Diane-35 : Oral Contraceptive

Hey girls, I've been on Estelle 35 (generic brand of Diane- 35) due to skin problems. I have never had bad skin as such, but the hormonal pimples I do have on my forehead and on my cheeks in particular have made me really self conscious and this is the reason why I've decided to try this Pill. In the past, due to myself not being confident in my skin, have tried so many different options. Creams, exfoliators, Bezac, Doxycycline Oral Antibiotic (which was amazing, but you can't be on it for more than 8 months), Epiduo, different skin routines... so many different things, and nothing has really worked out for me long term. So far (2 and a half months in), I haven't seen much change in my skin. I've read various reviews and have come to the conclusion that I should see effective results between the 3 - 6 month range... I just want it to show results as soon as possible. I am usually such a patient person, though with this pill and not seeing any positive changes to my skin as of yet, I'm slowly getting impatient. I just have to stick it out, but I need it to show results soon, just so I can start feeling confident in myself again. As far as side affects go, I haven't had any... maybe only increased appetite, but that's not too much of a major issue for me, so I guess I've been quite fortunate. In saying all this, I do want to keep you posted on my progress as this review page has honestly shown me so much and giving my input will hopefully help some of you who are going though the same thing. Please do go to my blog, there will be updated reviews every couple of weeks to keep you updated if interested. We are all in this together xo

Seems to be doing it's job,my husband likes the big breast thing, since i'm an A cup, this is a nice alternative to plastic surgery as right now I'm pushing a C cup! I have gained about 5 lbs since being on it for 2 months which again could just be all the Chinese food i'm eating. Or the bigger breasts?? Hmmm...the extream tenderness i quite irritating. I have excellent medical coverage and usually get my prescription free, sometimes I have to pay a dollar or so. Of all the BC i've used this one is my least favorite but i need it for maintence since being on Accutane (whole other thread).

Rarely had a pimple during my teens...had combination skin and suffered from mild eczema. Fast forward to early adulthood. Suddenly (and I mean suddenly) saw whiteheads all cross my face mainly in the cheek and chin area. I would classify it as mild/moderate acne. It really distressed me at the time and affected my self confidence. Spoke to my GP and after failing to see any noticeable results using prescription creams (Differin, Duac) she prescribed Diane-35. I used the generic brand (Brenda-35 and Estelle-35) ever since. Changes I noticed: acne got worse for the first few weeks. Boobs got bigger. Gained a teensy bit of weight. In a few months my acne cleared up completely. No matter what I ate or how little or much I exercised my skin was acne free. I would get maybe one pimple every now and then but it was definitely bearable. Late last year (August) I decided that I wanted to stop using the pill. My skin was clear but a) I did not wish to be so reliant on the pill and b) I experienced vaginal thrush which did not go away despite using prescription and over the counter meds. I had not experienced this during my first 4 years on the pill but I think my body was telling me it had enough. My decision was a hard one because A LOT of people on the site have claimed that going off the pill ruined their skin. I was initially torn because on one hand I know how hard it was for me to live with acne but I also know my body wasn't coping with having the pill in my system. So what I decided to do was go off the pill, but ease my body into the hormonal changes that will happen as soon as I go off it. In August I began to eat healthier by cutting down my consumption of diary and sugar. In September I cut it down even further and introduced my body to daily doses of zinc and evening primrose oil. In October I got off the pill and continued my diet/supplement regime. I didn't get any pimples until November. A lot of people say they break out like crazy but in my experience I have only ever experienced three whiteheads in my chin area on any given day. Most days it is clear or I have one small whitehead. My chin area is a bit sensitive and bumpy but by no means would I classify it as breaking out. After going off the pill I also noticed that my hair got oilier and my thrush problem disappeared. I've been pill free for a few months now and so far I'm happy with the results. I am eating dairy and sugar occasionally but I consume it in small portions. I still take my supplements religiously as I believe my acne is hormonal and the supplements help balance my hormones. I think if I did not put in these measures my post-pill breakout would be much worse. Diane-35 is a crutch. That is the honest truth. If you wish to use it make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

I have been on this pill for a week, so obviously i cant give a full review, but since i started diane i have noticed both pros and cons. i am now getting cystic acne, which I hear is normal at first. my acne almost looks rash like. im hoping it all clears up. so far, i find it worth it after reading these reviews. my side affects havent been so bad for the first week, and as long as my acne clears up eventually, its worth it. im a little worried about it getting worse, i am starting to notice more new blemishes. I am also on stieva-a and minocycline. i will give a better review in a few months. if anyone has any advice, greatly appreciated!

i have been on diane for the past two months and there are slight improvements in acne. however, it is to be noted that one needs to make lifestyle changes too to overcome acne fully. drinking plenty of water, controlling ur diet (less spicy, oily food), eating more fruits, exercising, being less stressed, keeping your body and face well moisturized are very important. i have also been using sebamed products on the advise of my doc.

stay clear from this!!!! Not worth the risk!

i've been on accutane for about a year and a half and my pharmacist prescribed me to diane because accutane has too many side effects, i've been on diane for about a month and i remember my doctor warning me that on the first month of use my acne will be worse than this, so yeah,, it has become worse, my menstruation also won't ever stop and it's been almost 3 weeks!!! i dont know if i should continue on taking diane for couple of months to see if it really works for me,,, cos if it doesn't work, then its a complete waste of time!!

It was a good BC I think since nothing happened with me. But it came worst when I stopped it. I had vaginal infection, breakthrough bleeding or bleeding between periods, my mood is very terrible and I was always depressed and felt paranoid. Though it gave me a good shape, since I was really very slender, now I gained weight. But for me it wasn't a cure to my acne, it worsened it. I cleared out my face through a clearing soap I've used. To sum it all, I give Diane 50% yes to BC, and 50% no to acne treatment. Well, this is just in my case. I believe it is situational, as I read through the articles above.

i have been on and off this pill for almost 5 years and i can say that it has helped me and yet destroyed me. right now, my hair is sooo freakin thin, my acne is worse than before...if you dont take it on time. it will haunt u. my skin was pretty clear for all those years of taking it..and since it was getting clear, i forget to take some tablets at times. my bad. my acne came back.and right now im taking it religiously. it has been almost 1 month but i dont see significant results.hopefully my old skin will come back in 3 months. i am sad because i want to stop taking this pill..sooner or later i would start a family and get pregnant. i really hate what this pill is doing to me. i am just sooo sad right now. to those who found other alternatives of clearing their skin when stopping this pill...pls let me know. i would love to hear from u. TY!!

I'm almost 6 months into it and my acne is not better, I keep getting breakouts every day. It was clear for a while but it never lasts. I'm feeling completely hopeless unfortunately.