Oral Contraceptives
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Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female...

Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female body. Less male hormones normally lead to less acne. 

Oral contraceptives contain an estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) that is combined with progestin hormones, such as drospirenone (Yasmin® or Yaz®), norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®) or norethindrone (Estrostep®). 

Oral contraceptives are taken once a day with a meal. Make sure to take the pill at the same time every day.

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4
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3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

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January 12, 2012

Pros:

no pregnancy
less acne
slight mood swings
no weight gain

Cons:

slight mood swings
headaches

I have been on this pill for a month and absolutely love it. I am on this pill for acne and have already noticed a difference! I have noticed less acne on my forehead and chin. I do have some on my jaw line and neck but it is slowly but surely going away with face washing regimen and benzyl peroxide use as well. I would definitely recommend this BC because I have not gained weight (but I do work out regularly) and not many mood swings. I have noticed that I am a little bit more sensitive to some things but overall its great!
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October 5, 2011

Pros:

Pregnancy Prevention
Clear skin
No more cramping
Light, short periods (mine last 3-4 days)
Crazy sex drive
Super reliable
No weight gain
Predictable periods

Cons:

Taking it once a day (tend to forget) Although forgetting a pill has never failed me.

This birth control pill is perfect for me. I've been taking it for over a year now. I've tried other kinds that just don't cut it. Trinessa is the exact same if you have that. Never once failed me even if I forgot a day or two. Cleared my acne. Took away my tear inducing cramps. Made my periods lighter and shorter; about 3 days long. I have a crazy sex drive that I fulfill once a day, or maybe I'm just young and horny, who knows. :) Either way, it keeps my boyfriend happy. It may not work for you, just keep exploring your options. Everyone is different.
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August 25, 2011

Pros:

Lighter periods
Pregnancy prevention

Cons:

Horrible cystic acne break-outs
Breat tenderness
Headaches
Mood swings

I would definitely not recommend this product!!! My doctor specifically prescribed this birth control to also help with my hormonal acne. However, within two weeks of taking this my face, especially my chin area, was covered in painful cystic acne. I was told to continue taking it and be patient; that the acne would probably get worse before it got better. I stuck with it for a little over a month but couldn't take it anymore because my skin was in so much pain and completely covered in blemishes. I quit taking it about a week ago and my skin, while still very red and covered in acne, is noticeably better. The combination of symptoms, especially the acne and mood swings, made the month or so I was on this birth control an absolute emotional roller-coaster.
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November 24, 2010

Pros:

- Went up about half a cup size
- Light and precisely timed periods

Cons:

- Made my mild acne much worse!
- Made me extremely lethargic (feeling exhausted even after 10 hours of sleep)

I went on this as a potential treatment for PCOS and to regulate my incredibly painful periods, hoping it would help my mild acne too. I'm 19 and always had light to moderate acne on my forehead and occasionally my nose. After starting this, the acne spread to my cheeks and chin, where I've literally never had acne before, in addition to making my forehead slightly worse. I went from having skin that was 70% clear to pimples ALL over my face. I was told to give it a few months to "adjust", which I have - no improvement. This may work for some people but unfortunately didn't work for me. I will be switching to a new brand next month.
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September 19, 2010

Pros:

birth control, sorted out moodiness from my previous pills, weight loss (i think), decreased massive appetite & heartburn from previous pills, cleared up not being able to drink alcohol (sounds weird but i couldn't on Alesse, I got violently ill)

Cons:

a couple painful pimples so far, severe breast & nipple tenderness & huge amount of breast growth (went from B to D in 3 weeks... really rough)

I switched to Ortho Tri-Cyclen from Alesse 3 weeks ago, and i think so far it may be improving my issues I had with Alesse. I have some acne now, but it could still be from Alesse which gave me SEVERE extremely painful acne. The worst thing i have noticed is the effects on my breasts, I went up 2 full cup sizes in 3 weeks.. which unfortunately resulted in some stretch marks. I also am very sore from under my armpit around to my nipples, it actually hurts a bit to even move my arms, hopefully it goes away..
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June 7, 2010

Pros:

-make my boobs significantly bigger with minor weight gain otherwise. Obvious growth occurs in the first week of the pill cycle, I now have to alternate between bras of different sizes depending on where I am in my cycle

Cons:

-lots of breast pain from constant growth
-my skin has become extremely sensitive to the sun, including heat rash and a burn even when using 45SPF (70 works on the other hand), I suppose the resulting tan could be a pro
-my acne hasn't gotten any better and arguably has gotten worse but not significantly so

As I'm using this for birth control it's doing it's job and while there are some side effects they are not so bad I'd consider switching because of them. It's a gamble, there will be side effects from any birth control pill and if they're not so bad you may as well settle. Best way to decide whether the side effects are bearable or not is to take a pill for 3 cycles before making up your mind.
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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.
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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.
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October 30, 2009

Pros:

Not pregnant, seriously cleared up my acne (no more cysts or painful whiteheads), bigger breasts

Cons:

i believe i am a bit more moodier towards the end of the pack but nothing too drastic!

try it. won't hurt!
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

I have been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for 5 years, and opposite from many of the reviews above, there has been nothing but positives for me. Clear skin, no cramps or back aches, super light periods...and as for birth control...100% effective.

Cons:

I've only ever felt slightly nauseous when I had to take two pills at once....never have I been sick. I have slight mood swings a few days prior to my period, which I contribute to the sudden drop in hormones from not taking the pill for 7 days

Tri Cyclen has offered nothing but benefits...two thumbs up all the way. I Truly have 100 % faith in this birth control (given you are responsible and take if on a consistent basis). My boyfriend and I never use condoms, and I have never had any issues.
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