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
June 6, 2008

Pros:

Effective birth control, no break through bleeding, reliable length of period, can almost set a clock to it.

Cons:

Horrid acne, weight gain, moody, head-achey, migraines.

I asked my doctor about my complaints over a year ago and he dismissed them. I just now, after being on this poison nearly since it came out, am I figuring out that the postules, cysts, horrible skin, headaches and migraines are from this stupid pill. Rest assured, he will be getting a call tomorrow morning and I want off this crap.
June 6, 2008

Pros:

lighter period. less cramps. haven't gotten pregnant. cleared up my acne. it cost me nothing. (I work at a GYN office)

Cons:

a little bloating.

totally all for it.
May 31, 2008

Pros:

Nothing really.

Cons:

Made my skin breakout in huge cysts and nodules and made it extremely oily like holy crap. I used mineral make-up and never put moisturizer on and I could feel the oil sliding down my face all day.

Not worth it at all. I hated it so I switched to another birth control. FDA approved to treat acne, but I just don't see how ):
May 31, 2008

Pros:

I have used this pill for 2 years,and NEVER got preganat!! I even skipped a couple of pills.but its strong enough to prevent it

Cons:

When I first started using it I gained 20 pounds,with in the first 3-4 months!!Seriously,my family NEW I was on the pill,bc of my weight gain,and I've always been a skinny girl~~ If you stop,you will BREAK OUT!! It happen to me a few months ago!!!!

I have been using this pill off and on for 2-3 yrs. I stopped a month ago,and wish I never did...bc I swear to you,my FACE BROKE OUT like CRAZY!!! And I have NEVER had acne in my 25 yrs! So,it was super depressing,and it stressed me out! I'm thinking of going back on this pill,bc I dont wanna get pregnant! I'm just scared it may break my face out again!!
May 27, 2008

Pros:

better sex drive & less cramps

Cons:

Acne & weight gain.

I was prescribed to go on Yasmin to cure my light acne, but it just ended up getting worse and worse. I should have stopped after the first month when I first realized it wasn't helping, but my doctor told me to be patient and keep going until 3 months. After that, my light acne turned to moderate acne - bumps all on my cheek bones, worse acne than I've ever had before -I'm still trying to get rid of it.
May 10, 2008

Pros:

birth control

Cons:

acne,crazy food cravings

ive been on this pill for just six months hoping it would make my acne better..after month 5 my acne seemed to just decrease and now i have the worst acne i have ever experianced..im going to stay on it for another 3 months to see if my acne starts to clear but if not i think i may just go off of it
May 2, 2008

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, no water retention,helped my migraines

Cons:

SEVERE depression & moodiness, skin tag, breakthrough bleeding

I did get slightly bigger boobs, and no weight gain. It cleared up my face, but I got more breakouts in places I never had acne (neck, chest back). The biggest problem is depression and moodiness. This is making me miserable & reclusive. I am not the same person anymore. I am going to switch now, but not sure what to.
April 29, 2008

Pros:

lighter, shorter periods, clearer skin but acne not completely gone, no weight issues, period always predictable

Cons:

none really. though im a little jealous of the girls who got bigger boobs because I definitely didnt!

This review is for the low dose. I was on it for about 2 years and I had no problems with it at all. I loved it! I had horrible acne before, it was so embarrassing. I still break out once in a while but it isn't bad and only lasts a few days. I just switched to the regular ortho tricyclen in hopes that it would be better for my skin. A friend of mine is also on the low dose one and she loves it as well. I would definitely recommend it.
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.
April 21, 2008

Pros:

I guess not getting pregnant...

Cons:

ACNE!!!! Nausia

I chose this pill to help my skin. It has been 2.5 months and my skin is the biggest nightmare I've ever seen. Postules, cysts, bumbs, redness EVERYWHERE! I thought it was bad before but this is torture. I know they say wait 3-4 months but come on!

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.