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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5
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4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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June 29, 2010

Pros:

Smooth, nice skin

Cons:

weight gain, moodiness, lack of sex drive

For starters, this drug ROCKS for my skin and that's the only positive. I maybe get a white head once in a blue moon. But, I've been on this pill for 4 years and have noticed some significant changes. My sex drive, for the most part, has steadily decreased to the point that I do not even want to be touched by my husband. I've gained a solid 20lbs that won't come off on a 1500 cal diet and daily exercise. I lastly feel like I'm the worlds biggest psycho when it comes to mood changes. Overall, 4 years later I feel completely different from the person who married my husband. I don't recommend this pill to anyone.
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June 29, 2010

Pros:

has already helped to regulate bleeding

Cons:

naseau, bloating, weight gain & breast tenderness (but only on pill for 1 1/2 weeks)

I have just been on this pill for a little over a week to deal with some irregular bleeding issues--while i have some side effects now i am going to ride it out for three cycles because they are supposed to disappear within that time frame. I took it when I was younger and never had a problem---I have seen alot of posts complaining of headaches and emotional issues, etc.. While I cannot say that they are not a direct result of the pill--you should know that these are symptoms of hypoglycemia too and the pill has been found to effect insulin resistance in some which can cause hypoglycemia--a condition that can be "corrected" with a change in diet, so ask your doctor before you give up on this pill is you have seen other benefits from it
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June 27, 2010

Pros:

- Breasts bigger (fill out my cups like I never did before)
- Regulated period
- Less acne
-Birth control

Cons:

None in my experience

When I was first considering ortho tri-cyclen for birth control, I read all the reviews and was super scared of the possible side effects (mood swings, weight gain, nausea, etc.), however, I've been on it for a month and a half now and I haven't experienced any of them. So far, I've had a great experience on it. It's also pretty fun having fuller breasts than I've ever had before. Based on my experience, I would HIGHLY recommend it.
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June 23, 2010

Pros:

breasts went from D to DD
Not pregnant
No spotting

Cons:

Made acne worse
First period on it was 2 weeks long!!!
Makes me tired

I was on Yaz for 3 years but started to get worried because of all the negative press on this. My doctor prescribed me OTC and I started it a month and a half ago. My first period on OTC was 2 weeks long!!!! I hope it's just my body getting used to the different doses of hormones. Same with acne. I get on avg 2 pimples a day, and some are cystic and painful. btw, the acne started when I got my period, which happened while I was on Yaz, but with Yaz it went away with my period. Anyway my take on OTC is wait and see for now. I'm gonna give it 2 more pill packs and if my acne doesn't get better, I'm going to ask for a different pill. I'd rather be on a pill that doesn't really help with the acne that I do get, not make it worse!
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June 22, 2010

Pros:

No more breakouts! I use it together with Carley's Clear and smooth treatment.

Cons:

I gained about 3-5 lbs; Nausea sometimes; I have more body fat %. However, breast size stays the same :(

I've been loyal to Carley's Clear an Smooth Skin line. While their product is the best one out there I still got breakout occasionally, especially before having my cycle. When I started this BC pill I noticed the difference within a week that my breakout has stopped. It sucks to know that my breakouts are almost entirely due to hormonal imbalance, but at least this combination of pill and Carlry's work for me. I have no new breakouts, not even before my period. However, BC pills are not made the same and may not work with everybody. I am glad that this works for me.
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June 17, 2010

Pros:

booobs got bigger, cleared acne, helped my period flow ALOT.

Cons:

when i forgot it a couple times it made me crazzzzyy!

i love ittt.
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June 7, 2010

Pros:

-make my boobs significantly bigger with minor weight gain otherwise. Obvious growth occurs in the first week of the pill cycle, I now have to alternate between bras of different sizes depending on where I am in my cycle

Cons:

-lots of breast pain from constant growth
-my skin has become extremely sensitive to the sun, including heat rash and a burn even when using 45SPF (70 works on the other hand), I suppose the resulting tan could be a pro
-my acne hasn't gotten any better and arguably has gotten worse but not significantly so

As I'm using this for birth control it's doing it's job and while there are some side effects they are not so bad I'd consider switching because of them. It's a gamble, there will be side effects from any birth control pill and if they're not so bad you may as well settle. Best way to decide whether the side effects are bearable or not is to take a pill for 3 cycles before making up your mind.
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June 6, 2010

Pros:

-Very clear skin
-Extremely predictable periods
-Lighter periods
-Lighter cramps
-Fewer mood swings
-No weight gain
-Very inexpensive
-Easy to use

Cons:

-Severe initial breakouts
-Nausea for the first week
-Mood swings for the first few weeks
-Takes several months to work

I take Ortho Cyclen generic. Instead of the changing hormone level pills of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho Cyclen is constant, steady hormones until the week of placebos. If you have problems with mid-cycle breakouts or moodiness, I'd recommend trying the single level hormone birth control. I initially broke out terribly for a week or two when I first started taking it. Halfway through the second cycle, I missed a pill and broke out again. I just started my 3rd pack and my skin looks beautiful. I still have some hyperpigmentation from the second breakout, but it's going away quickly. My skin tone looks more even, too. I started bcp to regulate my unpredictable period and ease pms symptoms, and the pill has worked wonderfully for all of those issues. I only pay $9 a month, and that's WITHOUT health insurance or prescription plans. GO GENERIC, unless you happen to be allergic or sensitive to a generic filler ingredient. Chemically, generic pills are nearly identical to brand names. Also, give bcp at least 3-4 months to begin working. Any review of someone only taking birth control for 2-3 weeks is completely invalid. Like every other acne product, it's going to take time. Also, don't resort to bcp if acne is your only issue. There are serious side effects and complications, and it's not worth the risk, imo, for potentially clearer skin when there are other methods of skin care available. If, like me, you have a hormonal imbalance that affects more than just your skin, give it a try!
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June 1, 2010

Pros:

No cycts anymore. Ever
No nausea
No weight gain (actually lost weight)
Not pregnant!!!

Cons:

Took 2 full cycles to reap benefits
still get the occasional non inflamatory acne. its rare though.

I previously wrote here with a bad review, didnt realize it takes TIME to regulate hormones and balance out. Now I only get the occasional breakout and its minor. No more flare ups the week before my period. I'm also now taking Bactrim and using Epiduo. So far so good. And most importantly, I'm not pregnant!
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May 10, 2010

Pros:

It made my boobs half cup larger. Regulated my period. Got it exactly the same time every month.

Cons:

It made my acne worse immediately. especially areound the lipline. my forehead was the worse affected

I would reccomend it if you dont have acne probelems. my boyfriend said i was easily irritated when starting this pill. overall, i like it. Free at planned parenthood
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