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]
3.5
1015
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
October 27, 2007

Pros:

It is birth control, prevention of pregnancy.

Cons:

I keep getting random flashes of dizziness and a feeling of faintness when I could feel perfectly fine just a minute ago. My acne seems to be worsening, and the back pain still persists as bad as before.

The random dizzy feeling's are not good, one came over me while I was driving at night and I couldn't stop my eyes from spinning and beginning to get faint. My acne is worsening, when I got on the pill to clear it up. I've only been on it for 1 pack now, hopefully the side effects will calm and the acne as well.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 21, 2007

Pros:

regulated menstral cycle, pregnancy prevention

Cons:

not helping the acne as i had expected

i have been on orthotricyclen for three or four monthes now, i thought it would clear up my acne because the doctor at planned parenthood told me so but it hasn't helped much. i still have regular breakouts im 19 and have had a problem with acne since my sophmore year of highschool.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 16, 2007

Pros:

clears skin, regulates periods, prevents pregnancy

Cons:

nausea occurs when first starting otc, but goes away after first pack. However, this is a side effect of otc.

OTC works very well at regulating periods, and does help to clear skin. I saw a significant improvement in my skin after the first pack. They say that it takes about three months to show complete results from using OTC, so just hang in there.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 8, 2007

Pros:

- Cystic Acne is under control!!!
- I know when I'm going to have my period

Cons:

- During every fourth week (when I'm not on the pill and I get my period) my cystic acne comes back again.
- Brand name birth control pills are more expensive than the generic

I think this pill has worked wonders for me. I saw no effects with Minocyclin and I'm not allowed to go on Accutane because of my depression. I've had acne since the 5th grade. Although Retin-A cleared up my skin during the 12 grade, my acne returned once I started college, despite continued usage of Retin-A, and it became even more severe. Right now, I take Ortho Tri-cyclen and use topicals such as benzoyl peroxide and retin-a every day.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 4, 2007

Pros:

Lighter periods, no cramps, Made my ovarian cysts go away

Cons:

Nasuea

Great pill. Haven't experienced harsh side effects like other women from previous reviews.Just minor upset stomach. My libido is also still there. Everyone is different, so do find out what works for your body. :-)
This Was Helpful

Report
September 19, 2007

Pros:

Cleared acne.

Cons:

It took four months to clear my acne. In the beginning my acne was MUCH MUCH worse like I've never seen before!!! But I stuck with it and I have seen wonderful results!!!

In the beginning it took my body a while to get use to the Ortho Tri-cyclen. It made me feel sick and very moody. My acne became really bad in the first few months and I almost stopped taking it but my doctor talked me out of it. I'm so thankful for that because by the end of the forth pack I really started to notice a difference. I have NEVER had this clear of skin!!!! I would highly recommend taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. But remember it takes several months to even notice a change!!!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 17, 2007

Pros:

cleared up skin, no fear of pregnancy

Cons:

LOW SEX DRIVE, it literally went down to almost none!! It's so bad i think i have to switch contraceptives..it's just not worth it to be on a birth control if you don't want to have sex. cramping, severe mood swings/depression

it works for pregnancy, i've been on it for 2 years and never had a scare, my face is clear and i have lighter periods, however, no sex drive!...I also get really bad mood swings..
This Was Helpful

Report
September 7, 2007

Pros:

It took away my acne,but it takes about 4 months to see the difference,it gave me lighter and shorter periods.

Cons:

Can cause nausea around the time you take the first pill, then it goes away, I did not gain weight, on the first 4 months it made my acne worse, but after 4 months, I had the best skin ever, free of all acne.

I know everyone's body is different, I would tell anybody to give this pill 6 months, if you don't see your skin getting better, try something else.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 1, 2007

Pros:

Less painful cramps, less flow, know when my period will start, protects against pregnancy, larger breasts!

Cons:

slight nausea in the beginning, slight weight gain. I don't know if has been helping or hindering my acne but this past month my acne has got significantly worse, large cyst like pimples on my cheeks that I have never had before. Definitely a con!

I am going to continue using this as it is effective and affordable birth control, and I like the regularity of my periods. As for the slight weight gain that may be my own fault, as I have been traveling a lot and trying new foods. As for the acne, well, I am going to try some alternative methods (Proactiv, apple cider vinegar) to clear it up and hopefully it is not the birth control's fault. We shall see!!!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 25, 2007

Pros:

Stops ovulation, regulates period.

Cons:

Extreme nausea, headache's small pimples, large whiteheads.

I had extreme nausea suring second month of ortho lo, would take with food and would feel like I had to throw up. Light spotting during first and second month, also had light migranes during first weeks of trying OTC Lo. Small bumps on chin would soon turn into large whiteheads that hurt!
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 21 22 23 24 25 … 27
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