Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal Therapy
Reviews
3.3
2743 Reviews
Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Oral Contraceptives
Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects
High
Oral Contraceptives
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.
Oral Contraceptives
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.
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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December 17, 2007

Pros:

Guards against pregnancy

Cons:

Horrible cystic breakouts, nausea, bloating, cravings, emotional mood swings and dry skin.

As I'm sitting here looking into the mirror, let me tell you follks, stay away from OTC if you're looking to clear up your face. My face wasn't bad before I started, but I just went on this as a form of contraception. Now I just want to be off of it! My skin is terribly dry, and has broken out all over my forehead and cheeks, and weirdly around my neck and chest area which have NEVER ever once broken out in my life. From a girl that never used to get pimples this is a horrible experience, they hurt, they're huge, and they leave scars. I am extremely moody and depressed, and I feel REALLY bloated. It's like I"m gaining weight except it doesn't show on the scale. I just feel like I'm 300 lbs. Not a fun experience. Get off this sh*t while you can.
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December 15, 2007

Pros:

helped to clear up some of my acne

Cons:

none!

definitely works well for clearing up acne...try it!
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December 1, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

less acne, no pregnancy, bigger boobs, better periods, weight gain/loss, less moodiness

Cons:

moodiness, acne, weight gain/loss, worse periods, other infections...headaches

here's what i've collected: you have to wait 2-3 months for your body to get used to any pill (your body will first reject it=bad side effects for a while) Pros and Cons vary from person to person(do some research of your own) Don't to take/ not to take the pill from one person's experience. *I'm not on the pill yet, but it seems the most agreeable on the market.* Furthermore, [link removed] states: "In addition to its effectiveness as a birth control method, the pill can relieve menstrual pain and reduce menstrual bleeding. It may also offer some protection against PID, endometrial and ovarian cancer, endometriosis (growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus), and uterine fibroid tumors (benign growths). Adverse side effects can include breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods), headache, hypertension, weight gain, mood change, decreased sexual desire, blood clotting disorders, cardiac complications, breast tenderness, and galactorrhea (discharge o
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

Lighter periods, effective form of birth control (i.e., no babies), helped with acne, I know when to expect my period

Cons:

mood swings, no sex drive

Great pill. I've been on it for about 3 years and it's worked great for me. I have shorter, lighter periods. It helped with the acne, but it wasn't a miracle product. I still use benzoyl peroxide & routine face care.
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November 21, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

No weight gain, improved mood, acne is stable but not better

Cons:

Loss of appetite (which may be a good thing if I can lose some weight!!). First week I had a really hard time concentrating on things.

I am just hoping and praying to GOD that this works!!! I have tried tetracycline, amoxicillan, cephalexon, nothing works. I have tried differin, metro cream, klaron, nothing works. I tried drinking and using topically apple cider vinegar, didn't work. Now, I am using witch hazel and aloe vera gel. My face is less red and feels cleaner. This seems to work the best so far. I am only into my second week taking yasmin so it's too early to tell. I'm going to give it 3 mos. But, not many new ones, better mood, no weight gain, so far all pluses in my book!! Wish me luck!!
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November 4, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

None so far.

Cons:

Chest pains, slurred speech, moodiness, irritability, calf pain, period starting again for the second time in 14 days, can't sleep (even with 3 sleep meds), exhausted

I went on Yaz because of my severe PMDD. I don't have skin problems.I've been on it ONLY ONE WEEK and I don't like it. Keep in mind that I'm bipolar and I have schizoaffective disorder. I'm on ambien, clonopin, trazadone, lamictal, protonix, and levothyroxine. I went off Apri last December when my GYN told me I needed a break from the hormones. I have an IUD (not hormone emitting) and my husband and I use condoms (I REALLY DON'T WANT CHILDREN). So, I really don't need to be on BC, but my periods last 7-8 days and are heavy. My mood the week before my period and during my period pretty much is psychotic. I get terrible cramps, headaches, and body aches when I am PMS and during my period. So, pretty much I am only good two weeks out of the month. In the week that I have been on Yaz I have had chest pain, calf pain, headaches, slurred speech, irritability, I feel ugly and fat, I get teary eyed at work (I never get this way at work and I LOVE my job), I've had terrible road rage. Awful.
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October 19, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

No babies, less acne, shorter periods

Cons:

Just started getting moody, last few months

I have been on yasmin for almost 4 years i love it! so peoples bodys might not like it, Mine seems too! But the past couple of months i have been really moody from the pill its the only thing i take and my hair is getting thinner which is a bummer.
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October 8, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

having periods on time, and being less hairy on my body

Cons:

increased boob size,and still being depressed bthe week before my period

well, I am glad I am having my period on time becaouse before using the pill I was so frustrated of not having it, this is the best thing about Yasmin.My boobs have increased for two sizes, which is both good and bad.but I still have unwanted hair on my face and chicks, maybe it will take time to get read of thouse too.I am just worried of gaining wait I hope not, but lets see the effects in year.
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September 27, 2007

Pros:

Not PREGNANT!

Cons:

Skin isnt better, and my period doesnt come on the day it is supposed. sometimes as much as a week late.

well, i am not pregnant..but is it worth being fat and crabby
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September 24, 2007

Pros:

No terrible side effects

Cons:

Did not clear up acne AT ALL and I got pregnant while using it!!

It didnt clear up the acne and It obviously doesnt work as a birth control either.. Cuz I got pregnant while using it.. And yes I took it correctly!
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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

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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.

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  • 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.
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Red flags:

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Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website