Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.5
1015
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
February 22, 2012

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy

Cons:

Nausea
Acne break out
Painful cramping

I have been on it for about 2.5 weeks now and I am getting terrible abdominal cramps and have been feeling sick to my stomach. My acne seems to have gotten worse as well. I am hoping that after my body gets used to it all those cons go away.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 16, 2012

Pros:

Helps with periods
Acne has cleared
Prevents Pregnancy

Cons:

Migraines
Nausea & Abdominal Cramping

I went on this pill hoping for regular periods & less acne, and it's done a great job for that. However, since I started the pill, I have been having a couple of bad headaches here and there, and nausea with cramping. I guess when it comes to the hormones, it differs to the individual. I don't have a problem with remember when to take it, I usually take it in the evening after dinner.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 15, 2012

Pros:

No weight gain
Prevent Pregnancy
Predictable Periods

Cons:

Take The Same Time Daily

This Product Works Wonders For Me, I Love It
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 14, 2012

Pros:

Kept acne to a minimum
Prevents Pregnancy
Even out mood swings and cravings
Period always on time.

Cons:

Must be taken at the same time everyday

As a birth control it's great and I've had no issues whatsoever. As an acne treatment it keeps it under control but doesn't cure it or clear skin completely.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 10, 2012

Pros:

No weight gain

Cons:

Severe Facial Acne
Tender Breast
Breast enlargement
Abdominal Cramping
Nausea

I have been on this medication for two weeks and have experienced the worst facial acne ever! As a woman with larger breast for mine to get any bigger is frightening; as well as, the breast tenderness I have experienced. It has actually curbed my appetite a bit though.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 9, 2012

Pros:

Contraception
Bigger breasts
Controls PCOS symptoms
Clears up acne/ reduces oil in face
No loss of sex drive
Doesn't make me gain weight

Cons:

Tender breasts in first month
Heavier period
Mood swings

As stated by my doctor, this birth control like any takes some time for the body to get used to. The worst symptom I had were the extremely tender breasts. It really did reduce the oil on my face.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 7, 2012

Pros:

not pregnant

Cons:

nausea
headaches
mood swings
tender breasts

I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for about two weeks now, and I've been experiencing the worst nausea of my life. Last night, I puked in Wal-Mart and I puked when I got home. My nipples have also been extremely sore, and I've been getting headaches quite frequently. I was told it would take about a month for the side effects to clear up, so, unless I puke more today, I'm going to wait it out until my pack is done, and hopefully things get better.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 5, 2012

Pros:

Not pregnant
Shorter periods
less moody

Cons:

Weight gain
Acne showed up after taking it

As long as it does its main job, its good. Few added bonuses as listed in pros. I get it free from planned parenthood.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 18, 2012

Pros:

- Improved acne drastically
- Improved skin complexion
- Less moodiness
- Increased breast size
- Lighter periods
- Facial hair lightened

Cons:

- low energy and irritability for a few days off it
- Increased appetite
- Remembering to take pill

I was skeptical of this product at first because of the reviews but I really like it. Doctor said first few months might be difficult, but after finishing my first pack I like the results already. Barely any acne flareups since I started and my mood was improved as well! Cons of this product was that my appetite increased causing some weight gain but its barely noticeable. Also I realized when I came off it to have my period, I had some mood swings but it went away after a few days. I have tried almost everything to control my acne for years and I finally found something that works. I Highly recommend this product!
This Was Helpful

19 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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!
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 9 10 11 12 13 … 74
Next

Relevant Article(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website