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.

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Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12.1%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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June 23, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Larger breast, contraception, skin seemed a little better.

Cons:

Changed personality, damaged relationship dynamics, slight depression,

It sucked for me, although the bigger breast were nice. Everyone reactss differently and I reacted horribly. I thought I could be stronger than it, but even after four months it dominated my thoughts with negativity. I cried at everything. I stopped being happy. Doesn't mean others couldn't benefit though. Only use this birth control if you ctually have severe pms or it will give it to you.
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June 21, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Still waiting for results.

Cons:

Have to remember to take the same time every day. Takes a long to begin working.

I was prescribed YAZ for my hormonal acne. I have just finished the first week of my second pack of YAZ. My acne seems to vary....at times my face is pretty clear and other times its not. I have heard that it takes about 3 months to really start working so I guess I'll stick it out and hopefully I will start seeing the results I want.
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June 13, 2008

Pros:

The first week i lost some weight.

Cons:

tired, sometimes dont care about anything, and then others i was very emotional,bloating, right before i started the blue pills i started getting acne on my neck and jawline and cheeks.

I got to day 17 on my first pack and itmade me crazy but i think from lack of sleep. cause i started breaking out like crazy and i was taking it to help acne. at first it was clearing my acne up and then POOF i started to break out. and from seeing all these reviews i decided not to wait it out to see if it gets better. this sh*t sucks.
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June 9, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Cons:

Since starting Yaz, I ve been very emotional sometimes angry for no reason, crying for the slightest thing and very anxious. Also my acne worsened.I want to stop the pill because it's affecting my realtionships and my job.

Do you know what will happen if I stop the pill right away?
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May 26, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

No unplanned pregnancies, less fluid retention. semi clearer skin

Cons:

The odd breakout

I have been on Yasmin for three months now. To be honest i was expecting clearer skin but fingers crossed with more time my skin will clear up as well as it did when i was on Diane 35. I dont appear to be gaining any extra weight either this could be because of the certain type of progestrone in the pill that apparently helps you gain less weight. I will peservere with it and hope for the best.
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May 15, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

acne totally gone by the end of forth month of taking the pill. perdictable periods.

Cons:

lost of appitite, doesn't help the break out when peroid comes.

good pill but thinking of switching to Diane coz lost of appitite.
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

SHORTER PERIODS

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE BEEN USING THIS FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, AND THE ONE REASON I DID NOT WANT TO START TAKING BC IS BECAUSE OF WEIGHT GAIN, WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW. THIS IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT IM STRUGGLING WITH NOW.....I WATCH MY SODIUM INTAKE AND WORK OUT. I CAN'T STAND THIS. I ALSO HAVE AN INCREASED APPETITE, WHICH DOESN'T HELP ANYTHING...I JUST DONT TRUST BC..
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Light periods, no cramps, little weight gain

Cons:

Acne way worse

I want to look for something else that doesn't cause my face to break out.
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April 15, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

It got my period back on track. Supressed my appetite.

Cons:

I had clear skin, now I have acne, bad. My cramps are just as bad as before. Still have really heavy bleeding. Loss of concentration was noticed during first month. Mood swings and depression were also noticeable.

It regulated my period, and made me loose weight by sipressing my appetite. At the same time my cramps, and bleeding did not improve. I also have horrible acne after starting Yasmin. I would recomend it, but not to people that will be bothered with the acne.
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March 31, 2008

Pros:

It definatly cleared up my acne!! I started seeing a difference in probably the fourth month..i used to get huge huge acne and now i get one or two..so much better!

Cons:

none..

definatly worked for me..but it depends on what works best for you
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