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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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August 28, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared by back acne within a few weeks. Only a rare pimple occured on my face. I had tried Differin, Retin-A, Tetracyclin, nothing worked. Lighter, shorter, timeable periods. Less cramping. Prevents pregnancy.

Cons:

NONE. Some people may experience nausea during the first few months. This is normal and expected. Women who use the pill should not smoke. Smoking, especially 10 or more cigarettes a day, significantly increases the risk for blood clots & stroke.

If you have to resort to Accutane, you may as well try just using the pill first. Accutane users MUST use a form of birth control.
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

Loss of weight, less appetite, not as moody, light periods(3 days), bigger breasts, :-D My anemia levels are now not as high, and the best part: MY ACNE IS GONE!

Cons:

A little anxiety, some mood swings on the last 7 pills, can have PMS symptoms with the exceptions of cramps at that time. Achy breasts at the very beginning of taking this pill.

I would reccommend this pill to any woman. Its very effective in what its supposed to do. Of course with every pill you will have some sympotoms, nothing is perfect. I was on Lo-Ovral before and had massive menstrual headaches and was ALWAYS dizzy and nauseated. With Ortho Lo, I feel much much better compared to Lo Ovral.
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

Stress-free. No cramps. Lost weight.

Cons:

Broke out where I never did before.

I'm not having any major side-effects, except for breaking out? I'm breaking out around my jawline, and I got like 2 huge cysts on my cheeks...Well, hopefully that goes away, but overall I think its a good pill. I think I'm only breaking out because my body is adjusting to the hormones.
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Not pregnant, bigger firm boobs, little weight gain, definently helped clear mild acne.

Cons:

Upset stomachnauseated at times, irritability, mood swings.

The pros says it all...no more acne for me. A little more moody is that so bad considering.
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Stop cramps, Light period, no weight gain

Cons:

Breakout when I start my period

Stopped my painful cramps and heavy flow which im thankful for.I only get about one or two bumps when i come on.
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August 11, 2008

Pros:

Very predictable periods, like clockwork!
Slow improvement in skin.

Cons:

Horrible initial breakout around jawline
Crazy moody and extremely emotional; cried over everything.

I'm halfway through my 5th pack (Tri-Sprintec) and at first I hated it! The first 3 months were TERRIBLE!!! Every time I thought it would get better...it only got worse! and I CRIED LIKE NO OTHER! I had horrible breakouts around my jawline, but no where else! It wasn't until the 5th month were I saw noticeable improvement in my skin and my emotions (I stopped crying)! During the first 3 months I had 1-2 new pimples a day around my jawline. Now, I've had 5 total pimples in the past 2 weeks; and each went away after a day. I've also been using ProActive religiously for a few months now and Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion (GET THIS STUFF, ITS AWESOME!!!) and using that at night. Also Bare Minerals makeup -- this stuff is great! Bottom line....stick with it and don't give up!! They say to give it 3-4 months before you give up, but I saw no improvement until month 5. I'm SO glad I didn't give up! Have hope!
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

REALLY clears up skin, keeps it that way pretty much, only mild breakouts on forehead after; regulates periods; no noticeable emotional changes

Cons:

weight gain (5-15 pounds)

i'd recommend it if your acne isn't too bad and it's just in certain concentrated areas.
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July 31, 2008

Pros:

An effective birth control.clears skin completely.dont even have to use other treatments because it is controlling from inside to outside.

Cons:

some may experience normal nausea at first during first two or three months, but then it goes away.

I would recommemnd this pill for every woman, especially young girls struggling with acne.i have been suffering with back (cystic)acne since i was 15.it is 12 years later and i still struggle with back acne, but this ortho-tri-cyclen keeps everything clear all the time.
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

I am not pregnant! I used this for 6 years and the month I quit taking it - I got pregnant. So it works! And it cleared up my back acne (which also came back when I stopped taking the pill).

Cons:

None

Great product! It prevents pregnancy and clears skin.
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

clearer skin, bigger boobs, not pregnant, no cramps, regular periods

Cons:

gained a little bit of weight

i love it, everything works perfectly for me, no problems whatsoever.
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