Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal Therapy
Reviews
3.3
2743 Reviews
Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects
High
Oral Contraceptives
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.
Oral Contraceptives
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:

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August 2, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

I'm not too sure of the pros as yet because i'm using it strickly for acne and my DR said i have to use it for at least 3 months before i start seeing results. But, i also using witch hazel to cleanse my skin and i'm seeing some improvement.

Cons:

I get alot of leg cramps and I'm hungry all day but at the same time have a very upset stomach. I've been experiencing alot of headaches since i've been on the pill.

With the daily headaches and mood swings and upset stomach, i was thing twice about starting another cycle with yasmine it but i eventually decided to stick with it and see if the side effects go away after 3 months.
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July 29, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

no pregnancy

Cons:

pms, skin still bad

i went on yasmin primarily for my skin. It has not however cleared up, probably because im too self conscious to wait till my skin clears up and not wear heavy makeup.
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July 26, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

My skin seems to be looking better, but I did break out this morning so who knows.

Cons:

I have not been able to sleep AT ALL, even though I'm exhausted.

Has anyone else experienced sleeplessness? Every day this month I go to bed about 11pm and
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July 20, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

My skin looks 100% better, no weight gain and no irability issues as last BC pill.

Cons:

Lack of sex drive. Fatigue

I have been on the b/c pill for almost 15 years. I have been through 4 different kinds, Yasmin being my 5th. With other pills I have had problems with weight gain, to mood swings and acne issues. I have had the most sucess with Yasmin, aside from the sex drive. The lack of sex drive is causing some issues within my 8 year marriage. I am now starting to contemplate looking for a new form of birt control. Hope this review helps someone.
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July 14, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

I don't know yet!

Cons:

ACNE

I have been using this BC for about one week. Since then I have been getting big size pimples without puss on both checks. They really hurt and have lasted about three days. Plus my insurance did not cover most of it. $20 co-pay is higher than other BC pills. 3 months supply costed me $60. I am used to a $10 a month for BC.
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July 12, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Fresh complexion... no acne, protects against pregnancy

Cons:

moody.. mood swings tghe first month...

Very good for clearing up my skin.. My skin is amazing.. even the little bumps are gone. Only issue.. it makes me extremely cranky the 1st month. The adjusting to hormones is probably the issue. I began working out and it made me feel alot better
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July 6, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Less Acne, feeling a lot happier

Cons:

None yet

Diane 35 made me break out BIGTIME! was horrilby depressed and wouldn't see any of my friends. I switched to Yasmin a couple of weeks ago and the acne has calmed down already. I wish I had changed earlier then I wouldn'y have so many scars but at least there aren't bumps and lumps all over the place!! The cycstic acne is clearing and am greatful for the change. Sorry to hear the news isn't great girls but maybe have a talk to the doc and see if something else suits as Diane is mainly for skin problems..to prevent and cure not create acne. Everyone is different I suppose but I am feeling a lot happier and all the best for you girls. Good luck guys!!
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June 26, 2007

Pros:

I dont think I have been on it long enough to notice any improvement...only been on for about a month. I'm not pregant yet though which is good =)

Cons:

Nausea, break outs

I was a day late starting my first pack (I took two pills on Monday to make up for my Sunday start) and I was horribly sick to my stomach. I've never been pregnant but I'm guessing it was like having morning sickness. I take it at night to help the nausea but I sitll cannot eat breakfast in the morning without feeling sick. I have also been breaking out ALOT. However, I know it takes awhile for your body to get used to the hormone. I have been on BCP's for about 3 years straight but they were all Lo-dose hormones. I started the Regular Ortho because it is clinically proven to help your skin. Has everyone else experienced bad breakouts when you first start Ortho? And how long did it take for your skin to clear up? I am planning on sticking it out through the next couple months...hopefully my face will clear up...
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June 22, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Beautiful skin, PMS gone!, more stable moods, small/minor weight loss

Cons:

leg cramps

I was a bit psycho during PMS every month, and this pill made me sane. I really like it. It's only been two months, but my skins has been clear for the first time since pre-puberty. Only thing is that I get leg cramps. Anyone know how to fix this?
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May 27, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

I guess it does its job in preventing pregnancy.

I've been on Yasmin for about a year. I was on orthotricyclin before that but had to switch because insurance didnt cover it. I do not like yasmin at all. For the first month or two I felt nauseous. That went away but now I have absolutely no sex drive and I have several spider veins on my legs and i'm only in my early twenties! The only semi good thing is it kind of clears up acne, but not as well as ortho.
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