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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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Improved acne and regular, lighter periods.

Cons:

Kind of expensive and eventually stopped helping my acne.

I have taken Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 4 years, and for 3 of those years it worked really well for treating my acne. But for some reason, it hasn't been working as well on my skin lately.
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Cleared skin, period seemed lighter

Cons:

heavy cramps, bloating, moodswings

I just started using OTC a month ago so hopefully there will be more positive changes.
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June 2, 2008

Pros:

no pregnancy, less cramps

Cons:

nausea, no sex drive, mood swings, irritable

working for what i got it for, but causing more probs
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

I have used this pill for 2 years,and NEVER got preganat!! I even skipped a couple of pills.but its strong enough to prevent it

Cons:

When I first started using it I gained 20 pounds,with in the first 3-4 months!!Seriously,my family NEW I was on the pill,bc of my weight gain,and I've always been a skinny girl~~ If you stop,you will BREAK OUT!! It happen to me a few months ago!!!!

I have been using this pill off and on for 2-3 yrs. I stopped a month ago,and wish I never did...bc I swear to you,my FACE BROKE OUT like CRAZY!!! And I have NEVER had acne in my 25 yrs! So,it was super depressing,and it stressed me out! I'm thinking of going back on this pill,bc I dont wanna get pregnant! I'm just scared it may break my face out again!!
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

shorter, lighter periods, less acne, decreased appetite

Cons:

nausea, vomiting, stomach problems

I like this pill, I just don't like throwing up and feeling sick all the time. But at least I haven't gained any weight.
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April 26, 2008

Pros:

Not worrying about getting pregnant.
MUCH less acne.
Less depression, less moody.

Cons:

Coming off of it made me an emotional wreck. It took me a month to get mood-steady.
ACNE!!!

I need to get back on this.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

Severity of cramps reduced, no babies, bigger boobs

Cons:

Weight gain, mood swings, emotional

I have been on this pill for over a year now. I have gained weight but I used to throw up when i had my period and now I just feel a little cramping. Ive become way more emotional and cranky sometimes. However, its kept me from getting pregnant so it has to be working!!
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April 14, 2008

Pros:

Bigger boobs, starting to clear skin, lighter periods, no cramps, and not pregnant!

Cons:

a little weight gain, very hungry some days, some mood swings, emotional at times

I been on this pill for about 3 months. The first couple of months i had sore boobs..but then i noticed they were growing! i guess thats why they were sore. I had mood swings but thats tooo much... i would get emotional at times over little things. I have acne, but haven't seen much change in that yet..i think it starting to clear up a little now.
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April 7, 2008

Pros:

It keeps you from getting pregnant. I didn't even have a scare.

Cons:

MOOD SWINGS!!!

I'm normally a pretty carefree person and have a boyfriend for 2 and a half years that I love. I noticed just in 3 weeks that I seriously felt like I was taking crazy pills. I had never even considered breaking up with my boyfriend because he's amazing and then all of a sudden I'm flying into these rages because he was late from work, but he was only a little late. Normally that would be no big deal. Also, I go into these crying fits, in the last 2 years I have cried 2 times. In the last 3 weeks I've cried at least 5 times. I'm not normally an emotional, but this is rediculous. It wasn't just the boyfriend either, it was work, school...you name it.
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

Regular/lighter periods, clearer complexion, larger bust size, no weight gain

Cons:

Regular mood swings (thank-you blue pills), nausea

Have used it for 4 years now, and like it overall. Have never had children and have never been pregant. I never gained weight and it did clear up my complexion, although I occasionally have one or two pimples right before my cycle starts. In order to prevent nausea, I take the pill at night; however, when I am woken up in the middle of the night, I definitely feel sick to my stomach. The only negative side that I could live without it the mood swings. My husband is a trooper!
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