Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
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.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 16, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
acne returns a week before period
My acne was rather bad before I began taking the pill. After about a month my face was a lot clearer and now i only get the occasional bump.
January 15, 2009
Pros:
Prevents pregnancy, regular periods, breast growth, free at a sexual health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.
Cons:
Not much of a change in acne severity and persistance, mild mood swings, breast tenderness.
It didn't help my acne as much as I hoped it would, but there are few negative side effects. Yes, it may cause mood swings and breast tenderness, but for me it was less severe than my natural cycle. I take it primarily for use as a contraceptive, but I was hoping less acne would be an added bonus. Every body is different, but it seems that some of the major side effects reported on this review board have been wrongly attributed to this pill.
January 14, 2009
Pros:
Not pregnant
Cons:
Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO-Freaking expensive. No generic brand
Cost way to much....no problems. no weight gain or craziness or acne.
January 5, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Birth control, yay! Seems to be clearing up my breakouts. Sleeping better at night?
Cons:
None that are a direct result of this pill.
I've only been taking Yaz for a week but my cheek and chin breakouts have virtually disappeared! I used to wake up with new spots every day. Even my redness has subsided. I have anxiety attacks often and I am on edge a few hours after I take the pill - but I haven't had any bad reactions thus far and even my anxiety is lessening because of it. I take the pill in the afternoon every day so I can keep myself preoccupied, busy, and nausealess. The only complaint I have is that I get very sleepy a few hours after I take the pill (might not even be Yaz's fault though). I'm going to stick with it as I don't think any of these terrifying side effects I've read about will manifest in me if they haven't already. I'll keep you updated :)
December 2, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Initially I felt as though my skin got better and periods were steady.
Cons:
My chest grew larger! HORRIBLE! I have gained 10 pounds! Very moody, grumpy, sleepy all the time! No interest in all the things I loved to do.
This pill is not for verybody, please consult before taking and stop as soon as you see any odd changes.
November 25, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
It clears up you skin in about a month. I had no weigh gain. The only thing that got bigger where my brests (went from a A to a very nice B cup). Your period is the shortest and lightset you could ever dream of. And no more mood swings!!!
Cons:
Well you face will not stay zit free but it dose a pretty damn good job.
It worked of me but that might not say much for you. I love it and never want to come of it. I do not have bad mood swings any more and my boyfriend loves it! My period is so much better only 3 days insted of a week!!! baslicly if you are on this with a good salicylic face wash and benzoyl peroxide, and you will just be zit free!!!
November 24, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
none
Cons:
bad spotting for the past 2 months.
acne worsen. I take 4 hour naps & wake up tire. i feel depressed all the time.
November 20, 2008
Pros:
clear skin, fuller breasts
Cons:
nausua first inactive pills, feel like vomiting on lighter blue pills
I have been using this for 2 weeks so its too soon for me to say. I don't have bad skin to begin with, but it does help because since using this, I had about 2 pimples. BUT I did get bumps on the side of my cheeks but quickly dissapeared after a couple of days or so which was wierd. My breast doesn't feel "tender" yet but it did increase...and I'm not depressed but I do break down over stupid things. I'm not using this for pregnacy so I can't say wether it works or not..hmm what else...this is easy to swallow because its so tiny but do not take it on an empty stomach. oh yeah I got this for free at a clinic which is the best part!
November 14, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
clears acne (85% improvement), reduces mood swings, no cramps
Cons:
marginal weight gain (3-5lbs), appetite increases, depressive mood
if you're considering yasmin to clear up your skin, this is THE birth control pill. it may take up to 6 months to really see the difference, but it's worth the wait, so hang in there!! it only continues to get better from there. the side effects are minimal...i find that my mood is much more subdued overall (don't have as much charisma) but it's way better than going through 2 weeks of terrible, life impacting mood swings (yes, i have PMDD). for those of you battling acne (as i was, and tried EVERYTHING in the book except acutane), i highly recommend seeing your derm about spironolactone. this medication is safe, has no side effects and is especially formulated for adult hormonal acne. (in fact, acutane doesn't work on patients that have hormonal acne). i just started taking the medication 3 weeks ago, and i've never had clearer skin!!! you're supposed to give it 2-4 months to see the entire effect, but i can't even believe how quickly it works!! check it out!
October 29, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
skin is clear already, no weight gain from what I can tell, no side effects at all for me
Cons:
none
I originally got on Yaz for my moderate sometimes severe cystic acne & regulate my period. Not getting preggo is a bonus. My skin got worse the 1st week. I then started using Proactiv & it got even worse. So I started a supplement that consists of fish oil, flax seed oil, & borage oil. I havent gotten a cyst since. I've had acne since I was in the 6th grade and I'm now 23. I make sure to drink lots of water & I believe this regime together is what worked for me. my confidence is at an all time high, although I am left with dark spots. Im only finishing my 1st month on Yaz (now on day 3 of inactive pill) haven't gotten my period yet but I'm not worried since it can take time for a routine to become established in regard to your period. Ive read horror stories but I didnt get one side effect. I suffer from anxiety but this doesnt make it progressively worse. Just try it because its basically trial 7 error. This was my 1st OC so I was lucky. Hope this helps.
Pros:
Reduced acne, brighter complexion, regular period