semi-bad now with little pimples/bumps around my jawline area...a place where I never had acne before.

So yeah I would believe that birth control can mess up your hormones in strange ways...

Hi. I found this message board as I was searching for answers. I'm 34, and had been on hormonal birth control off and on (mostly on) since I was 15. When I had stopped in the past, I didn't have any problems with my skin. I've never really had problem skin, except the typical high school oily face, breakouts every now and then. For a little over a year, I was taking the pill continuously, as my periods had gotten very heavy. Well, I was spotting, I'm 34, my blood pressure is high, I was gaining weight, etc, etc. So I quit the pill about 3 months ago, and got paraguard (a 10 year IUD, non-hormonal). About a month after I quit the pill, my face started breaking out. I'm oily all the time. My cheeks have NEVER been oily before, now they are ridiculously oily. I have little pimples covering my entire face. I've always used Mary Kay products and never had a problem. I've changed a couple of products, and added a few of my boyfriend's products. He uses Proavtiv, and I've started using the sulfur mask, and occasionally the toner. I like to use a salycilic acid-based toner as well. I got a stronger benzoil peroxide cream, and I'm using mineral-based makeup. It seems to be helping, but I've just started this full-on battle! I was hoping that it was going to be very temporary, but after reading all these posts, I'm doubtful. Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I'll be trying some of those things if what I'm doing does not succeed.

Birth control pills cleared up my acne (which was mild) but my skin went crazy for about a year after I stopped taking it. My skin has always been dry but since coming off the pill, I feel it's a lot oilier. I also break out on my forehead, which never happened before going on the pill. I don't know if this is just my skin type changing with age or a nasty, permanent side effect of birth control pills but acne worsening is not something I like to see. I stopped taking the pills for about two-three years ago so I guess my skin should have balanced itself into its natural state. I wouldn't advise taking birth control pills for acne because it can really make your skin worse once you come off it - doctors don't seem to consider this at all

Everyone- I'd be careful about using antibiotics. The results are only temporary. Your acne bacteria will develop an immunity and then your acne will rebound. You will end up creating highly evolved "super-germs" that will be more resistant than before you started with antibiotics. Truth. I've had acne for about 40 years, so been there.

My current favorite remedy (I have cyst acne) is Silicea 6X, an inexpensive homeopathic remedy that forces foreign things out of the body. It forces acne to the surface, where it can drain and heal. And that seems to stop the cycle of reinfection. I've been using it in combination with a sulfur-based acne soap for between 6 to 8 weeks now, and my skin looks better than it ever has. I've been posting everywhere here about it, because I'm so thrilled with the results.

You obviously wouldn't want to use Silicea 6X if you have implants of any type. I don't know about using it while pregnant or breastfeeding, either. And depending on the type of acne you have, a different homeopathic remedy might be better.

Good luck to all!

I had the same experiencing. I went from great skin before the pill, great skin during the pill, and crummy skin after I stopped taking the pill. After a month or so of unmanageable skin I wanted to go back on the pill so I could have my skin back. But my mood swings were so bad when I was on the pill. I was on it for about 3 years. I thought I will give it some more time, Its just my body readjusting, my skin will go back in a couple of months. Not the case WHAT SO EVER! I have tried many things for spot treating, nothing has worked. And honestly its not even the big, painful, ugly, zits that get to me (they do get to me of course ). But mostly its that my skin quality is SO bad now, its makes me so angry. My skin is dry and flaky while being oily at the same time. I have white heads all over, not full blown zits but zits to be. I have them on my forehead (never had blackheads or whiteheads on my forehead before this) I have them in clusters on the side of my chin, and now on my cheeks. I NEVER have had zits on my cheeks before, its very upsetting. So I am deciding to try birth control again, I am little scared because I have heard some women got worse skin when they went back on the pill. I also have heard the opposite. I am going to take a pill with a lower mcg of estrogen, so hopefully it wont give me such bad mood swings. I am just hoping and praying that it will help my skin. I am going to my doctors tomorrow, and will start it later this month. I will update you on what happens. If anyone has advice or some insight I would LOVE to hear it.

Hi everyone.

I haven't posted on this thread in a while, but I wanted to post and update with some pictures of how my skin has improved since January.

A little background - I never had acne until I stopped taking Ortho Tri Cyclen after being on it for about 8 years. It took about 3 months before I started breaking out. I caved in and went back on the pill after about 9 months and it only made my skin worse. I have now been off the pill since the end of August 2010.

I started using the acne.org regimen on October 27, 2010.

This first picture was taken after almost 3 months on the BP - January 16, 2011.

[Edited link out]

This picture was taken about a week ago on July 2, 2011.

[Edited link out]

I know the regimen isn't for everyone, but it really did help my skin. After almost 2 years of feeling miserable about my skin I went outside without make up for the first time in forever the other day. My skin isn't perfect, but it has come a long long way.

I started taking Loestrin two weeks ago before I really did my research about birth control. I plan on stopping after I finish this pack due to the side effects I've been experiencing, and because of everything I've read here.

Will getting off of it after just one month cause breakouts? Also, what can I expect (cycle-wise) after I stop taking them?

Thank you in advance.

