Hormonal Therapy
Reviews
3.3
2743 Reviews
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects
High
Hormonal Therapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Any brand of oral contraceptive appears to clear the skin about the same amount, regardless of whether it is officially approved for acne treatment. Some people report complete clearing of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, artificially controlling your hormones is a serious decision, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Hormonal Therapy
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 Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 2, 2009

Pros:

.....the pack is purple n I don't have acne but never really have anyway...n I havnt gotten pregnant yet

Cons:

Break outs ON MY THIGHS!!!!-Depressed or stressed all the time-Gained weight - boobs are huge and sore all the time!- loss of sex drive- tired all the time- feel sick an hour after taking it and excessive pubic hair and regrowth lol

This pill sucks!
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February 23, 2009

Pros:

My acne cleared up in just two weeks after using it! And i have tried EVERYTHING before (mino, doxy, tazorac, differin, etc)

Cons:

Im hungry allll the time.

I was on orthotricyclen before and this is so much incredibly better. I dont have mood swings, cramps, etc. Its the best BC i've tried and best for acne. Do NOT go on the generic though.
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

less acne on face and back. i haven't gotten my period, either.

Cons:

none.

i would get it again if i went back.
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

Short and light withdrawal bleed, totally clear skin, cheap

Cons:

Cramps and mood swings one day a month, possible lower sex drive

I switched to this from Diane 35, which I was on for years with no real effect. I haven't had a breakout since. My chin is clear for the first time in years. No cystic pimples during the off-week! My periods are half what they were on Diane, though I do get "down" for one day before it starts. My breasts are softer and more sensitive, but not bigger. Haven't gained weight for the same reason that it sends me to the bathroom every hour or two- it has a diuretic effect. It might be contributing to migraines. So, not perfect, but close enough. Worth a shot for mild to moderate acne.
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February 7, 2009

Pros:

Obviously not getting pregnant.

Cons:

Moodiness, breast tenderness, skin is the worse it's ever been but I'm on week 4 so doctor says hormones need to balance out before I see clear skin, he said could be 3 months!

I don't take the placebo pills my doctor said it was safe to skip those and just take continue to take the pill. I will have to wait and see if my skin clears up.
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January 27, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my acne (and I've tried everything under the sun...including Accutane), decreased hunger the week before my period

Cons:

If I take it at anytime that it not exactly consistent then it throws off my cycle dramatically.

Great pill but you have to be very diligent about the same time taking it everyday.
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January 21, 2009

Pros:

increase in breast size, lost weight, no pms, lighter cycles

Cons:

nausea for the first pack

talk to your doctor, see if it's right for you! if it is, you'll love it!
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January 21, 2009

Pros:

-My skin stayed the same (it wasn't really broken out to begin with)
-No noticeable weight gain

Cons:

-MAKES ME CRY! every little thing makes me cry!
-Nausea! Big time.

For me & my body, i like it & it works well. The only thing is I hate how I get angry or sad & cry really easily now. Honestly, an Adam Sandler movie made me tear up! Oh well though, i'm happy i didn't gain weight! Oh & when you first use it, your period is kinda messed up & if you forget to take it, you may spot.
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January 18, 2009

Pros:

Reduced cramps, lighter blood flow, regulated cycles.

Cons:

A little weight gain, slight acne.

This has done an amazing job for my cycles. I used to have cramps so bad that I would literally not leave my bed, and after a few months on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, I have had no problems with them. The first few months I felt sick and had cramps between cycles, spotting and such. BUT I PROMISE it goes away and after the first 3 or so months, I can't imagine having to go back to periods without this. I don't get the moodiness like I did before I took this, which is awesome. The only thing is, I used to only get one or two pimples a month or so, and I have had a few more on my face.
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January 16, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne, little to no mood swings, controlled period flow.

Cons:

Initial weight gain.

I'd been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 4 years when my insurance provider switched, causing the price to rocket to about $65 a month. I switched to Trivora and have had a horrible time with it (acne, weight gain, mid-cycle cramps, fatigue, migraines). I'm switching back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo next month, as I've never had a bad experience with it. Although I'm not a doctor, I'd highly recommend it to women who don't do well on high dosages of hormones since this is a very low hormone birth control. I've been on about 3 others kinds since switching and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is the best from my personal experience.
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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.

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.