Hormonal Therapy
Reviews
3.3
2743 Reviews
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects
High
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.
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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 7, 2008

Pros:

Weight loss and loss of large appetite due to mirena IUD!

Cons:

Felt sick the first two months!

This is a great pill that doesn't give you weight gain. It takes a few months to adapt to it and then you will be fine. I don't recommend the generic. It took it for a month and gained a few pounds with an increased appetite.
October 1, 2008

Pros:

I have defintly cleared up alot. I was put on the pill along with oral antibiotics ans started using dermalogica, all this has serouisly helped and I have hardly any acne now, but scarring. I'm also using it as contraception so its convienient

Cons:

Had a few headaches when I started on it! Doubles your chances of heart desease and blood clots.

its cheap, convenient if you dont want babies but want to have sex and its improves your skin sifnificantly. Its also known to regulate periods and made mine alot lighter!! Cant complain!
September 21, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

immediate weight gain, irritability, constipation, severe headaches

Ortho-tri cyclen lo!!!!!
September 21, 2008

Pros:

Weight loss, lighter periods, improved concentration.

Cons:

fatigue, hypersensitivity.

Depends on your body chemistry. My doctor reccomended it to me when I had been training for sport too much and had broader shoulders and said that the anti-androgen effect would help in making me look more feminine again. It definitely worked, and I've lost ten pounds on it not even trying. Though I experience some fatigue and hypersensitivity. Very glad to have found a BC that stabilizes me overall. Check with your doctor to see which BC works best with your body chemistry. Yasmin is awesome for me.
September 20, 2008

Pros:

NONE..BIRTH CONTROL PILL FROM HELL

Cons:

MADE ME NAUSEOUS AND COLLAPSE

I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT. I WAS TAKING THIS PILL FOR 4 DAYS ON THE FOURTH DAY I ALMOST COLLAPSED WHILE STANDING IN CLASS. MIND YOU I DONT SMOKE, DRINK OR TAKE ANY OTHER MEDICATION. PRIOR TO THIS i STARTED CRYING RANDOMLY AND FEELING LIKE I WANTED TO GAG. SIPPED ON SOME WATER AND COULDN'T EVEN KEEP IT DOWN. I STOPPED TAKING THE PILLS RIGHT AWAY AS THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE! BEWARE! I UNDERSTAND EVERY FEMALE IS NOT THE SAME BUT ANY PILL THAT IS MESSING WITH YOUR BODY CAN DO LONG TERM DAMAGE. IF U ARE CONSIDERING TAKING THIS PILLS PLEASE DO UR RESEARCH AND CONSIDER OTHER PILL/METHODS OF BC...GOOD LUCK!
September 6, 2008

Pros:

None so far

Cons:

weight gain, moodiness, depression, cystic acne

I was on ortho tri cyclene for years and then I swithched to tri sprintec and was fine. Had amazing skin for 8 years and then after a 3 month break went on Tri Sprintec and my skin is breaking out all over my chin and forehead and the pimples are cystic which I never had. I am debating if I should go off the pill or switch back to ortho tri cyclene where I had no side effects and clear skin.
August 24, 2008

Pros:

Great at preventing pregnancy, skin is clearer, reduced severity of cramps.

Cons:

HORRIBLE mood swings, major depression, crying, breakthrough bleeding, bloating, some weight gain, headaches, nausea, fatigue

I quit taking it for a month and felt great- I thought I was losing my mind emotionally while I was taking this pill- so I will be seeking out alternative birth control options, I cant deal with the depression this medication causes. Note* I was taking the generic version "Tri-Sprintec", I was not taking the brand name or the "Lo" version of this birth control medication. This may be the right med for some women, but not for me.
August 22, 2008

Pros:

Not pregnant, bigger firm boobs, little weight gain, definently helped clear mild acne.

Cons:

Upset stomachnauseated at times, irritability, mood swings.

The pros says it all...no more acne for me. A little more moody is that so bad considering.
August 14, 2008

Pros:

no pregnancy

Cons:

acne breakout, moodswings, weight gain, headaches, bloating

My acne got worse it went from mild to severe. All along my jawline, neck and cheecks. My back and chest area cleared up almost immediately upon using the birth control. But I going to stick it out and hopefully my face will improve. Although I have been more depressed and anxious and overeating.
August 6, 2008

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

ACNE??
Stubborn Weight

I see a difference inn my skin and my weight isnt coming off which im trying to lose. I aint sure if its because of the Yasmin.,.

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.

Finding a Doctor

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.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • 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.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.