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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Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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April 7, 2011

Pros:

-Cleared up hormonal acne cysts on chin when topical treatments couldn't.
-No weight gain
-Less cramping

Cons:

-Mood swings: they're manageable, but it feels like constant mild PMS.
-It feels like I have an increased appetite for sweeter things, when I didn't before.
-Pretty bad initial breakout for the first 2 months.
-Doesn't have any effect on back acne.

This is the only treatment that effectively cleared up the large cysts that would plague my chin. I still get little pimples here and there, but nothing like the monster ones I used to have. It definitely takes at least 3 months to see results, so wait it out if you want to be certain - unless the side effects are too debilitating. I have been frustrated with my tendency to be irritable, but I'm hoping it will subside eventually. Also, I felt really nauseous the first week I began taking it, but that went away and has yet to return.
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April 7, 2011

Pros:

Boobs increased in size about 1/2 of a cup. lighter, shorter periods, less cramping

Cons:

Brief depression headaches, and stomach aches while adjusting to pill, weight gain,

I used to have 8-12 day periods that were heavy, and extremely painful but now on BC they're about 4 days, light, and rarely do I have cramps. AKA: I'm in love. There was no improvement in my acne due to the pill. I have no idea if it works as a contraception. I also have an increased appetite. I gained about 5 lbs. I don't usually gain weight in my breasts though, so i think the pill made my boobs bigger especially.
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April 2, 2011

Cons:

Weight Gain, Longer Periods

I switched to OTC because I was taking Loestrin and had some spotting here and there. I regret ever switching. I have been on the OTC for two months and have gained weight (dont have a scale so Im not sure of how much but my clothes are getting tighter and Ive had the same diet). I have been breaking out more than usual and my period lasts 6 days as opposed to 3 on the Loestrin. I was so happy about the OTC because its generic so its free but Id rather spend my money. I asked my doctor to switch me back to the loestrin, Ill deal with the occasional spotting because the benefits are much better.
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March 29, 2011

Pros:

Regulating Periods

Cons:

Made Acne Worse

I've been on this BC for three weeks and I only started taking it to regulate my periods. So far, I can only tell that I haven't had a period yet as I'm still on the active pills. I did not start this BC for acne. Previously I just suffered from large pores, oily skin, and general splotchyness of the face with a couple of bumps every month during the week before and of my period. However, now that I have started taking it...I wake up every day with a new bump on my face. I'm only three weeks in so the jury isn't out yet, but I'm not sure that if this is a permanent thing, if I will want to continue taking it. This is disheartening because I actually became excited when I read that it was actually supposed to help acne. I also get brief, sharp abdominal cramps from time to time but I chock that up to the fact that I was told I could start taking it immediately and I would have been on my period around this time and that's how I would have felt. Kind of like my reproductive system is caught in a limbo as it regulates, which I hope is also the cause of my acne as well. I'll hold out for the three months but if it continues on like this, I don't know. I haven't suffered any of the other side effects others have spoken of though (like mood swings and loss of sexual drive).
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March 16, 2011

Pros:

Improved my complexion greatly
on time periods
no spotting
few side effects
less headaches
reliable periods

Cons:

Heavier period
few headaches

This is the best form of birth-control I have found. I have tried Mirena and other pills including Yaz, lo estrin and some more. This pill has given me the least problems on the other pills I had severe migraines (but I am prone to them) and with Mirena I had awful cramps. I have to be on the brand name though as the generic gives me head-aches. OTC also helped greatly with my acne now it just flares up the week before my period and that is usually when I get more moody, but if I keep my face washed and keep persa gel 10 (bezyol peroxide) on my face it doesn't cause any problems.
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March 10, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin
regulates periods
Free

Cons:

having to take it at the same time everyday
slow process

I've been on OTC for a month and went on this for acne purposes. It's definitely helped. Rarely get a new spots now. The first few weeks, I've experience some side effects. Heavy and short period so far. Will do another update in a few months.
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March 9, 2011

Pros:

clears skin
no side effects
regulates period

Cons:

none

This really cleared my skin as a teenager and I stopped going on it as an adult because I thought it had stopped working but I was so wrong. My skin got SOOO much worse when I stopped and restarted. Always talk to your doctor before starting or ending medication (duh!). I wish I had. Now I'm back on the pill and I'm finally seeing results after 3 months. Be patient because it can really help if your acne is hormonal (like mine). Good luck!
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March 9, 2011

Pros:

Acne cleared
No pregnancy
More regular periods

Cons:

Insane appetite increase, especially during the first week of each pack
Water retention
Weight gain
Mood swings
Little to no sex drive
Inability to climax

I've tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen several times, usually for the acne benefits. At this point in my life, I shouldn't have to worry with acne. The pregnancy prevention is nice, but not entirely necessary as I have had great success with a charting and basal method in that area. BUT, I am a runner and the increase in appetite and weight gain has been really annoying. I have irresistible cravings ALL DAY LONG. Things that I never eat (i.e. hamburgers, etc.) I literally crave so intensely that I have to satisfy the craving. Although my acne is gone, my weight has increased. I'd rather fight the acne in another way...
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February 22, 2011

Pros:

-Clears up acne well
-Period is slightly lighter
-Haven't gotten pregnant yet

Cons:

-Nausea (for the first 2 months, mainly in the morning)
-Cramping before period after about 2 months
-Constant mood swings

It's a good pill to take, not many physical side effects; protects you from getting pregnant. Only downside is the nausea but that goes away after a while. Another thing is the cramping, it can be bad sometimes...
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February 22, 2011

Pros:

*Skin Clearing*
*Bigger Boobs*
*Feel Happier*
*No Cramps*
*Lighter Periods*
*Regular Periods*

Cons:

*Possibly bigger appetite, but not affecting my weight*

I love Ortho Tri Cyclen! I've only been on it for two months, but my skin looks about 10 times better and it's improved since day one. I started it for acne and because I had super irregular periods. I love knowing exactly when to expect my period and I love that I have no cramps, and my periods are lighter and shorter. My boobs have also gotten bigger (maybe a con for some, but for me that's a pro). Also I just feel happier in general, although that could just be a self esteem boost from my skin clearing up, who knows. I completely recommend trying Orthotricyclen, but it's easy to tell from reading these reviews that it affects everyone differently. I would recommend sticking with it for at least a few months though, so your body has time to get used to the hormones. Good Luck! Hope The Pill helps you like it has been helping me!
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