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
April 22, 2009
Cons:
none so far
Dont really know yet i only used it for three days but i pray it clears up my acne!!!!
April 19, 2009
Pros:
No pregnancy / Cleared up all acne / Full Breasts / Nice thick hair / Period always came on the same day / No cramps (ever)
Cons:
Hormones destroyed my gallbladder
I loved everything about being on birth control (OTC Regular) except the fact that after taking it for 6 years it made me very sick. I've been told by my GI that since gallbladder problems ran in my family (maternal side) taking the extra hormones ultimately lead to my gallbladder functioning at 10% its capacity. Because of the hell I went through I had to get it removed. I'd recommend doing some tests and talking to OB's about the various possible problems that may arise from taking higher dosed birth control pills.
April 14, 2009
Pros:
Lighter Periods. Lost Body Acne, no effect on my mood, cleared my body acne.
Cons:
Acne around the Mouth, Vision worsen, Breasts always swollen, bloated all the time ( even if i dont eat )
I was on OTC Lo for 6 months. It was okey for my acne and my body until 6 months. It was when acne started to come out. Ive decided to switch to OTC Regular hoping to cure my acne. I was advised that it takes 4 months for it to take effect. But of no luck. Acne got worse. I was on the 5th pack that I decided to get off the pill. Its been 2 weeks now and my acne is getting crazy. I think my body is still adjusting to the new set up. I hope that within 2 months my acne would be better. I took BCP solely for my acne. But it did not help. I was bit relieved that it did not help with my acne. At least I wont get hooked up with the pill taking into consideration the negative effect it might do for your body.
As what others say, it takes some time for your body to adjust. but it did not work for me so i decided to stop.
March 26, 2009
Pros:
Prevents pregnancy, cheaper than other birth control pills, no break-through bleeding, breast growth
Cons:
Slight weight gain and increase in hunger, nausea, slight dizziness, FATIGUE, minor headaches, MOOD SWINGS, INCREASE IN ACNE
I went on Ortho Tricyclen Lo primarily to prevent pregnancy. When my doctor told me that it may also help with my acne, I was a little excited. Although my acne before going on the pill wasnt severe, I would get breakouts before my period or if I had my makeup on overnight. Since going on the pill, I noticed many differences in my skin - the type of acne changed and started appearing on different places on my face than what i was used to. My pores got bigger and the overall appearance of my skin worsened. It's not TOO terrible but considering the fact that many women go on this pill expecting that it will clear their acne, Ortho Tricyclen was a huge disappointment.
I gained around 4-6 pounds, but I've only been on the pill for three months, so this weight may balance off. I tend to feel a little sick to my stomach an hour or so after taking the pill. A major side effect is fatigue; I feel very tired especially in the mornings. I also cry more often now and have unexpected mood swing
March 22, 2009
Pros:
I don't really know yet I just started taking it about four days ago
Cons:
Dont know this yet either
O.K. I have been on BC 14 years now and I have tried it all. I have had the "SHOT",Lo-ovral,Yasmine,Yaz,IUD,and I am now on Tri Cy Lo. I have have the worst problems with all of it. I've been in a fog for about a year and a half and I am ready to feel normal again. Girls let me tell you DO NOT take yasmine or Yaz it is awful. I have had more bad side effects on those than any I have ever taken. My poor husband dont even know who i am anymore.Bottom line if you are married or just a happy sain person dont take those two.I hope this new one works for me. GOOD LUCK LADIES!!
March 21, 2009
Pros:
predictable light periods, does its job. Clear skin, but never had a prob w/ acne b4.
Cons:
WEIGHT GAIN, i think I put on almost 10 lbs. And dont even bother dieting and exercising to lose it, it wont budge. Made me very irritable and caused a little anxiety. Always bloated. Just switched so we'll see.
If wanna pack on some lbs and become a irritable bitch then go 4 it.
March 13, 2009
Pros:
Regulated Period
Cons:
Wait Gain, Increased hunger, worse acne, depression/mood swings, fatigue
I went on the pill to regulate my periods because I have PCOS and to clear up my acne. When I went on the pill I had mild acne, and since then it has changed to moderate-moderate severe with cystic ance, which I have not had for a few years. I also noticed an increased appetite, and IMMEDIATE weight gain, (before the hunger kicked in). As well, I have been fighting bouts of depressive moods, and mood swings of anger, frustration, and sadness. Also, every once in awhile I will become fatigued and completely run-down. I don't know if it is related or not, but within the last 3 months I have been taking the pill I have become sick 3 times. Has only regulated my period, best thing (but maybe worst?) thing I can say.
February 27, 2009
Pros:
You dont get pregnant
Cons:
LONG PERIODS....
I started taking this borth control this month. I have had my period now for two weeks and that is not normal at all. I have gained about 2-3 pounds, but am watching my eating habits now.
January 26, 2009
Pros:
You don't get pregnant, period is regular.
Cons:
You turn into a psycho bitch, bleed the entire first month, cry, get violent and angry, sleep all day, and nothing is fun.
I started taking this after having a baby. The first month i had a heavy period the whole month. I had severe mood swings and was a total bitch. I started slapping my boyfriend and starting fights about nothing. I would cry at the littlest thing. I would lay in bed all day when I had nothing to do trying to sleep. it got less severe over the months but it's been 5 months and those things are still there minus the bleeding. and to top it off I was paying 50 dollars a month with insurance. I used to be a nice person now no one can stand to be around me. I'm stopping it this month and going to my doctor.
January 26, 2009
Pros:
protects against pregnancy, no vaginal dryness, $ covered by clinic.
Cons:
face rash, breakthrough bleeding after first week, moodiness (i was crying to happy songs!), fainting spells.
i am getting off of this prescription today. judging by the face rash and the breakthrough bleeding as well as my tendency to cry without reason, my body is highly resistant to this formula.
Pros:
dont kno yet