Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

3.3
2743
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12.1%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
October 30, 2008

Pros:

No cramps, less acne, no pregnancy.

Cons:

A little weight gain, sore breasts, nausea.

I would recommend it and that's it.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 25, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

no breakthrough bleeding

Cons:

acne has flared up, hypoglycemia worsened, nausea since I started taking it, cost

I have been taking Yasmin for 3 weeks, switched from my last 2mcg pill as I was experiencing unstoppable breakthrough bleeding mid-cycle. I have felt nauseous since I started it and my blood sugar control is definitely worse. Not sure about changes in sex drive and I dont think it's affected my mood. I'm wondering if your skin gets worse immediately then starts getting better, like with Accutane??
This Was Helpful

Report
October 24, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

i have two kids and my breasts were soggy and now my breast are firmer and look great with out a bra

Cons:

i have nauseau but thats just about it. i had acne befroe taking it but i guess i have to wait and see if they will clear up

i would recommend it to any one. Just follow your doctors advice with the instructions and i recommmend taking it at bed time at the same time every night if you can. And drink lots of water too.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 17, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Increased acne, small blister-like pimple patches on my cheeks & jaw line, my period came 2 weeks early

I started Yazmin to reduce breakouts instead I'm experiencing a new type of acne/rash. I'd intended to continue taking it to see if my skin would experience any benifit, but now my complexion is worse off. To top it off my period came early and is extremely heavy.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 26, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

birth control (though i'm not sexually active), easy to take and remember, no nausea like i get from most meds

Cons:

slightly worse skin, achy joints, sleepy, probably a bit of gained weight, sort of moody

Well, i've only ever been on BCP's twice. None of which were for contraception. This pill is FAR better than ortho evra patch. Side effects arn't too bad. In some ways my skin is better, but I'm getting these big red zits between my eyebrows.:(
This Was Helpful

Report
September 23, 2008

Pros:

no teen pregnancy

Cons:

nauseus

I've been on it 4 almost a month. I was on the nuva ring for a yr nd a half I loved everything about it, but I want to gain weight so got on ortho tri-cyclen.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 21, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Did not have the emotional side-effects like with Ortho Tri-Cyclen/ no PMDD that is usual for me with no pill; did clear up my ace some

Cons:

High blood pressure (i'm usually right below the average 120/80 and went up to 140ish/?; feelings of circulation problems; did not sleep as soundly; some weight gain (have never had problems with weight)

The health risk was too great, was very happy not to have the emotional side-effects of other pills, and the PMDD I have naturally, didn't clear up my acne like Orth Tri-Cyclen does
This Was Helpful

Report
September 6, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regulates your period, lighter flow, reduces menstrual pain.

Cons:

May cause nausea, migraines, insomnia, appetite changes, weight gain, increased acne, anxiety, depression, blood clots, etc.

Ladies please, do not take birth control unless you have too. It is definitely not the best way to clear up acne. I've been on the pill for a number of years because I have ovarian cysts, which cause me extreme pain when I menstruate. Even with being on birth control for this long, I still have the cysts. Though the pain has been reduced since I started taking them, the pill has also made a lot of things worse. You have to remember that birth control is forcing hormones into your body, and hormones are thought to be the biggest cause of acne. I eventually got fed up with trying to use drugs to solve my problems, so I went to see a homeopathic doctor. She has been helping me to drain my ovarian cysts, balance my hormones, and live a healthier life. I've lost weight and noticed a huge decrease of acne on my face. Try doing this, cut out all dairy from your diet for a couple weeks, and wear a sleeping mask at night. These will help balance out your hormones, decrease stress and acne.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 20, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

after a year Boobs grew 2 cups sizes, which means i dont fit in any bras at the size 32D. havent gotten pregnant, no emotional problems

Cons:

skin has gotten alittle worse. my weigh has steadily gone up. im 5'7", small frame and play tennis 5 times a week, i was 116 and looked healthy but now i cant get under 125 and although im far from fat, i just look unhealthy, ppl have noticed:(

its works for not becoming pregnant and it was nice to have bigger boobs, but really its one of those things you have to try for yourself, every woman is different and it will react different. the only thing i can say is that when it comes to brith control its a pill that makes your body think your pregnany so gaining and unable to loss weight should be expected since that what a real pregnacy would do.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 14, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

My boobs are growing! no pregnacy

Cons:

Less sleep at night, moodiness, minor low sex drive, very tender swollen breasts, painful migranes, always hungry(but no weight change, I haven't gained in years no matter how much I eat.)

I've been on Yasmin for almost 2 months. For the first month I experienced a lot of nausea, however I never vomited, so that's a plus. My breasts have been extremly sore, however I noticed they look slightly larger but I am not sure if that is because of the swolling. I hear the pill makes women's breasts enlarge, so I hope mine keep on sproutin'! I've always been emotional, even before the pill, so I am not sure if I can blame Yasmin for that. As of lack of sex drive, it's minor for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 146 147 148 149 150 … 191
Next

Relevant Article(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website