Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
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.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 20, 2007
Cons:
It really messed up my hormones and my menstrual cycle becuase it was too difficult for me to remember to take it every day. I'm a college student and my schedule isn't consistent enough to use this.
It worked great for my skin - but at what cost? My body is all screwed up now - I have to back to the doctor again soon. Even though this worked well on my face, long term birth control use can cause lasting damage to your hormones and reproductive systems. Doctors claim it is 100% safe, when really it is only menat to be used short term. After I quit, my skin broke out worse than ever. This is only a temporary fix, and it's not worth the price of your health and almost $40 a month.
September 17, 2007
Pros:
cleared up skin, no fear of pregnancy
Cons:
LOW SEX DRIVE, it literally went down to almost none!! It's so bad i think i have to switch contraceptives..it's just not worth it to be on a birth control if you don't want to have sex. cramping, severe mood swings/depression
it works for pregnancy, i've been on it for 2 years and never had a scare, my face is clear and i have lighter periods, however, no sex drive!...I also get really bad mood swings..
September 14, 2007
Pros:
I have been on OTC for over a year now. I have had no problems and I do notice an improvement in my skin.
Cons:
So expensive and not everyone remembers to take the pill every day.
Highly recommend but not without a pelvic exam and medical history review from a physician.
September 8, 2007
Pros:
Im not pregnant yet
Cons:
Mood swings,2 week long periods, awful period cramps and bloating, decreased sex drive, weight gain.
I wouldnt reccomend this item.The side effects are rediculas and after having my period for 12 days and counting i dont wish that upon anyone!
September 6, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
increased sex drive, which my boyfriend loves. and obviously, im not pregnant.
Cons:
so far its making me break out badly, but from reading other people's responses it does that for the first month or two then goes away. if it doesnt clear up soon im going to have to go off it though.
i want to be on birth control, i was on ortho tri before and that made me gain alot of weight. so far yaz hasnt had that effect which i like alot but i cant stand the acne im getting because im so used to having really good skin.
August 27, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Clear skin, regular periods, not pregnant
Cons:
lethargic
I had been on Yasmin for about five years. Prior to yasmin I had trouble with my skin. It cleared my skin up completely. A couple months ago I heard of some side effects of yasmin that causes you to be tired. I decided to switch pills. Now my acne that had been gone for years is back and it's horrible. It's like a bunch of small bumps on your face. I decided to switch back to yasmin and just started today. Hopefully it works again!
August 23, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Since switching to Yasmin from Dianette, I have felt happier and less depressed. Yasmin makes me feel good, made me lose weight and has increased my sex drive!
Cons:
If you take 2 Packs in a row, I get spotting into the 2nd week of the new pack :(
It makes me feel good, Dianette made me very depressed and I am so happy I switched to Yasmin. It keeps my skin clear too, althought Accutane probably did that! But it does keep my hormone levels calm as I don't get as moody as I used to before I took Yasmin.
August 21, 2007
Pros:
clearer skin, no side effects, lighter and shorter periods
Cons:
pricey
it just works. no weight gain, if anything, i lost weight. there are theories on why women gain weight on birth control, but i don't know if any of them are really true. i would recommend OTC-Lo, there are no side effects, you get clearer skin ( i don't have to use any concealor or powder after years of struggling with acne), and my periods last 4 days. it's a little pricey though, it used to be $10 with student insurance, but now it's going to be $28. so i'll have to find a generic brand.
August 13, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
No babies! Periods less heavy and not as long.
Cons:
Slight dizziness, no change in pimples... still have breakouts around the time of my period, I'm VERY emotional/mood swings (no prev. history of depression), and bloating and 4 lbs of weight gain.
I needed it to regulate my periods (I was having 8 to 10 day periods before), and help with the cramping. I am still in the first 3 months so I'm hoping the break through bleeding will stop. It's good and bad...I guess I just have to figure what's worse?
August 13, 2007
Pros:
Prevents Pregnancy and cleared up my acne
Cons:
Severe Mood Swings, Constant Urinary track infections and Yeast Infections. Weight Gain
This pill screws with my body more then being pregnant...
Pros:
IT cleared my skin up very well - I really didn't have many zita at all, just some remaining blackheads here and there.