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
August 1, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
My skin is a mess! I normally have clear skin and it has caused acne all over my face.
Weight gain - only about 5 pounds, but annoying just the same.
Reduced libido. Not significantly, but noticable.
It always seems to be such an individual matter when it comes to birth control... I'm uncertain yet as to whether or not I would recommend it, given that there are such a wide range of pills available, there may be a more suitable alternative - at least for me.
July 27, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
No spotting, lighter period, less cramps.
Cons:
depression and anxiety, extreme emotions, made my acne worse (so far). Felt extremely sick for the first 2 weeks, almost gave up. Want no physical contact with boyfriend.
Maybe I haven't used it enough... but so far I am not impressed at all.
July 24, 2007
Pros:
works for birth control
Cons:
weight gain, rash-like pimples on my forehead, morning sickness type symptoms
I used Ortho for years while I was in high school, then during college I switched around a bit, until I finally settled for Desogen. A few months ago, I had to switch back to Ortho because of insurance complications. It's amazing how quickly I went back to the "high-school" me (I'm 25). All the things I attributed to puberty back then - mood swings, irrational crankiness, nausea during the night, tiny pimples across my forehead, an unpredictable sex drive - started happening again. To top it off, I gained a good 10 pounds... Even though I work out and eat very healthy, I developed this fluffy baby fat everywhere (just like in high school!). Long story short, I am counting down the days I can go for my annual exam and ask for a new prescription for something else.
July 15, 2007
Pros:
Regulated my period and made it last for a shorter time. No spotting or nausea.
Cons:
Horrible acne the first month (nodule acne).
I work in a gynocologist office and let me tell you almost everyone I have heard taking this pill gets the worse acne. It's not a few pimples but more like severe acne with scarring. If you are prone to breaking out this pill is not right for you. For those that aren't it is a pretty good pill. It regulated my period just fine and no spotting or nausea.
June 18, 2007
Pros:
Regular and lighter periods, protection against pregnancy, minor weight loss
Cons:
Minor stomach discomfort, anxiety?
I've been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 3 1/2 months now. The first month I had some spotting. I seem to have lost some weight (I am attributing this to the pill, because I have not changed my diet/exercise). My periods are regular and so light, but I don't think my cramps have significantly decreased. I also feel that I have become more anxious. However, I would still suggest this pill to anyone.
June 14, 2007
Pros:
I didn't get pregnant!!
Cons:
None
I started taking the pill when i was 15 years old. I tried many different kinds and none worked well with my body. One kind made me gain HUGE amounts of weight, one made me have my period for pretty much the whole month, it wasn't until i went on OTC that i finally felt normal again. I lost the weight and am back to my normal size, i still have the clear skin i always have, and my periods are lighter. It all depends on how your body reacts to the kind of pill your taking. Trust me i know i tried many kinds and experienced many things that the doctors were telling me could happen but probably wouldn't. You just have to try it out and if it doesn't work with your body then tell your doctor and they'll switch you to a different kind.
May 16, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
No unplanned babies! Less water weight than other pills I've tried, less emotional breakdowns, clearer skin, did I mention no babies?
Cons:
First few pill sof the months make me kinda sick, deffinate increase in hunger, no generic yet - my insurance doesn't cover most of it.
I've been on Jasmine for a while now, 2yrs off and on (had a planned baby somewhere in there) and love it. I had so many problems with the Estrostep Fe and Orthotricyclin I was on in the past. Ortho made me vomit nonstop and Estro made me an emotional wreck! Yes, it does take time for your skin to clear up but it gets better! The first 2-3 months I though my skin was just getting worse but once my body got used to the hormones I got lots of compliments on my skin! I went 6 months without a single breakout!
April 30, 2007
Pros:
regular perriods, no pregnancy
Cons:
tired, acne became worse in firrst few months
I decided to switch to ortho tricyclene a couple of months ago because I heard it was a good pill and I was not happy with the one I was on. Beofre I started OTC, I had very mild acne ( a few pimples on chin and forehead). I am just finishing my second pack of pills, and my skin is horrible ( a bunch of samll pimples on my forhead). I know that you are supposed to give it at least three months to work, and I am planning on sticking it out. If anyone struggled with the same thing, could you please tell me if it got better after three months. Thanks!
April 27, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Not sure yet...it's only been a week...
Cons:
What I have noticed is...aching arms (right one)..nausa..a little moody...hear burn..leg cramps..
I was told side affects could last 2 weeks - 1 month..so I will give it more time..before I make a final decision...but if this continues...
April 3, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
no pregnancy
Cons:
gained 10 pounds in 2 months, horrible mood swings, depression, low self esteem, rage and anger, crying all the time for no reason, severe sensitivity, acne, extremely painful leg cramps
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOURSELF HATE LIFE, then go for it.
Pros:
Doesn't seem to be causing any mood problems. I have a history of depression and was concerned that it would aggrevate it; to date, however, it has not.