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

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 15, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin and stopped spotting between periods

Cons:

I gained 10lbs in 2 weeks and had sever nausea every day.

I only took Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 2 months and decided the horrible nausea and weight gain were not worth it. Now I exercise every day and try to eat better but I can't lose the 10lbs. It just won't budge at all. I just want to cry. My clothes all fit too tight. I will never do that to my body again. I even read all the horror stories and decided to go for it anyway. What a mistake.
February 10, 2009

Pros:

Haven't finished full month yet so hard to say.

Cons:

Loss of appetite, broke out really bad, fatigue, stomach pains, no sex drive whatsoever, can't fall asleep at night!

I started Yasmin 3 weeks ago and after the first few days my skin began to break out, then it got really bad the next week, and this third week has been even worse!!! Also since I began taking this it takes me hours to fall asleep (not sure if it's because I always take it right before bed). And I'm finding it difficult to work up an appetite.
February 9, 2009

Pros:

Definitely prevents pregnancy, keeps skin clear, shorter periods.

Cons:

It sucks having to remember to take it at the same time every day.

If you love sex, this is a good birth control method.
February 6, 2009

Pros:

My face is super clear, never have i had a pregnancy scare, and I know exactly when to expect my period.

Cons:

a little weight gain and it sometimes makes me emotional.. but that is all birthcontrol.

The best birthcontrol I have ever taken. It serves its purpose and I would recommend it to anyone. ( especially teens )
February 6, 2009

Pros:

few side effects and i guess it works as a contraceptive if u use it for that?

Cons:

my skin got worse so went to docs to change pill, since stopping taking yasmin my skin has got slightly better so i also think it made things worse, or at least no better! had headches which may or may not be related.

my doc said a lot of women like this pill and that it helps with a lot of problems, but for me it did absolutely nothing and i wouldnt recommend it!
February 1, 2009

Pros:

don't get pregnant, it gives you a regular cycle

Cons:

It gives horrible cramps

Use it if it doesn't give you bad cramps.. It works well.. i guess but I could do without the cramps. I also realized I put on some weight while on this product.
January 31, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin
Controls period

Cons:

My period lasts for about 6 days :(
Took a while to adjust to the medication..a couple months of moodiness!

I'm taking the generic, Ocella. I really think its a combination of this BC, my regimen, and just growing out of acne. But whatever, I'm really happy with my skin.
January 28, 2009

Pros:

prevents pregnacy. skins not as oily.

Cons:

my skin looks horrible right now! i havent been sleeping good even if im so tired cant close my eyes it feel like theres something holding them open. ive been crying i never cry!!!! and having bypolar mood swings like you wouldnt believe.

i started takinf yaz last week and i feel like im pregnant! just very emotional. and im not emotional. im hoping things will get better but i dont know. i feel like ive gained alittle wait also. but it could just be emotions. my face isnt oily but its not clear. i have pimples everywhere and there dry. its GROSS. im hoping things get better. i really need birth control.
January 27, 2009

Pros:

clears up most acne after about three months, less cramps than before, predictable period, larger breasts

Cons:

slightly emotional maybe? very rarely am i any more emotional than i was before taking the pill, but i guess a bit maybe. the first month i felt a little nauseas after taking it, so i recommend taking it at maybe ten o' clock in the evening

i take this pill purely to clear up mild acne, and after about three months my face has rarely ever broken out (it did take about three months to kick in), so it has been extremely successful for me. along with a clearer face, i also have way less painful cramps than i used to (they were AWFUL), and it's nice to know when i'm going to start my period. my boobs have grown a bit, and i definitely haven't gained any weight (which is a pro). for MY specific needs this pill has been wonderful! i would agree that the negative side effects of this pill have been wrongly attributed on this website as well!
January 25, 2009

Pros:

better control of acne problem, cleaner (less oily) hair

Cons:

very emotional sometimes, possible weight gain (should I blame the pill or myself?), low energy.

Have been on yaz for over a year now. My skin improved considerably for a while but now seems to be breaking out more like it used to. Not sure this is a long term solution to acne problems.

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.

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.