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 23, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
Price if you have no insurance.
Try it. Try it. Try it. Changed my life.
January 22, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
No babies... lighter period, skin stayed decently clear.
Cons:
Wreaked havoc on my emotions, almost went on anti-depressants
Does the job but had quite horrible side effects for me personally
January 19, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Acne cleared up immediately and breasts increased one cup size.
Cons:
Caused me to have chronic yeast infections that went away as soon as I went off of it.
I was diagnosed with PCOS, and my testosterone was 10 times higher than my estrogen. I had a severe problem with acne all over my face, scalp, neck, back and upper stomach. The acne started clearing up within a week of taking the pill, and as an added bonus I got bigger boobs. My only problem was a chronic yeast infection that would not go away after several treatments. I switched to Yaz, and the yeast infection went away, but I have acne again. I'm going back on it. I would rather have a yeast infection than be covered in acne.
January 18, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
not pregnant...
Cons:
holy cow- the worst acne I've ever had... EVER, vomiting in the mornings, absolutely zero sex drive, my mood swings are off the chart- I'm depressed and crying ALL THE TIME and anxious or on edge... its like walking on ice...
I just hate it... its ruined the first month of my marriage and I can't wait to get to the doctor to get off this pill from HELL!!
January 8, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Not pregnant yet
Cons:
slight cramps, hungry all the time, lowered libido
I have been on Yaz for 2 years. I think I am much more emotional than before I began taking it. Also I hoped my boobs would get bigger and skin would clear up but it didn't really. I didn't gain weight but am always hungry. Sex drive is lower. I did not realize it at first, thought it was just stress being a downer but eventually realized the only thing consistent was Yaz. Also, the 1st year, my cramps were gone, second year- I have to take Advil 1 day before I begin the big P.
...Owell
January 5, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Cleared ance within two months of using
Cons:
MUST take at same time, and do not skip a day. First six months were an emotional roller coaster, but fine now.
If trying to clear up acne without emotional side effects, try taking everyday without the seven day placebo pills. This will helpeven out your emotions faster. Will also prevent the few pimples you may get with every period.
January 2, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Cleared up my acne, made me lose 2kilos.
Cons:
A bit pricey...
Yasmin worked for me. No side effects - just the fact when I went off it for a short while my acne came back - but when I started on it again, about one month later I was back to normal. Everyone is different.
January 2, 2008
Pros:
regular periods, bigger chestial region :)
Cons:
broke out like crazy then evened out a little but overall acne is worse off.
wouldn't recommend it unless it is necessary as a contraceptive-- not for acne. it is pricey as well so free clinics would also be the only way to go
December 27, 2007
Pros:
not pregnant... regular period
Cons:
acne and nausea
uggg... i never really had bad acne, but after i started this i broke out really bad around my chin and lower face... it sucks.. i have also had nausea at random times..
i was on it once before, and i got the acne, but no nausesa... if this doesnt clear up (ive only been on it a lil over a month) im def goin to see about changing
December 19, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Great reliable birth control, mild but consistent acne around corners of mouth, has disappeared. In one year of use one zit, due to change of skincare lotion.
Cons:
Terrible headache on reminder pills that lasted days and not effected by pain killers. Pigmentation increase of face. Bleed everyday for first three weeks when I initially took started this pill.
This pill is very expensive in Australia with $60 buying three month supply, not on PBS, but if it keeps your face zit free, and you can afford it, go for it. The headaches were excrutiating and often I would take my active pills after only two or three days of reminder pills just to relieve headache or skip them all together. It reduced my appitite initialy which is great but I wonder if it contributed to my anxiety issues after a few months contineous use.
Pros:
By three months my skin started drying up, six months I was almost perfectly clear, and now 9 months later I haven't had an inflammed pimple in months. Truly a god send. Leveled my cycles, reduced cramps, increased my chest...No complaints.