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
July 15, 2008

Pros:

slightly better mood, regular periods, decreased facial hair, less acne

Cons:

nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, slight weight gain (but I love junk food,so...), slight increase in urinating at times (it is a diuretic)

I've been on Yasmin since June 2006. I've read horror stories, but so far, everything's been okay. I hope it'll stay that way. I haven't tried coming off of them yet, so I'm kind of worried when that time comes.
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

acne is clearing up lots and not prego
and no more ovarian cysts

Cons:

sometimes it's hard to remember it
i get scared to drink now, lol

love it
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July 2, 2008

Pros:

really nothing but shorter periods , i dont see anything happening to my face

Cons:

nothing , am not having any bad side effects

it might be working , am face doesn't look as bad as it use to , so i would say give it a try. i think it takes 3 months to work i have only been on it for 2 1/2 months .but give it a try,
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

shorter, lighter and predictable periods, clearer skin

Cons:

bloating and increased appetite

It works great for skin and periods are predictable and lighter. I would recommend it for anyone who isnt prone to weight-gain because although i haven't gained weight I definetly feel more bloated than usual.
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Started to clear skin and old acne scars after a few days, weight loss

Cons:

SIDE EFFECTS!! Gave me random (and scary) sensations of vertigo, messed with my vision, messed with my hearing, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, NO sleep, trouble breathing, bloated,

Just google the endless complaints on this birth control pill. I don't know how long this thing is gonna be "FDA approved", but SO many ladies are writing about the multitude of side effects this pill causes! Many girls have even had severe panic attacks and blood clots from it..The point is, YAZ is a very new drug to the market and it contains potassium, which could easily affect the blood stream and heart. I used this pill for 3 days, and on the first day I nearly passed out several times. I should've stopped then, but after doing more research a couple days later, I decided that synthetically perfect skin was something not worth testing this drug out for. I'm not against birth control for acne, but since this birth control tampers with your emotions and potassium levels, I won't even touch it. Seriously, just look up YAZ reviews and you'll get so many helpful stories telling you to stay away from this pill! And now I'm hesitant to even take bc, so I'm looking for natural solutions..
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

NO period related migraines, minimal cramping, less PMS symptoms, my periods are SO light I only use a pantyliner, less bloating, less oily skin and hair, I ALWAYS used to break out during my cycle...NO more!!

Cons:

it can be pricey without insurance (fortunately I have insurance)but everything comes with a price...

I love it!! I have been extremely happy with Yaz...I have been on it for almost 2 years. So far no problems, I anticipate to stay on Yaz for a long time!!
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June 3, 2008

Pros:

Keeps me from getting pregnant! No negative side effects except for slight breast tendernes. I am sleeping better, waking up easier in the morning and my face is clearer.

Cons:

I have not experienced any real cons!

I read multiple reviews about Yaz on several sites, before I gave it a try. And after reading reviews and blogs, I was pretty scared. The reviews are so mixed with regard to this oral contraceptive. Many women have shared that their experience has been amazing - this birth control has cleared their acne, they lost weight and have shorter periods. Just as many women have shared that they have experienced horrible mood swings, awful break outs and bleeding for months at a time. Like anyone else considering this pill, I was hoping that I would experience the positive effects! So far, so good! Over the past three weeks, my skin is clearer and I have had no weight gain. I also have been sleeping better and I wake up much easier in the morning since taking the pill. I also have had no spotting or bleeding. I cannot wait to see if my pre menstrual symptoms improve and if my periods are lighter.
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

NONE.

Cons:

Worse acne, violent mood swings, violent mood swings, VIOLENT MOOD SWINGS!!!

I just started Ortho Lo and I have been a raging lunatic. I am generally a happy go lucky person. People come to me when they need a pick me up. Since I started this horrible drug, I have been angry, psychotic and completely out of character. DO NOT TAKE THIS!!
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

Had no bad side effectts, cleared up my acne and backne in three onths, no weight gain

Cons:

A little nausia for the first month

Yaz is a new form of birth control that is great. I have lost weigth on this kind and have gained at least ten pounds on every other kind I have tried. IT has also cleared up my acne in a relatively short amount of time. My breasts have grown also. LOOOVE it.
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May 21, 2008

Pros:

not had a baby while taking the pill,and my period did get lighter

Cons:

bad moody,bloated belly, gained weight, face seems to be breaking out more

I have been on Yasmin a year or so. Next time I go to the doctor I want to be put on something else. I hate feeling fat all the tome and my face breaking out like this is crazy. And my mood swings is going to end up ruining my relationship.
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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.