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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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Hhhmmm?? Well, I havn't gotten pregnant!

Cons:

Nauseous, headaches, tired, weak, irritable.

I need to switch pills...
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Effective birth control, hasnt decreased sex drive or made me crazy like it has other people.

Cons:

I'm a petite girl and gained 5 lbs. in 10 days! That's 5% of my body weight! Everyday I go to the gym and everyday I have gained weight. I feel like a fat slob. I have a fast metabolism, but its not helping. Also, my joints are starting to ache.

Everyones body reacts differently. Try it and see how yours reacts. I will only allow myself to gain 3 more pounds maximum before trying something else. I guess its better than being pregnant. I've been there and done that.
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Light periods, no cramps, little weight gain

Cons:

Acne way worse

I want to look for something else that doesn't cause my face to break out.
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April 22, 2008

Pros:

regular period

Cons:

BAD acne

I have only taken it for a month, but i am going to make a change because i have never had acne this bad in my life. I dont think it would be worth it for me to stay on it for a few monthes (to see if my body regulates) because i dont want scaring.
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April 17, 2008

Pros:

none so far

Cons:

Acne, hunger, and ramdon abdominal pain.

Just started the pill and I broke out on my face, back, and chest. I get random abdominal pain and I'm hungry all the time. Gained 4lbs within 3 weeks. This never happened before.
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April 14, 2008

Pros:

Well, Im not pregnant...

Cons:

ACNE!

I have NEVER had acne in my life until I took this medication. And it makes me nautious.
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March 27, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, regulated period

Cons:

acne!!!

I've been on OTC Lo for four years. I've never missed a pill and my period always comes exactly when it is supposed to, and when it does it lasts like four days and the cramping is only the first day (much better than before!) But..my skin is a disaster. My chin always has a blemish, I can't leave the house without make up. I NEVER had acne before going on birth control. Sometimes it will clear up for a month, but it always comes back. :( I also feel sick on the white pills...always have since my first dose. It is also unreasonably expensive.
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

it really works in not getting pregnant

Cons:

Big belly, mood swings,tired, lots of acne, lack of oxygen and heart pains

it really works when it comes to not getting pregnant, but it makes you gain weight especially in your belly, lots of acne on my cheeks and chin, mood swings, over sensitive and very tired.
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March 22, 2008

Pros:

Seems to reduce acne.

Cons:

belly weight gain, more moody, swollen & sore breasts.

Don't need Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for birth control, husband is "fixed". I have had bad acne since being off birth control after the birth of my children. Nothing topical or over the counter fixed it. So the dr suggested the pill again. It is covered by ins. so hopefully the side affects will go away in a few more months. Otherwise, I may stop taking.
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March 19, 2008

Pros:

No Side affects

Cons:

Remembering to take the pill

NO side effects works diffrent with every person.
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