Oral Contraceptive
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
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.
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.
Used Norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 8, 2009
Cons:
tender breast, possible breast increase (they were already huge), possible bloat
I was just introduced Natural Family Planning and i beleive that its a wonderful thing. No side affects at all. Its a great recommendation :)
November 5, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up my acne significantly. Also regulated and diminished the effects of my period.
Cons:
Mild to moderate nausea during first week of each pack.
I have had acne for nearly 10 years and this is the ONLY thing that has made people actually notice a decrease in my acne. I've actually had friends say things like, "Wow, you're skin has really cleared up!" after 3 weeks on this pill without changing anything else about my skin care routine (except that I also cut back on smoking, which helped a lot as well!) I still get a few zits when I'm actually on my period, but for the whole week before and during my period I used to get acne so bad all over my face that it was actually painful. This made such a difference! But, it won't work for everyone.. some people's acne is not caused by hormones, so birth control will have no effect. If you tend to get more breakouts around your period, I definitely recommend trying this.
November 5, 2009
Pros:
Very light periods with no cramps,no noticable weight gain drastically improved acne condition, bigger breasts.
Cons:
very, very emotional for the first 3 or 4 months. possible loss of muscle tone.
I'm 18 years old and have been using tri-cyclen since I was 14 and havent thought of switching. It works great for me, i hardly noticed my period and it improved my acne for years. I'm not sure how it has affected my weight or muscle because I've been on it for so long.
works great for acne!
November 3, 2009
Pros:
clear skin!!!!!!! that's the most important thing of all :)
Cons:
slight weight gain, boo :(
it works for me...it took about 2 months to notice a change and every month after that my skin got better and better. It's now been a year since I started taking it and I rarely get break outs. I suddenly got adult acne at the age of 25 and it got REALLY bad (moderately severe cystic, nodules, blackheads, and all over my face and neck)....a year later I'm back to normal and sooooo happy :)
October 30, 2009
Pros:
Not pregnant, seriously cleared up my acne (no more cysts or painful whiteheads), bigger breasts
Cons:
i believe i am a bit more moodier towards the end of the pack but nothing too drastic!
try it. won't hurt!
October 28, 2009
Pros:
I have been taking Ortho-tri cyclen For one month now. Im not pregnant I suppose thats always a good thing.
Cons:
My skin has freaked out but not just on my face its on my arms and back now. Im going to give it a while to see if it improves any.
Birth control and acne are nowhere related issues. If your not pregnant it is doing its number one job.
October 28, 2009
Pros:
none
Cons:
heavier bleeding, worse cramps, thinner hair, facial hair growth, dryness during sex, moody
I have nothing good to say about this birth control! If it works for the rest of you good for you but it was a total disappointment for me!
October 28, 2009
Pros:
Less acne, bigger boobs, no spotting, extremely horny (which is not a bad thing to me...), free from Planned Parenthood in CA.
Cons:
Can't skip period, super tired and emotional during beginning of pack, boobs slightly sore, I'm a bit bloated most of the time
I don't have any drastic side affects, it's doing more good than bad, and it's birth control, which I need.
October 25, 2009
Pros:
i am at the end of my second month but i really havn't been sexually active so I'm not sure about how effective it is
Cons:
I was hoping for a bc that would help clear up my acne. It has made it much worse. I know it takes a while for the body to adjust but i am very unhappy with how bad my skin has been for two months
my skin freaked out, nausea, increased appitite, bad headaches (never got headache before)
October 23, 2009
Pros:
my boobs r huge
Cons:
iam bloated, the first week i was emotinal. and my face broke out into a rash.
its been awhile since i have been on the pill. so im giving my body sometime to adjust. i just starte dback last week. i have had one minor breakdown, huge boobs which is a plus. but my face and neck have a itchy rash. im hoping this goes away in the next couple of days. all and all im may just get the minera.
Pros:
regulate periods, possibly clearing of face, comfort having unprotected sex with my bf