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
January 9, 2009

Pros:

regular periods, clearer skin, if taken properly good contraceptive.

Cons:

still get cramps and pain on 1 or 2 days, nausea at times, dizzy.
up and down with weight normal or weight loss.

taken yasmin pill for about 5years now the 21yellow pills only, just deal with normal feelings of periods like cramps nausea, probably lost weight but lbs change down then back normal ! apart from that good contraceptive haven't got pregnant while taking it touch wood, but still advise u too stay safe with other contraceptives...
January 6, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy.

Cons:

None (See below)

I have been taking this on and off for about 5 years. It does what its made for--preventing pregnancy. I didn't start BC to control my acne or weight but I can say that it hasn't contributed to either--in any way. The ONLY problem I had was when I bought the CHEAP cheap brand from walmart. My face broke out horribly. They didn't tell me they switched 'generic' forms. I take name brand now but the Trinessa (other generic) was fine too--just don't take the SUPER cheap version..its awful stuff. I haven't gained weight from this, I didn't ever get nauseated, and it didn't make my 'acne' worse. Overall, a good BCP.
January 3, 2009

Pros:

little bit shorter periods, no pregnancy!

Cons:

headaches and spotting the week before actual period

i dont see that many differences between the name brand and the generic the only some months i have a bad period and others might be good to where i cant even tell im on it!
December 28, 2008

Pros:

No pregnancy, Boobs got bigger.

Cons:

Possible weight gain from the pill, made me crave bad foods, made period heavier and more cramps. feel nausea for first few weeks. ( has gone down, after first few months)

It almost seems like theres more pros then cons. I have been on the patch, and the shot. And i must say the shot wasnt bad. And the patch was a long time ago. But with the shot, i never got a period and that seems very unnatural. I have heard horror stories about how you gain tons of weight and cant lose it. well I had the shot for one time and it lasts for 3 months. I am scared that i may be biased because of what people told me. Also, it may have been other variables such as working out less, or eating worse. Its just just a matter of closely paying attention to all things. I payed close attention, and ive noticed the pill kind of makes me lazy, and eat worse. The shot, for the first month made me tired, then fine after that. But no pain thats forsure. The patch seemed like it worked the best but it was a long time ago. I am considering all three very closely.
December 3, 2008

Pros:

No mood swings, light periods

Cons:

Heart pulpitations

My heart races once in a while and this is the only pill I am taking. Did anyone have problems like I do?
November 30, 2008

Pros:

Breasts got bigger. No acne

Cons:

Nauseated all the time. Vomiting nearly 3 times a week. Mood swings.WEIGHT GAIN!!!!! I've gained almost 15 pounds!!!!

This pill sucks i wouldnt recommend it, to anyone... It's horrible.
November 26, 2008

Pros:

Prevents Pregnancy, Less cramps

Cons:

Your body gets used to the hormones and wont like it once you go off the pill.

I have been a birth control user for over 15 years and have been on this one for 5 years now. I think this is the best one overall, my acne has improved and my moods are "stable"
November 25, 2008

Pros:

U WON'T GET PREGNANT

Cons:

I HAVE AN OUTRAGEOUS BREAKOUT OF ACNE ON MY BACK AND FACE

I GOT OFF THE PILL IT IS NOT GOOD FOR ME. IF YOU LIKE TO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE AND ITCHY THEN THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU. I HAVE NEVER ITCHED SO BAD. I HAVE OUTRAGEOUS ACNE ALL OVER MY BACK AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ACNE ON MY BACK. I WANT TOTRY SOME OTHER BC. I CAN NOT STOP EATING AND SCATCHING!! IT WAS DRIVING ME CRAZY LTERALLY!!!!
November 19, 2008

Pros:

LIGHTER PERIODS ...No pregnancy .....helps with acne

Cons:

lots of break through bleeding between periods which i have never experienced before ...... getting off of this pill ....im having like a week of my actual period and then two weeks of light bleeding! cannot stand it

depends on the person ...my best friend is on the same pill and loves it .......
November 18, 2008

Pros:

Great for my skin, never got a pimple while on it. Made my boobs a cup size bigger, and I never really got bloated

Cons:

Thought I was loosing my mind. I was crying ALL THE TIME! I wasn't like that before I got on the pill. I thought that there was no way my life could get better. SO SAD! Really tired, I wanted to sleep all the time. Expensive.

I stopped taking it after 3 relationships failed in 5 months because of my crazy mood swings. I also couldn't afford the fifty bucks a month. I was so tired of crying everyday and not even knowing why.

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.