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
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
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:
May 3, 2010

Pros:

cleared up acne, regulated periods, reduced pms symptoms...

Cons:

I was on it for 5 years and the effectiveness of the prescription has been slowly wearing off over the past 6 months, my solution was to switch medications.

it was great for several years until my body adapted to it. i would say its worth your time to try it out!
This Was Helpful

15 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 1, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up acne. Made my breasts at lease a cup size bigger. No weight gain, just a little bit of bloating. 3 to 4 day period and almost no cramps.

Cons:

First few weeks I felt sick and extra hormonal.
Expensive for non generic without insurance.

Been on it for 6 months, all the bad things have went away and its very hard to ever want to stop because the benefits are amazing. I'm only twenty and I would recommend this to anyone.
This Was Helpful

25 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 29, 2010

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regulates period

Cons:

Some people gain weight (I did!), helps with acne but NOT a cure

It is helpful and does its job by preventing pregnancy but should not be a cure for acne. Might help with acne but not cure it. Another side effect is weight gain, this is due to the fact that you are tricking your body into thinking you are pregnant so that you don't get pregnant in reality. When your body thinks it's pregnant it naturally begins building up a fat store on your abdominal region to prepare for the baby. Another thing many women don't consider when thinking about birth control is that fact that it can alter you psychologically. I switched to another birth control before and suddenly became very anxious, nervous, and depressed. I switched back and have been feeling much better, and back to my normal self. Not all birth control pills contain the same hormones and different hormones effect people differently, some having more chance of causing mental problems than others. While this can sound scary it shouldn't stop you from using birth control, just do your research and pay attention to how it effects you.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 26, 2010

Pros:

1. No babies
2. Skin less oily

Cons:

1. Very very moody and emotional
2. Gained weight
3. uncontrollable appetite
4. Didn't really help acne

I changed from Yasmin to Ortho because my insurance wouldn't cover the Yasmin. What a mistake! I felt awful on the Ortho. I was an absolute emotional wreck for about a week around my period. Constantly crying, pretty much couldn't function. I usually don't have any symptoms at all so that was really abnormal. I also couldn't stop eating everything in site. It was like i was never full. So needless to say i gained a few pounds. I'd rather pay for the Yasmin then deal with this for another month.
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 16, 2010

Pros:

* Acne is clearing up
* Only have a 4 day period
* Flow is light
*Not bad cramps
* Only cost $8
* Lost 8 pounds

Cons:

*Have not found any yet.

I started this birth control about two months ago. My boyfriends mom took me to the health department to get some BC. I was scared of gaining weight and getting even worse acne because it was already terrible. I have some scars on my face it was getting that bad. I was so happy when I noticed my acne was getting better gradually every day. I weighed myself just out of curiosity and I have lost 8 puonds. I have not worked out or even changed my eating habits yet. I also know that the Wal-Mart makeup, foundation, is not good for your acne AT ALL! The only kind that's ok for your face is Rimmel foundation. I also know that if you wash your face once a day, the best time is before bed, it doesn't take as much of the natural oils out. If you wash your face too much you'll take the natural oils out of your face and it will just create even more oil so your face wash will be useless. Every product works differently with different people because no one person is the same. This BC really works with me but it differs greatly for every person. If this does not work just try another.
This Was Helpful

30 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 9, 2010

Pros:

stopped major breakouts, reduced sebrum production (oil), regulated cycle, controlled hormonal acne

Cons:

melasma, terrible acne and oily skin after coming off the Pill, fears of long-term severe side effects

I used the Pill for 10 years. It really helped my adult acne at first - especially the hormonal variety that springs up two weeks before my period. After a while though, I'd say about 5 years, my body grew used to it. I even developed melasma (darkening of the skin) above my upper lip and on my cheeks and forehead. This is why I came off the pill, which resulted in EXTREMELY oily skin and major breakouts for about 6 months. Now, thanks to benzoyl peroxide used 2X per day, my acne is again under control, but I'm still dealing with the melasma. If you have moderate to severe acne, I'd recommend trying the Pill because it WILL help, just be cautious about staying on it beyond 5 years or so due to long-term severe (and not so severe) side effects.
This Was Helpful

28 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 9, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my skin

Cons:

Nothing. Never had any adverse side affects.

Birth control works on a very individual basis. I've had terrible reactions to the brand's my friends love and vice versa. You just have to experiment until you find what works for me. I used Orth Tri Cyclen for about a year to control my adult acne. It really is the most effective thing I have used. For about 6 months I didn't even need to use any acne products, the pill alone cleared my skin up beautifully. My insurance changed, I stopped taking the pill and the acne came back after a few months. I plan on getting back on it just for the skin benefits.
This Was Helpful

29 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 30, 2010

Pros:

my breasts got fuller

Cons:

My breasts were super tender. I had mild acne before starting this birth control, and it got worse.. I had more acne than ever after two weeks of my first pack.. I ended up getting pregant during the 3rd pack, but I think it's just because I was on medication which interacted with the pills effectiveness.

I was on Tricyclin Lo for a year when I was 17 and I had no side effects. I'm 25 now, had a baby when I was 21 and these pills didn't work for me this time around.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 30, 2010

Pros:

1.) STOPPED my breakouts completely!
2.) Increased breast size, about a full cup.
3.) Smoother skin
4.) Overall, better mood
5.) Kept me from getting pregnant
6.) Period was regular

Cons:

1.) Weight Gain
2.) Even though I was in a better mood overal, occassionally, I had some suicidal thoughts and thoughts of harming others
3.) Headaches that I never had before
4.) Sore breasts

The regimen on this site is what I have been using and it is working fine. As of today, I have been on for 6mos. But, I decided to add this birthcontrol in after 2mo on the regimen. When I started ortho tri-cyclen on December 13, 2009, I was 137 lbs. As of today, March 29, 2010, I am 144lbs. That's a 7lbs difference in 3 1/2 mos. I LOVE THE PILL! It literally stopped my breakouts overnight and it felt awesome not to worry about it. This pill is awesome if you can manage to eat right and exercise and reduce your salt intake. I just finished my third pack and will not continue taking it simply because I want to shed the extra pounds before summer. I have included AHA Alpha Hydrox-- glycolic acid into my regimen in hopes that this will keep my breakouts at bay! Feel free to look at my profile on this site and see the images for yourself. The BC was the boost my skin care regimen needed!
This Was Helpful

20 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 29, 2010

Pros:

Breasts have definitely grown and it's only been a week. No nausea and no headaches, which is a plus.

Cons:

acne has gotten slightly worse. i am breaking out mostly around my chin/ jaw area and my cheeks as well. i've become a bit more moody, but nothing too serious or beyond my control.

It's only been a week, so i guess i need to stick it out for a few months longer. I haven't experienced any bad side effects other than acne and becoming a bit moody at times. hopefully it'll be worth it in the end!!! PS. For those who have experienced clearer skin after 3-6 months, did your acne disappear suddenly or did it happen gradually as the months went by?
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 23 24 25 26 27 … 74
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