Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.3
2743
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12.1%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
November 20, 2006
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

My period is somewhat normal now (have tried several other birth control pills only to have increased periods, like one ongoing continuous period). But I've only been on it for 1.5 months, so maybe its still too early to tell.

Cons:

Drastic increase in acne! Cheeks and jawline. I have significant scars now. It hasn't been this way since teenager. And to think I went on this cause I thought it would clear up my acne.

Some say good, some say bad. From what I've read this is not a safe bet. Those that have bad experiences say "Don't try it." Then there are those that have had "good" experiences at first only to develop severe acne after quitting. I'd say if you have strong reactions to other pills then you should stay clear of this one too.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 26, 2006
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

You wont get Pregnant

Cons:

very moody, and more

i find myself very moody, always arguing , never happy
This Was Helpful

Report
April 2, 2013

Pros:

anti-baby

Cons:

-Acne, need I say more?

I took this pill last year, hoping to make my skin perfect. (I'm a bit of a perfetionist) My skin was always clear, every now and then would get the odd cystic pimple. I took this pill in order manage that, made my skin SO much worse. I'm still dealing with it 8 months later, my face has been ruined because of this pill. Biggest mistake I could of ever made, I cry about it at times. I hate this pill. Please consider other options before taking contraceptives, trust me.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 2, 2011
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Increase in breast size

Cons:

The worst moods I have ever had
Started breaking out only after a few days
Constant nausea and occasional vomiting
Bloated
Constipated
Fatigue
Bleeding
Breast soreness
Very active appetite, when I don't want to vomit I want to eat the entire kitchen!

I read these reviews and even though most of them were bad I ignored it. I thought that my body would respond difirently. Well one week after starting Yasmin I regret ever buying this product. The day after I started the pill I woke up with severe nausea and I vomited several times throughout the day. My skin changed at first a bit and then some more. My pores enlarged, my skin didn't feel smooth anymore and I stared getting pimples on my forehead and mouth area. The pimples are fairly pink and red so it's hard to cover up with make up. I never had skin problems so this was all new to me. I am constantly bloated and constipated, I am very skinny and in good shape but I am so bloated that I actually look 5 months pregnant! You can even see it through my shirt. Some of the above mentioned I can actually bear, but I am going off this pill because of the severe impact it has had on my moods. I literally feel like crying all day long. I am very touchy and sad most of the time, it's pms multiplied by a thousand! And it has trated taking effect on my relationship. Things I would usually laugh at and find funny now irritate me, I get angry in a matter of seconds about the stupidest things. The mood swings are constant and very bad. I feel very depressed and I'm actually a very cheerful person so this is really bad for me. I know you that most who will read this will think I'm exagerating, but I'm really not. I don't even feel like the same person anymore and it's only been a week. Today I am going off Yasmin and I'm not planning on starting again! The side effects are far worse that the symptoms you have with your period. And this supposedly goes on for months before getting better. IF it even does! So girls, I would NOT recomend this at all! It really messes you up!
This Was Helpful

Report
September 27, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

none

Cons:

- it gave me severe acne all over my face
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Expensive
- made my boobs huge

I went on yaz primarily for my acne. I was told by my doctor to wait three months before seeing results. During those three months my skin got progressively worse, it never got better. My skin has never looked so bad. I have red scarring all over my chin and cheeks. I am very upset because before going on yaz my skin was clear... i would only get a few pimples around the time of my period.I would not recommend yaz to anyone.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 30, 2011

Pros:

None.

Cons:

So dizzy couldn't stand up
Extremely nauseous
loss of energy
sadness
no motivation
expensive

I could only take three of these pills before I had to stop completely. I realize that you can't judge birth control in 3 days but this pill really jacked me up. I had heard so many good things about it for acne that after months of debate I finally decided to give it a try. Well...it didn't work out as expected. It made me extremely nauseous even with doing everything the doctor recommended (such as taking it at night and with food). It also made me extremely moody, dizzy to the point of not being able to stand up, faint feeling, and I had a loss of energy and appetite. Not only that, but in the three days that I took it, my face got worse. I hope this works better for you than it did for me... oh and did I mention that it's $50.00??
This Was Helpful

Report
February 21, 2011

Pros:

-Less period cramps
-not being pregnant
-no weight gain
-more balanced emotions

Cons:

-Skin seems to be worse than it was before
-lost a lot of weight
-weird cravings/appetite changes

My doctor prescribed me this pill in order to help clear up some of my acne. I had previously done 6 months on Accutane, which did wonders for my skin. However, after a couple of years, the acne begins to slowly return (but not nearly as bad as it was before!). Since Accutane killed my liver, my doctor didn't recommend me doing another trial on it. Therefore, she prescribed me this pill. I've been on it for 6 months and my acne has gotten progressively worse. However, my diet could be the cause of that, because I have been getting abnormal cravings for foods that I have never liked (sodas, candy, etc.). If you do take this pill, make sure you eat a well-balanced diet and stay away from junk foods. Although I have not gained any weight from the junk food (I have actually lost some after being on the pill), it takes a toll on your skin. Bottom Line: If you want a birth control pill for the sole purpose of clearing up your skin, I do not recommend this one.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 14, 2010
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Regulated my cycles & much less painful periods, didn't get pregnant, no change in appetite no weight gain. Made my skin a lot less oily.

Cons:

Really messed with my emotions! I felt depressed while taking this pill, which I have never experienced before. I decided to try Yaz because of it's skin clearning benefits for my mild acne. Instead, my skin broke out terribly for the 3 months that I took it & I had to quit.

I took Yaz for the recommended three months, but I didn't see any improvement in my skin, it appeared to get much worse over time, and it was not worth the crazy emotions it was putting me through. However, I know a lot of women have luck with this pill and it did a good enough job of regulating my periods, so I would still recommend trying it.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 24, 2010
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Shorter period
No weight gain
No moodiness

Cons:

Made me break out A LOT more than usual
The progesterone component of this pill (and Yasmin) has a higher risk of causing blood clots and liver problems, etc. than other pills
After about 3 months I started feeling sick every time I would take the pill

Yaz was okay for birth control and PMS for me... other than that it was a pain in the butt. It made my acne a lot worse than it was! Here's a tip for everyone starting on this pill... if your acne actually seems to get better when your on your period. Then this pill isn't working for you. Plus the adverse effects are just nasty, I was reading about many women who had to be sent to the hospital with pulmonary embolisms, and blood clots or who's liver was damaged, and they had been on other birth control pills that had not caused those things. Thats just scary! Everyone's body is different, Yaz apparently just hated my face :( Hopefully it works better for others!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 18, 2009

Pros:

Bigger Boobs, No Babies, Lighter Periods, No Bleeding bt periods, didnt have bad cramps to begin w but none now.

Cons:

Mood swings first month, may be the cause of random spots of acne on legs and back, slightly anxious but controllable.

starting on my third pack, seems okay so far
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 175 176 177 178 179 … 191
Next

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

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website