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

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January 21, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

skin clearer, boobs bigger, less headaches

Cons:

sick, maybe moody?? HUNGRY!!! sore boobs

I have been on Yaz for 2 months only. I did not realize til reading this post, that some of the affects I may be having could be due to Yaz. I have never had previous side effects of bc. I do, however, fell sick consistently and am hungry all the time. I LOVE my new boobs, they are back to where they were before I nursed, they are sore all the time, though. My skin looks clearer and I don't know if it is coincidence but I haven't had a migraine headache for several weeks (I used to get them 1-2 times a week)....hmmm....oh yeah, and I am bloated. Maybe that's because I am eating so much to curve the hungry appetite I IMMEDIATELY noticed and contributed to Yaz
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January 14, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

I HAVE MNOT FOUND ANYTHING THAT I HAVELIKED ABOUT YAZ

Cons:

YAZ HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE MY PERIOD FOR 29 DAYS WITH OUT AND RELIEF. I CAN'T SLEEP, I HAVE TERRIBLE MODD SWINGS AND I AM ALWAYS HUNGRY.

IF YOU ARE TAKING YAZ STOP TODAY!!!!!!!!
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regulated my periods.

Cons:

None to note personally.

I have had absolutely no problems with Tri-Cyclen for the nearly 3 years that I have been on it so far. I have actually lost weight since being on it. As well, I had moderately bad skin before going on this pill and shortly after starting it, it completely cleared up and has treated me quite well ever since. From personal experience, at least, I highly recommend it.
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December 27, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

First 12 months - weight loss, clear skin

Cons:

2nd 12 months - severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression, nausea (with nil history of such)

This pill is by far the WORSTY pill I have ever been on. The first year was ok with little side effects...then my world fell down around me. My personality changed and I was terrified. It took me a while to realise that YASMIN was the cause. Within a week of stopping it the dark cloud over me lifted. Anxiety took a while to subside. Overall it has taken me 2 years to completely re-balance my hormones and vitamin deficiencies.
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December 14, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

With all that said below there are no pros that any other birthcontrol pill can't do.

Cons:

Very moody, significant weight gain, doesn't really help my acne. I am about to start Isotretinoin (a really strong vitamin A).

I have only taken it for a month and I like it, however I have gained a lot of weight within a month. I didn't know my period would stop, that might be a plus for others. My mood swings are controlable.
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December 4, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

clear skin, mild cramps,

Cons:

rashes on other parts of body i.e. arms, thighs.

I have almost no acne w/ Yaz and my sex drive is still good which certainly did not happen w/ my previous birth control, Kariva. Yes, the skin rashes suck but investing in some hydrocortisone cream makes it bearable. It's better that having bumps on your face.
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December 2, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

idk?

Cons:

to many to list

Ive been on the pill for two weeks and I thought i was going crazy until i came to this sight and realized alot of other people expierenced the same side affects from the pill. Im usually a very happy, modivated, and energetic person. Ever since going on the pill I have experienced random mood swings, and I randomly cry for no reason at all. I feel depressed and its not worth it. On top of that I can not concentrate on anything. I have no appetite and feel extremely nauseas after eating anything. I normally work out and feel great doing it. Lately I have no energy and give up right as I am starting. All I want to do is sleep, Ive been going to sleep at 8:30 every night including the weekends and im only 17! Every since Ive been on the pill I feel like a crazy person and Im really considering getting off or switching.
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December 1, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

cleared up my acne... i could see my freckles once again! also, kind of an appetite suppressant, can be taken 3 packs at a time, no pms really

Cons:

badly decreased sex drive (after 3 year on yasmin), put me in weird moods--light depression, still had cramps (the reason I was on it in the first place)

I have been off Yasmin for a month, and my sex drive is back! I am in a better mood now, but I have a bigger appetite now and my face has broken out again! I'm considering switching to a different bc, but if you are using it to clear your skin and don't need a sex drive, I would recommend it.
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November 26, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Regular period,effective birth control method

Cons:

Acne,Sore breasts,mood swings which i did not have previously.My skin was very clear.But now it is awful.

Sore breasts are the worse and I was never so emotional before.Sometimes I feel bored and dont find interest in anything.
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November 23, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Short periods

Cons:

Did not improve my skin. Extreme depression the week of my period.

No pill has improved my skin either, (ortho, estrostep) but no other pill has made me feel so terrible once a month. I am switching next month.
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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.
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