Oral Contraceptives
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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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July 15, 2008

Pros:

didn't get pregnant and my boobs look fabulous

Cons:

if you take it really early in the morning before you eat, you'll feel nauseated

It's great and has worked very well for me considering the fact that before I started Ortho, my period came maybe once or twice a year. My skin never looked better and my Boobs are great
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July 12, 2008

Pros:

Avoiding pregnancy, no break through bleeding and no weight gain.

Cons:

My acne has gotten HORRIBLE!! Before I got on the pill, my face was fine, maybe a pimple here or there. Now, I have tons!!

Don't use it!! Worsens skin!!! Horribly!!!
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

acne is clearing up lots and not prego
and no more ovarian cysts

Cons:

sometimes it's hard to remember it
i get scared to drink now, lol

love it
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne, no pregnancy, minimal side effects, lighter periods

Cons:

None!

I had really bad acne before going on this, after 6 months my skin is back to normal again. You have to give it a few months to regulate your hormones to notice a change in your skin. Great product!
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April 10, 2008

Pros:

helped acne, no weight gain, bigger boobs

Cons:

little nausea, mood swings, my boobs are a little sore sometimes(but it's worth it!)

This BC has really helped my acne. I love it! On top of that, my boobs are a little bigger(1/2cup to 1cup size bigger depending on the time of the month). I haven't gained a pound, but I work out, though. It definitely prevents pregnancy! The nausea I can deal with, and the mood swings, well what woman doesn't have mood swings? Let's not blame it on the birth control, ladies! j/k :) I definitely recommend this product.
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April 7, 2008

Pros:

shorter, lighter periods, less cramps, clearer skin.

Cons:

I experienced no side effects what so ever.

The pill took about 3 months to kick in fully. My skin started to clear up a bit in the first month and got better and better over the course of three months. I also did other things to help my skin and the products that I used were very simple and non-irritating. I had never had acne until 3 years ago (I'm 23) and experience no acne in my teenage years. I tried all the products out there including proactiv. But since my skin was not really oily at least on the surface, the typical acne products dried my skin and irritated it so much that breakouts worsened. The routine that I stick to and stand by has helped me skin ALOT. Cetaphil cleanser, Neutrogina One Less Stress gel, Clinique Dramatically Different moisturizing gel. Mario Bodescu drying lotion, applied with q-tips and St. Ives Appricot scrub used once to twice a week. Mario Bodescu Flower and Tonic mask used two times a week. My face is transformed. Within three months, I have the skin that I had three years ago
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March 26, 2008

Pros:

Taken it for 7 years no side effects or pregnancy. Light periods with no craps and knew exact day of my next period. Helps with acne.

Cons:

I just stopped taking the pill (trying to get pregnant) got a bad acne brake out.

This pill is great! Never had a problem or had to worry if it worked and if I was pregnant. Had very clear skin(didn't need makeup). I took it for 7 years with no side effects. One month a was given the wrong script for the pills. The other BC pill made me sooo sick I felt nausea all month. I was glad when I started taking Tri-cyclen again.
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March 22, 2008

Pros:

NO CRAMPS!!, lighter periods, prevents pregnancy, no significant weight gain

Cons:

nausea and vomiting the first few days

I was a bit discouraged in the beginning because it was making me throw up, but I kept taking my pills like I was supposed to and after a few days I felt a lot better. at the end of my pack when I got my period I was AMAZED! first of all, we hadn't been using condoms so I thought it was magical that birth control actually works so well to prevent pregnancy. and in addition to the lack of babies, I had a complete lack of cramps which was fantastic to me because I used to get the most horrible cramps in the world. I will continue taking the pills and I hope to see an improvement on my acne in the next couple months as well. :)
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March 12, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, regular light periods

Cons:

Have to take it every night

I'm pretty good about remembering to take the pill and otherwise I've had no adverse reaction to it. In the beginning I would get nausea after taking it but that wore off by the end of the first month. I've been on it for 2 years now, and nothing else seems better suited for me
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February 23, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant. predictable periods. 98% clearer skin. doesnt make you feel sick.

Cons:

still 7day period. lowered sex drive. fatigue

ive been on tri-cyclen Lo for 2yrs now, its great.my periods are normal. my body handled it much better then some of the other pills ive tried. Instead of cramping for a week before, I now cramp 2-3 days before now. not complaining. Great for beginners.
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