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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January 7, 2012

Pros:

No weight!
Short period! (three days)
No pregnant!
Less acnes

Cons:

rarely headache

I used Tri-spritic for almost 3 years but I was gained wight around 30bls during college year. I was not happy about it and decided to stop Tri-spritic for one year. My bf was worried when I was off BC because we dont want to have a baby or not protect from sex. So he wanted me back to on BC. I dont want to back to on BC (tri-spritic) and I found out that my friend use Ortho Tri-Cyclen. My friend said that this BC is great and less effective. She told me try it and I love it! My insurance is pay this BC from Parenthood and do not go to regular pharmacy because they wont pay for it. Only Parenthood willing to pay from insurance.
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January 5, 2012

Pros:

Increase in breast size
Lost weight
No cramps
No crazy mood swings

Cons:

Acne still present
Shoulder acne
thick chin hair still present

I haven't used this for very long yet so I will update in another few weeks. I have developed cystic acne on my shoulders from Ortho Lo and went on regular Ortho but still no change. My face still has cysts. Facial hair I've been struggling with because of an imbalance in hormones still present.
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January 5, 2012

Pros:

-Works well as birth control
-Does not cause nausea like some bc pills do

Cons:

-Developed large painful back acne
-Sever face break outs.

Started this pill about two weeks ago and everything about is spectacular. Aside from the fact that my face broke out terribly. Everyone's skin is different this may work for someone else.
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January 4, 2012

Pros:

Skin cleared, Effective,

Cons:

Touchy,

I was on this pill for about a year. It's really effective for acne, I found my skin cleared after about a month and stayed that way. However, personally I found it to be very touchy. If I missed a day, I would start my period. Even if it wasn't time. Though a lot of my girlfriends are on the same one, and didn't get that. I'm now switching to Seasonale, here's hoping that's better!
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December 19, 2011

Pros:

*birth control
*less acne
*no side affects really
*not worried about becoming pregnant

Cons:

*remembering to take it everyday at the same time

I've been taking these birth control pills for a week, and I noticed my facial breakouts to be at a minimum because i usually wake up with 1 or 2 pimples on my face every other morning which are noticeable and it sucks. These breakouts stopped pretty quickly throughout this whole week of taking the pill i have only one pimple on my face when i usually have 4 or 5 at a time. My acne is not terrible but i do not like it and i have felt very less pretty and confident because of it and i have even been on antibiotics which helped but are not good for your body and make your skin sensitive to light. Now that my face is starting to clear up i feel better and a little more happy and satisfied. I'm 15 and my face usually gets really oily or greasing and I noticed my face isnt as oily or greasy lately. I also do not have to worry about getting pregnant because you are protected after 7 days. I payed about $27 for ortho tri cyclen and i guess thats an okay price. So far i havent noticed any side affects i have no spotting or bleeding or nausea and im very surprised. Ive heard alot of bad reviews but I think if your suffering from any acne i think this is worth a shot but everyone's body is different. Ill put in another review in a month of so
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December 9, 2011

Pros:

-Didn't get pregnant.
-My skin was beautiful while I was on it
-I actually lost weight

Cons:

-Anxiety
-Horrible irritability
-When I decided to stop taking it is when my acne started
-Unbalanced my hormones

I wasn't on the medication to help acne. But once I went off of it. I messed my face up. I'm still trying to get it back to normal and it's been over a year
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December 4, 2011

Pros:

No side effects
Clearer skin in one month
Inexpensive

Cons:

Stuck on it (going off BC results in bad breakouts, irregular menstruation)

A very good birth control option if your insurance does not cover Yasmin (as in my case). Been around a long time because it has fewer side effects!
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December 1, 2011

Pros:

Lighter periods
Virtually no cramping
Clears acne
Decreases PMS symptoms
Regulates period

Cons:

Nausea
Initial cravings

If you get nausea with initial use and can tolerate it, this stuff works. I am trying to stick it out because my acne is clearing up so nicely, but the nausea and vomiting can be tough.
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November 29, 2011

Pros:

Lighter periods
Slightly larger breasts
Less hormonal acne
Virtually no menstrual cramps
Sex drive the same if not higher

Cons:

Need to take everyday
Initial mood swings

When I first took this pill, I had horrible depression within the first 3 days, but it cleared right at the 4th day which makes me wary if it really was the pill that caused this or my own mental health issues. Overall, this pill has many positive aspects, with light periods and no cramps. I tend to get acne around my period, but it was very minimal this time and i've only been using this pill for a month. I also noticed a slight increase in my breast size, which was good because I have tiny boobs! Overall, I would definitely recommend this, though I know that everyone's body reacts differently to certain types of birth control pills, so it really is your call! It is worth a try though.
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November 25, 2011

Pros:

best for hormonal acne
regulates period
reduces menstrual cramps

Cons:

needs to be taken daily

if you suffer from acne along your jaw line i would definitely rec. going on birth control... i have been using BC for about 4 years now and even though i still break out it helps sooo much. I tried to go off the pill just to give my body a rest and within about 6 weeks i broke out soo bad i mean were talking about severe here.. everyday i would wake up with at least 3 to 4 pimples... i was going back to how bad it was in HS... after about 2 months off the pill i started taking it again and within a month or two my face cleared up significantly... i now have to deal with all the scaring but at least most of the bumps are now gone... You can get them at Plan Parent Hood and they are free... i really believe this is the most significant step in my regime and i will not make the mistake again and stop taking this..
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