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
November 17, 2008

Pros:

Shorter, lighter periods, no PMS symptoms. Reliable contraceptive.

Cons:

Horrible mood swings, depression, crying for no reason, irrationally angry. People said it changed my personality. The worst thing: It caused the worst acne I've ever had in my life- now I have painful, cystic acne that I never used to have.

It really depends on your body chemistry. Yaz works great for some people, but it did not work for me. Be ware of it, because it can cause your acne to worsen. I went off of it the other day and I am now desperately trying to treat the horrible acne that it caused.
November 3, 2008

Pros:

Prevention of pregnancy... duh! Also acne has cleared up.

Cons:

Very minimal nausea.

So far so good. I haven't been on it that long but I would recommend it. I really have noticed a decrease in my acne.
October 22, 2008

Pros:

Shorter periods, less cramps

Cons:

Moodiness, acne (which just started after my 3rd month taking it), forgetful, sleep disturbance, drowsy, bloating. I actually have a lot of the same symptoms I get when I'm pregnant!!

This pill is not doing what I thought it would. I thought it would help with PMS symptoms and moodiness along with preventing pregnancy. It did prevent pregnancy, but that is all that is has done that I expected it to do. Very disappointed with it.
October 16, 2008

Pros:

so good so far

Cons:

i think i'm getting small pimples along my chin and hairline from it, not sure. was very sick the morning after my first pill. was sick in the middle of the night last night.

I've only been taking yasmin for a week and a half but haven't had many problems yet. I am taking it as a form of birth control but requested it from my gyno because i heard it helped acne which I have been fighting for over 13 years now. I have tried EVERYTHING for my problem skin and NOTHING has worked. I am hoping this is it. The only con was the morning sickness but that has happened with every pill I was ever on, plus I recently had a baby so the sickness from the pill was nothing compared to pregnancy sickness. haven't noticed any breast soreness or enlargement but i already have both now anyways from breastfeeding. So I guess I have nothing to report. Sorry. May write another review in a month or so.
October 13, 2008

Pros:

It works well as a birth control and to regulate your period.

Cons:

It did not help w/ acne. Made me really depressed for the first few months... like random crying and things.

Don't use Yasmin to clear up acne. I was on it for 4 years and just went off three weeks ago. My skin has cleared up. Still have blackheads but haven't had a new zit since I stopped it.
October 3, 2008

Pros:

I had no side effects with this!

Cons:

the generic is cheaper but not the same!

I have switched to many kinds and this one is the best!
September 26, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up acne, regulated period well.

Cons:

Too many to list: major ones were severe mood swings, depression, night sweats, severe nausea, chronic yeast infections, and decreased libido.

I would not recommend this as an option for acne treatment. The side effects outweigh the benefits. I thought it was just me, but I've been to other forums and women have listed the same side effects I dealt with. Nausea was horrible, but my depression and mood swings were the worst. I was constantly angry or upset over the littlest things and contemplated killing myself! It was horrible, and I thought I might need professional help (Not good for something like this to even be on the market!). Not to mention the chronic yeast infection that became resistant to OTC cream. After kicking Yasmin, I had to go to the doctor to get diflucan, and THAT finally wiped out the yeast infection. So far so good! My mood has improved dramatically. I no longer feel like I want to kill myself, and the nausea is almost nil now. My libido is back and I just feel like me again! My fiance definitely agrees.
September 11, 2008

Pros:

No weight gain, no decreased libido

Cons:

Cystic acne (the most painful kind!), Nausea

I have used this for almost a year. This did help clear up my acne somewhat but the acne I do have is now cystic and takes a long time to go away. I noticed that it really flares up before my cycle. I found that the first 3-4 months of taking the pill I was nauseated a few hours after taking it. I am switching back to kariva which I find to be much better for me. I think everyone has different issues with their hormones and just b/c something doesn't work for one person doesn't mean it won't work for you. I started taking this b/c a dermatologist recommended it.
September 10, 2008

Pros:

There are none.

Cons:

increase in acne, extreme nausea, anxiety/depression, mental fog, fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of energy, inability to exercise, headaches

DO NOT TAKE YASMIN, PLEASE!! After one week my face broke out in a rash, I was having extreme panic/anxiety attacks, depressed outlook, felt as if I was in a complete fog, had no appetite, stomach upset began in AM and continued throughout the day, could not exercise (and I am an avid exerciser), had no energy--just an awful pill.
September 10, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin,boobies, no babies!

Cons:

headache, spot bleeding, preferable after sex or more like alot of bleeding.....yes thats always nice to see!! freakin sux

its good so far only been using it for a week 1/2 nothing bad yet, only the bleeding part but hopefuly that will go away

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.