Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)
Oral Contraceptive
Reviews
3.5
1211 Reviews
Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)
Oral Contraceptive
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)
Oral Contraceptive
Side Effects
High
Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)
Oral Contraceptive
Acne.org’s Real World Take
All oral contraceptives appear to clear the skin about the same amount. Some people report cessation of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, messing with hormones is messing with hormones and it’s best to proceed with caution. But if you’re looking to take the birth control pill anyway, one of the benefits is clearer skin.
Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)
Oral Contraceptive
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.5%
4
33.4%
3
20.8%
2
13.9%
1
9.4%

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June 29, 2008
had no period 1st mo.
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June 16, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, cheap, cleared up mild acne, bigger boobs

Cons:

horrible headaches, VERY tender breasts, fatigued, extreme hunger

This pill is okay. I take the generic - tri sprintec. I've been taking it for a month. I have EXTREMELY tender breast..so sore that i can barely roll over in my sleep!..but on the flip side I went up a cup! I get horrible pounding headaches to the point where I have to lay down and pop tylenol. I always feel tired and lazy. I get extremely hungry even after I've eaten a large meal. On the brighter side, my mild acne has cleared up and I have a much brighter and smoother complexion. No mood swings, no cramps, no bloatedness.
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June 13, 2008

Pros:

Didn't get pregnant,less acne,lighter/shorter periods

Cons:

I've been on Ortho for nearly a year now and I'm just beginning to realize, this is the reason for my constant sadness/indifference to everyone/everything. I feel like I don't know what I want or who I like one day, hate the next.

Bottom line...I haven't gotten pregnant, my skin is slightly better, but the toll my relationships have taken..is not worth it.
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June 8, 2008

Pros:

im on ortho tri cylcen (not low) but the reg one..and have been on it for about 2 months..
none yet

Cons:

HEADACHES!!! im experiencing headaches like never before, and body ache and my acne hasn't improved yet ;9

im wondering if i should continue..bc these headaches are killing me so much that ive been taking lots of advil.
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June 6, 2008

Pros:

lighter period. less cramps. haven't gotten pregnant. cleared up my acne. it cost me nothing. (I work at a GYN office)

Cons:

a little bloating.

totally all for it.
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Improved acne and regular, lighter periods.

Cons:

Kind of expensive and eventually stopped helping my acne.

I have taken Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 4 years, and for 3 of those years it worked really well for treating my acne. But for some reason, it hasn't been working as well on my skin lately.
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Cleared skin, period seemed lighter

Cons:

heavy cramps, bloating, moodswings

I just started using OTC a month ago so hopefully there will be more positive changes.
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June 2, 2008

Pros:

no pregnancy, less cramps

Cons:

nausea, no sex drive, mood swings, irritable

working for what i got it for, but causing more probs
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

I have used this pill for 2 years,and NEVER got preganat!! I even skipped a couple of pills.but its strong enough to prevent it

Cons:

When I first started using it I gained 20 pounds,with in the first 3-4 months!!Seriously,my family NEW I was on the pill,bc of my weight gain,and I've always been a skinny girl~~ If you stop,you will BREAK OUT!! It happen to me a few months ago!!!!

I have been using this pill off and on for 2-3 yrs. I stopped a month ago,and wish I never did...bc I swear to you,my FACE BROKE OUT like CRAZY!!! And I have NEVER had acne in my 25 yrs! So,it was super depressing,and it stressed me out! I'm thinking of going back on this pill,bc I dont wanna get pregnant! I'm just scared it may break my face out again!!
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

shorter, lighter periods, less acne, decreased appetite

Cons:

nausea, vomiting, stomach problems

I like this pill, I just don't like throwing up and feeling sick all the time. But at least I haven't gained any weight.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website