Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Any brand of oral contraceptive appears to clear the skin about the same amount, regardless of whether it is officially approved for acne treatment. Some people report complete clearing of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, artificially controlling your hormones is a serious decision, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Hormonal Therapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 17, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
Never had acne or random pimples until starting this pill. Weight gain.
I switched to Yaz after being diagnosed with PCOS. So far so good just some major cramping from time to time. Just letting my body adjust to these hormones. Hopefully in time the acne will go away. I'm just glad that I have a regular period again but I could do without the weight gain and acne.
June 15, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Much lighter periods, PMDD seems to be subsiding, (some) reduction in acne
Cons:
Still seem to be some breakouts, skin is unpredictable
In fairness, I've only been using Yasmin for seven weeks and it sounds like it takes three months to really understand how it works with your body. But here are my observations thus far: 1. In the first few weeks, my skin went completely crazy. Acne everywhere, even on my forehead (I absolutely never break out on my forehead). A few weeks later, I have a few emerging pimples but for the most part, my face seems to be in healing mode.
2. My PMDD, which got pretty severe the day immediately before my period started, seems almost completely gone. The difference between my last period before Yasmin and the first one on it was pretty obvious. Very very light and manageable, so I'm ecstatic.
3. Body changes: slightly larger chest and more resilient nails. No real changes in my hair yet. So, I'm pretty pleased with the results so far, but I'm getting pretty impatient about my skin. It does seem like I need to give it at least another month to be fair though, so I'll writ
June 7, 2009
Pros:
I love it...it kept my skin clear, kept my weight in check, prevented babies. I absolutely love it...when I got off of OTC, thats when the acne ( that I never had before) came out of nowhere, I gained weight,etc.
Cons:
NONE...I'm getting back on it.
It's an amazing product and I would recommend it to any and everyone : )
June 2, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Not pregnant! No headaches, sickness or mood swings like with other brands,
Cons:
Depression, weight gain, more spots, dry skin
I gained 7lbs on this pill because my appetite was crazy, but it calmed down and i've managed to lose the weight now. Have tried 4 other pills and didn't gain any weight on them. My mood is really low, probably depression but not sure if I can put this down to the pill or not, thought it's definitely had some effect. I've never suffered from acne (just found this site by chance) but my skin is really dry since using this pill, and I have more spots than before, although still not many. I am going to stick with this because i've tried so many others and this has the least side effects of them all! I would recommend it but obv everyones body reacts differently!
May 23, 2009
Pros:
already breast have grown, gained about 1-2 pounds so far,
Cons:
hasnt helped acne, some break threw bleeding
this is a good birth control, have to take it everyday around the same time, you may gain some weight , from what ive read most girls have had breast growth which is nice, but you may have some bleeding within the first couple months of using this pill.
May 16, 2009
Pros:
not sure yet
Cons:
having to remember it daily at same time, bleeding during intercourse
only been on it for 2 wks now was prescibed it to regulate my periods so its made me bleed more I think but its only been couple of weeks I'll wait it out and see what happens my BF is concerned about the bleeding during sex though. I would like bigger boobs I'm reading about LOL
May 5, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up acne! Changed my life.
Cons:
Didn't clear back or chest acne. Bad side effects for first month.
I am so glad I went on this birth control! It completely changed my life, and cleared up my acne so I am no longer to go outside. Side effects were bad for first month: nausea, bloating, bad mood swings, loss of appetite, increase in appetite. However, these side effects COMPLETELY disappeared by the end of the 3rd month and now I have barely any side effects. However, it did nothing for my chest or back acne.
May 4, 2009
Pros:
Acne has cleared up
Cons:
weight gain / sensative feelings
It has helped my acne clear up. I haven't really noticed other things about this birth control because i didn't really pay attention. But im not pregnant :) but im also not getting my period after the pack (21 days) i just finished, and its been days :S i really hope i get it, and soon!
May 2, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Not pregnant, no acne, predictable and lighter periods
Cons:
Noticeably less effective than Yaz, when it comes to mood swings and bloating/cramping
I was taking Yaz for a few months, and it was really awesome. Lighter periods, I was way less crabby, I even stopped taking Pamprin for the aches and pains! Unfortunately, my insurance got switched and only covered Yasmin, which I immediately noticed is a lot worse in the PMS department. I guess I skipped the whole "it gets worse before it gets better" acne stage, maybe because of the Yaz? I'm not sure. Yasmin works pretty well, but I'd have to say Yaz is definitely the better option.
April 21, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Cleared up acne!
Cons:
Chronic Yeast Infections?
I wanted to go on accutane for my cystic acne but in order to go on accutane I had to go on birth control, and I found that Yasmin cleared up my skin on it's own. Only downside is chronic yeast infections. I have been on Yasmin since November 2006 and lately in the last year I have had frequent yeast infections which don't seem to be cleared up with the Diflucan my gyno prescribes. Going to see Gyno again next week, hope I don't have to change birth control because Yasmin really seems to be the best to clear up acne (previously taken Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Yas with positive results but no where as successful as Yasmin).
Pros:
Not pregnant. PMS/PMDD has decreased.