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
November 29, 2011

Pros:

Lighter periods
Slightly larger breasts
Less hormonal acne
Virtually no menstrual cramps
Sex drive the same if not higher

Cons:

Need to take everyday
Initial mood swings

When I first took this pill, I had horrible depression within the first 3 days, but it cleared right at the 4th day which makes me wary if it really was the pill that caused this or my own mental health issues. Overall, this pill has many positive aspects, with light periods and no cramps. I tend to get acne around my period, but it was very minimal this time and i've only been using this pill for a month. I also noticed a slight increase in my breast size, which was good because I have tiny boobs! Overall, I would definitely recommend this, though I know that everyone's body reacts differently to certain types of birth control pills, so it really is your call! It is worth a try though.
December 4, 2011

Pros:

No side effects
Clearer skin in one month
Inexpensive

Cons:

Stuck on it (going off BC results in bad breakouts, irregular menstruation)

A very good birth control option if your insurance does not cover Yasmin (as in my case). Been around a long time because it has fewer side effects!
February 27, 2012

Pros:

Can't really say. Breast size is a little bigger.

Cons:

Been bleeding for 15 days for now. Seem to be irritable because of the break through bleeding no one explained to me. Notice slight acne

Honestly I wish I've never started birth control. This is our bodies that doctors refuse to tell and or explain the details or side effects because they don't care.
October 28, 2009

Pros:

I have been taking Ortho-tri cyclen For one month now. Im not pregnant I suppose thats always a good thing.

Cons:

My skin has freaked out but not just on my face its on my arms and back now. Im going to give it a while to see if it improves any.

Birth control and acne are nowhere related issues. If your not pregnant it is doing its number one job.
April 29, 2011

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

terrible acne within one week
mood swings

WORST bc EVER. I am warning you right now, do NOT take this bc. First, it will make you breakout BAD before it gets any better, and once it gets better, it will come back even WORST than before once you get off it. I only took it for one month and had to throw it away, i am so angry that this pill made me broke out so bad, i never had acne this bad. I know you are suppost to wait about 2 to 3 months, but really, it is NOT worth it. The scars will take FOREVER to heal, and the mood swing is unbarable. And after you get off this pill, most people have TERIBLE break out, worst than they get on, if you don't believe me, do some research and you will find it. I am warning you, save youselves money and pain, go with the naturl rout, i wish i had. DONT MESS WITH HORMONES
December 5, 2011

Pros:

Reduced Acne
Less Cramps
Period Regularity

Cons:

Weight Gain (maybe from it)
Head aches for the first few weeks

While this helped to reduce my acne, it did not clear it. I would say that its helped with my severe cramps though. Recently, i gained a lot of weight in a short span of time with no change of lifestyle. My doctor suggested i see an endocrinologist but also added it could be from the birth control (ACK!)
October 3, 2009

Pros:

I had a boy, I love him so much. Im loving my life. Husband and I were shocked at first.

Cons:

Didn't work for me got pregnant.

Gonna try again
August 25, 2009

Pros:

NOT PR3GNANT =D

Cons:

iM BR3AkiNG OUT.. BUT i jUST START3D SO i HOP3 iT Will GO AWAy>=]

HAPPy WiTH iT SO fAR jUST HOP3 THOS3 BR3AkOUTS G3T B3T3R....
September 1, 2009

Pros:

can have sex without getting prego

Cons:

im bitchy, and horney all the time, wight gain is horrible

i like to have sex, a lot of sex with everyone. being on the pill has prevented me from having any babies, thank god!
May 28, 2011

Cons:

Nauseated everyday
Very emotional

I've been on this for a week and have felt sick everyday, I hope this goes away soon. I also have had very bad mood swings, emotional. I really hope this works for me.

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.