Fetus, I stopped taking Loestrin a couple weeks ago and I broke out horribly--my god it got really BAD...and I had only been taking it for one pack, too. But I've also tried Loestrin before, about a year ago, and when I stopped taking it then, I noticed no immediate difference (except for I stopped eating everything in sight). But the thing is, that doesn't really mean anything for you. Everybody's individual biology differs, so it's best not to judge your birth control on other people's reactions. Basically, you can expect to get your period, but other than that, there's really no telling what else is gonna happen. Also, if you plan on trying a different bc, you might want to just start taking it like it's your next pack, that way your hormones won't go all crazy (I sure wish I had).

Thanks for the reply, alphabetpony. I just wasn't sure if the breakouts were as common among women who had only been taking BC for a short period of time, since most of the posts in this thread are from people who have been on it for years.

I'm hopeful that I won't break out too badly since the condition of my skin hasn't changed at all since I started Loestrin. I'm buying another tube of BP just in case, though!

I don't think I'm going to try another birth control. More trouble than it's worth, in my opinion, especially since I'm not even on it to prevent pregnancy.

Hi guys..I found this thread after googling what I've been experiencing..

I'm 21 years old, and I started the birth control pill along with antibiotics (1st Doxy for a year, 2nd Minocycline) when I was 16-17 for severe cystic acne. That would be 4+ years on BCP with never more than 1 month of stopping. I was put on Yasmin (and Ocella the generic version) which I loved, and experienced no side effects. A year or so ago, I decided to switch for some reason to a higher dose BCP (a generic of Ortho Novum). Everything was going fine for a few months..but the reason I am off it now is because on my right hand I have developed dystrophic eczema, and I have linked it to the birth control, as hormones may mess with your Vitamin B levels and consequently cause skin problems (eczema) also my nail on the affect hand had developed ridges which is common in eczema cases...the eczema got has been so bad this year, I cannot do anything with my right hand.....thus I stopped my BCP 1 month ago. Eczema is still there, however significantly less itchy, and hopefully healing.

It has been 1 month since I have stopped the pill. I have had a period. And at this point, my skin is completely broken out all around the mouth, a few pimples in between the eye area. The pimples around my mouth are deteriorating and getting worse and worse. Started out as small zits, now progressed to small cysts. I haven't had this bad acne since 9th grade and it is bringing back horrible memories. My skin is also oilier, to the point where my make-up is just slipping off my face. I never realized that the BCP made skin less oily but now I look at my face in the mirror I see how I used to look when I was a preteen...broken out, oily skin. AWFUL. I have started back my minocycline antbiotic in the meantime to try to clear the acne on my face. I was trying to go the no-more-drugs route, but cannot..definitely cannot.

And now to the effects on my hair. I am completely obsessive about my hair. yes, after stopping the birth control I have 2x the amount of cramps and 2x the amount of blood flow. I'm fine with that. But my hair and my skin? My hair has never looked this damp, this drab, this oily....after I wash it and dry it, it looks like a greasy flat mess. I am hoping that after reading some of the posts here, my body is just adjusting to not having some manual pill balance the hormones....but I'm wondering should I just go back on a lower dose pill or not. Completely unsure about this. I've been rummaging in my old stash of Ocella birth control pills, but I'm sure they have expired, and after hearing about numerous lawsuits against the company and Yasmin problems, I do not know what to do...I'm breaking down and it's midnight and I've been reading these posts thinking..god please let there be a happy ending..

Hi, ladies!

I've just registered after reading every single post in this thread... Just wanted to thank you all for sharing infos, you gave me hope that everything is curable

My story in short - I was 18 when my gyno prescribed Yasmin for irregular cycles and mild case of pimples on shoulders, arms and back (rarely on the face). Little did I know that coming off it 3 years later [after coping with horrible mood swings, painful veins in my leg and depression while on the pill] would be just the beginning of the horror.

It's been 2 years since I've stopped Yasmin but things are worse. I hate myself for not reacting sooner but all of this time I was coping with depression, break up of a long relationship, etc. so I didn't really care about my appearance. Now I realize I can't lead a normal life with all of these problems, which your gyno won't even mention:

- Cystic acne on my shoulders, arms, back, thighs, butt, some on my face;

- Severe hair loss (called telogen effluvium);

- Dark hair ALL OVER the body where there's never been before BCP (chin, forehead, upper arms, back, around the nipples, on the thighs, fingers, toes...);

- Incredibly oily skin and greasy scalp;

- Red spots from suntanning (cherry angioma) - I have NEVER been allergic to the sun, been suntanning all of my life...

This may be TMI and a bit offtopic, but I just wanted to share what Yasmin has done to me. Does any of you have the same symptoms?

Anyways, sorry for the long post. But if it helps just ONE girl decide NOT to use BCP, I'll be happy. Feel free to use me as an example of how messed up BCPs are, hormones are NOT to be taken lightly, especially if acne is your biggest problem. Imagine ALL OF THIS compared to acne? I regret not getting enough info before listening to my gyno every single day. I'll take your girls' advice and consult a nutritionist, endocrinologist, try liver flushes... Everything there is to be done to get those damn toxins out of my body. I don't want to spend my early 20-s in my room anymore!

So, thank you all and... HANG IN THERE!!!

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!!

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?

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..

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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!!!!????

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

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!

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..

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.