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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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August 21, 2009

Pros:

No babies, slight growth in breast size, less cramps, no acne

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN, more emotional, tired often

I've used OTC for over 3 years and decided to stop taking it due to weight gain. Even while eating light and exercising I have gained 30 pounds in 3 years. Weight seems to be dropping off now with ease. Periods always lasted 5 days. It was good knowing the exact day you were going to start though. I always seemed to be tired, but am now finding that I have more energy. I was also very emotional with mood swings during the week of my period, which was never that way before the pill.
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August 21, 2009

Pros:

Stops pregnancy, clear skin

Cons:

Started a smell "down there" after periods

I took OTC Lo when i was in High School with no side effects, i stopped taking them and i had my son. When i started them again, I noticed that i was getting a bad oder after my periods...i guess when I had to take the pills with the highest dose of estorgen it really was bad. I have since stopped taking them and it went away.. i am now searching for another birth control, was thinking about Yaz, but i haven't heard many good reviews for that..needles to say i have an appt. with my doctor this week!!
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

Well I started using it 2 days ago because I have mild acne and they say its really good for acne, but ill see how it works...

Cons:

The first night I took it it gave me a headache.

Any birthcontrol is good to take because it helps you have regular periods and less cramps so I will keep using this product.
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

bigger boobs, no babies, no more extreme cramps, less acne, and not as moody.

I would deffs recommend this product if you suffer from bad cramps and mild acne and (in my case) want bigger boobs!
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

Ligher periods hardley any cramping I'm getting a little of zits here and there but I think my body has to get used to it

Cons:

Makes me very sleepy

Use it its better than all the other products out there.
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July 27, 2009

Pros:

Clears about 65% of painfull acne, no mood swings

Cons:

Sore breasts, a little weight gain (again based on how much u eat), heart racing, hot flashes

I tried this product when I had moderate acne at the age of 18 and it cleared up my face somewhat, but every time i would start a new pill I would usually have to spend a day at home, because of worse cramps ever. It stoped in 3 months, I stop taking them just to see how my body would react and I got very bad breakouts. Switched to Allesse for a year, I absolutely hate it, makes me break out crazy and not only on the face, gain about 5 pounds, but no big deal. I weight 125 lbs now and I think its perfectly healthy weight for a 23 year old. I am switching back to Tri cyclen Lo, it should deffinately help with the oil production and hot flashes. Mood swings were always a part of my day so i didnt really notice anything different in that area, and if I do I usually just cry it out and the wash my face off or take a nice long bubble bath and its all good again :))
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July 26, 2009

Pros:

Took is for 2/1/2 years and had no problems. It helped lessen my cramps.

Cons:

Starting taking it again after not using any birthcontrol for 2 years( was pregnant, breastfeeding, etc.) and I have been super moody and depressed. Although, It's only been a week, so I will give it a chance.

Loved it the first time I took it and hoping it will be ok again once my body gets more in the system.
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

Made acne go away, shorter periods, skin became less oily, helped my moodiness.

Cons:

Gained 10 lbs, having to take it regularly.

It took about 2 months for me to start seeing any improvement in my breakouts, but once it started working it worked really well. Ortho Tri Cyclen is the ONLY thing that worked to clear up my acne and the minor side effects are worth having a clear face again. I haven't had a break out in about 5 months.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

bigger boobs

Cons:

acne everywhere!

i've never had acne before, and ive only been taking this pill for 6 days. is it normal to breakout in the beginning?
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Currently getting rid of my cysts, I have I hope.

Cons:

Severe acne, made my face breakout everywhere. Tiny breakouts, then huge pimples. Leaving scars, leaving my face totally damaged.

If you've dealt with acne your hole life and want to get rid of it, then don't take this pill at all. It made my acne a million times worse. I'm still upset. :(
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