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
September 21, 2010
Cons:
Lots of side effects.
Be careful when taking birth control! If you are only using it to clear acne, I would strongly recommend a different route. I was only 27 when I was diagnosed as suffering from a CVST (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) stroke, brought on by the hormones in my birth control. Venous MRIs found 5 blood clots in my head. I followed the instructions, did not smoke, and took a pill the same time everyday. I knew that stroke was a possibility, but since I didn't smoke and lived a healthy lifestyle I was told not to worry overmuch. Should not have listened to that! Now I'm on blood thinners for the foreseeable future, another poison in my body but better than the alternative.
August 9, 2010
Pros:
- Not pregnant.
Cons:
- Headaches - at least once a day.
- Nauseous the first few days after the white pill.
- Moody - especially during 'that time of month'.
- Decreased libido - worst of all cons, I must admit!
- Went from having no acne, to fairly terrible acne - second worst side effect!
- Extra sensitive - I am sensitive, but this just REALLY added on to it.
This may be how my body is reacting to this pill and it may be different for you. I am just writing this to warn you that it may do the same to you. At the beginning of the second pack, I started having acne breakouts. I don't usually breakout. And, it may be a side effect that will disappear within time. However, now that I am starting my third pack, the acne has become cystic-like. Quite painful and it is not pleasant to look at. Let me also add, that my libido decreased significantly. It only increases when I'm on the sugar pills, which I find strange, but it makes sense since I am not taking-in horomones from the pill at the time. Isn't it the point to take the pill so you can have sex when you wish? I don't want to get pregnant, but I also do not wish to have my sex drive taken from me. Also, headaches have become frequent. I know everyone has the luxury of having a headache from time to time, however, it is not healthy to have headaches this much. Ever since I started Tri-Cyclen lo, I receive headaches AT LEAST once a day. Sometimes they get pretty bad. I am seeing a doctor for advice about this, because this product may not be right for me. If the doctor believes that it's still safe to continue using this pill, I will remain taking it until my last pack (three more packs left). I will report here for my final recommendation on November 1st, 2010 :) (that will be my fifth month marker) I do not wish for anyone to go through this. If it improves, great, I'll recommend it for the "patient-hearted". If it does not, well, then I'll strongly advise you not to take this product. For now, I warn you to proceed taking this pill with caution. Thank-you,
Teresa.
June 29, 2010
Pros:
Smooth, nice skin
Cons:
weight gain, moodiness, lack of sex drive
For starters, this drug ROCKS for my skin and that's the only positive. I maybe get a white head once in a blue moon. But, I've been on this pill for 4 years and have noticed some significant changes. My sex drive, for the most part, has steadily decreased to the point that I do not even want to be touched by my husband. I've gained a solid 20lbs that won't come off on a 1500 cal diet and daily exercise. I lastly feel like I'm the worlds biggest psycho when it comes to mood changes. Overall, 4 years later I feel completely different from the person who married my husband. I don't recommend this pill to anyone.
April 26, 2010
Pros:
1. No babies
2. Skin less oily
Cons:
1. Very very moody and emotional
2. Gained weight
3. uncontrollable appetite
4. Didn't really help acne
I changed from Yasmin to Ortho because my insurance wouldn't cover the Yasmin. What a mistake! I felt awful on the Ortho. I was an absolute emotional wreck for about a week around my period. Constantly crying, pretty much couldn't function. I usually don't have any symptoms at all so that was really abnormal. I also couldn't stop eating everything in site. It was like i was never full. So needless to say i gained a few pounds. I'd rather pay for the Yasmin then deal with this for another month.
March 30, 2010
Pros:
my breasts got fuller
Cons:
My breasts were super tender. I had mild acne before starting this birth control, and it got worse.. I had more acne than ever after two weeks of my first pack.. I ended up getting pregant during the 3rd pack, but I think it's just because I was on medication which interacted with the pills effectiveness.
I was on Tricyclin Lo for a year when I was 17 and I had no side effects. I'm 25 now, had a baby when I was 21 and these pills didn't work for me this time around.
March 15, 2010
Pros:
i never got pregnant by accident!
Cons:
did nothing for acne, gained weight, extremely decreased libido
i took tricyclen for 15 years because it was the only hormonal acne treatment on the market until yaz and the like came out. well, it did nothing for my acne whatsoever but i stayed on it for the BC effects. after going off it before switching to yaz, my breasts were firmer, i actually had a sex drive, and i lost about 13lbs.
January 27, 2010
Pros:
slightly bigger breasts...at first
Cons:
worse acne, weigh gain, bloating, tiredness
i was hopeful to start this as it was my first birth control pill, my mild acne flared up within the first 2 weeks but i stuck it out. unfortunately it only got worse and after the alloted 3 months i switched to YAZ, which i have been on for 2 weeks and my skin has already started to improve. also no weird mood swings or deperssion that alot of people have claimed to have. good luck, but try yaz.
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 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.
September 1, 2009
Pros:
NO PROS
Cons:
BREAKOUTS BREAKOUTS BREAKOUTS
I've been struggling with acne for about 4 to 5 years now each year getting worse and this pill only made my breakouts WORSE. I only started taking this pill to TREAT my acne and now this is NOT one clear section of my face. I break out in areas that have never been problem. Not only does it make you break out this are DEEP LARGE bumps that take at least a couple weeks to clear. BOTTOM LINE IF YOU ARE TAKING BIRTH CONTROL TO TREAT YOUR ANCE THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT PILL FOR YOU!
Pros:
Kept my skin relatively clear.