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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Stephanie

February 2, 2009

Pros:

No weight gain, no acne.

Cons:

Really the only con for me is that I have to remember to take it.

My period is late...is that normal??? I have been taking this for a month and I'm on the period ones, I haven't started my period and I hope it's normal because if not, I'm pregnant and I just had a baby. I can say one thing for sure, if I am pregnant I will never recommend this to anyone.

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bri

February 1, 2009

Pros:

-skin was crystal clear
- regular periods
- prevented pregnancy

Cons:

- Made breasts larger ( i was already a d cup, i didnt want them any bigger!!)
- weight gain and bloated feeling
- caused skin condition of painful lumps in legs, known as erythema nodosum

worked with out problems for about 3-4 months then i started getting the painful lumps in my legs, which were attributed to birth control but they went away with medication My skin was literally glowing when i was on this medication, I would just warn those who may have had past inflammatory problems with their skin/body in general. it was ortho tri cyclen lo actually)

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Erin

January 26, 2009

Pros:

None I can think of.

Cons:

Weight gain, increase in acne, bloating, moodswings.

I've weighed the same amount for most of my high school to adult life, and never have I gained so much or felt so bloated. I'm depressed and tired and my acne is getting SO much worse. I'm staying on for two months to see what happens.

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Danielle

January 22, 2009

Pros:

Have not been on it long enough to determine

Cons:

First day very very nausea. Did not throw up but if I could I would have. Make sure you eat heavy before taking.

Cant say too much because I just started taking it.

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Amanda

January 21, 2009

Pros:

-My skin stayed the same (it wasn't really broken out to begin with)
-No noticeable weight gain

Cons:

-MAKES ME CRY! every little thing makes me cry!
-Nausea! Big time.

For me & my body, i like it & it works well. The only thing is I hate how I get angry or sad & cry really easily now. Honestly, an Adam Sandler movie made me tear up! Oh well though, i'm happy i didn't gain weight! Oh & when you first use it, your period is kinda messed up & if you forget to take it, you may spot.

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Amanda

January 16, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne, little to no mood swings, controlled period flow.

Cons:

Initial weight gain.

I'd been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 4 years when my insurance provider switched, causing the price to rocket to about $65 a month. I switched to Trivora and have had a horrible time with it (acne, weight gain, mid-cycle cramps, fatigue, migraines). I'm switching back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo next month, as I've never had a bad experience with it. Although I'm not a doctor, I'd highly recommend it to women who don't do well on high dosages of hormones since this is a very low hormone birth control. I've been on about 3 others kinds since switching and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is the best from my personal experience.

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MNgirl

January 15, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regular periods, breast growth, free at a sexual health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.

Cons:

Not much of a change in acne severity and persistance, mild mood swings, breast tenderness.

It didn't help my acne as much as I hoped it would, but there are few negative side effects. Yes, it may cause mood swings and breast tenderness, but for me it was less severe than my natural cycle. I take it primarily for use as a contraceptive, but I was hoping less acne would be an added bonus. Every body is different, but it seems that some of the major side effects reported on this review board have been wrongly attributed to this pill.

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Rach

January 14, 2009

Pros:

Not pregnant

Cons:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO-Freaking expensive. No generic brand

Cost way to much....no problems. no weight gain or craziness or acne.

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Christine

January 4, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin

Cons:

Nausea, anxiety, panic attacks

I took Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo when I was 14 for the sole purpose of clearing up my skin. Throughout that year I experienced severe panic attacks. I had been diagnosed with anxiety disorder before and my parents attributed my new trouble to starting high school. I recently got back on the same pill and after two pills I am having severe anxiety again for the first time since I was 14 (I am now 18). I am crying a lot, I can't sleep, and if I do finally fall asleep I am awakened by nausea.

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amber

December 28, 2008

Pros:

No pregnancy, Boobs got bigger.

Cons:

Possible weight gain from the pill, made me crave bad foods, made period heavier and more cramps. feel nausea for first few weeks. ( has gone down, after first few months)

It almost seems like theres more pros then cons. I have been on the patch, and the shot. And i must say the shot wasnt bad. And the patch was a long time ago. But with the shot, i never got a period and that seems very unnatural. I have heard horror stories about how you gain tons of weight and cant lose it. well I had the shot for one time and it lasts for 3 months. I am scared that i may be biased because of what people told me. Also, it may have been other variables such as working out less, or eating worse. Its just just a matter of closely paying attention to all things. I payed close attention, and ive noticed the pill kind of makes me lazy, and eat worse. The shot, for the first month made me tired, then fine after that. But no pain thats forsure. The patch seemed like it worked the best but it was a long time ago. I am considering all three very closely.

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