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 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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November 6, 2007

Pros:

Regulated periods, lighter periods, preevent pregnancy

Cons:

didn't clear up acne like i was told it would but didn't make it worse either...

i was on ortho tri-cyclen for a year before i switched, i have switched 3 times since then and i think i'm going to decide to go back to ortho again. i dont recall having any mood swings or crying spells with it at all, i felt normal. i was disappointed that it didn't clear up my skin but was thankful it didn't make it worse either. withe other pils i have tried, they did increase my breast size a small bit, ortho did not do that, something i'm not looking forward to is my breasts decreasing in size once i go back to ortho....
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October 27, 2007

Pros:

It is birth control, prevention of pregnancy.

Cons:

I keep getting random flashes of dizziness and a feeling of faintness when I could feel perfectly fine just a minute ago. My acne seems to be worsening, and the back pain still persists as bad as before.

The random dizzy feeling's are not good, one came over me while I was driving at night and I couldn't stop my eyes from spinning and beginning to get faint. My acne is worsening, when I got on the pill to clear it up. I've only been on it for 1 pack now, hopefully the side effects will calm and the acne as well.
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October 23, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

haven't noticed any weight change, mood swings, etc

Cons:

red little bumps all over my cheeks!

AUGH! I'm breaking out in places I've never had acne before! They're not whiteheads, just little red bumps everywhere! It's AWFUL!
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October 18, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Prevents Pregnancy

Cons:

Major Breakouts, Very Moody, Crampy heavier periods

Overall I hate it! I have always had perfect clear skin, I have been on it four months now and i have horrible acne...I also notice I am sensitive and moody over stupid things. My period is heavier and crampy, However it did regulate them and I always know when I will have them now....I am definetly switching pills.
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October 17, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

No babies

Cons:

HORRIBLE SKIN!!! Since I started taking this pill my skin has gotten horrible. It has made me so sad to tell my face like this. Terrible mood swings, headaches and my boobs have felt triple the size. Very painfull!

If you know what's bet for you DO NOT take this pill
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October 1, 2007

Pros:

lighter periods & I do have clearer skin even though I've never really had acne problems.

Cons:

lower libido .

I'm still using it until I can find something else. The whole libido thing is too much for me. I need my testosterone back.
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September 25, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

After a few months skin is clear, lighter period, stablizes period

Cons:

Very expensive.

I took Yasmin for 2 years and came off of it and immediately started getting pimples. Went back on and still have pimples but for the first 2 months it usually doesn't kick in. I definately have mood swings but I would not blame the pill.
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September 11, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Prevents Pregnancy. It really clearned up my skin, and my periods are finally normal.

Cons:

Slight weight gain in the boob area, hopefully easy to loose the weight there

I definiely recommend this pill. My Dr. told me its the best one out their. I have not taken any other BCP & and i dont plan on it. You do tend to gain weight, which is a big issue for me, but with regular exercice and healthy eating you should have no problem. Its great for your skin.
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September 8, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Not pregnant, clear skin

Cons:

Drastic mood swings, sore breasts, diminished sex drive

I switched to Yasmin after 3 years on Dianette which I went on to clear up acne. Yasmin has helped maintain my clear skin which is great but I'm not sure it's worth it because of the mood swings I get. I'll find myself bursting into tears or becoming extremely angry over nothing. I'm also very irritable - something my boyfriend would probably agree with and I have zero patience. Being this stressy is not good right in the middle of uni! Going to the doctor next week to request switching pills. Anything is better than this!
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August 25, 2007

Pros:

Stops ovulation, regulates period.

Cons:

Extreme nausea, headache's small pimples, large whiteheads.

I had extreme nausea suring second month of ortho lo, would take with food and would feel like I had to throw up. Light spotting during first and second month, also had light migranes during first weeks of trying OTC Lo. Small bumps on chin would soon turn into large whiteheads that hurt!
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