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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4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

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August 8, 2011

Pros:

-no weight gain
-minimized appearance of facial hair

Cons:

-Developed severe PMS
-Severe cramps
-although period always came in the fourth week, sometimes it would linger for an additional 2 weeks even after I had been on the pill for years
-No sex drive

I would not recommend this pill to anyone. It was prescribed to me because I had a hormone imbalance and at first this pill was very helpful. I just stopped taking this pill and had been taking it for 4 consecutive years. My PMS became so severe and I was very unhappy. I don't have any problems with acne but I had previously gone on acne meds anyways. Blood clots are associated with this pill because of the high amount of estrogen so I would recommend starting with a low dose pill. My friends and family were also hearing of the bad rep of this pill and that influenced me to stop taking it. I don't think having less acne is worth the risk of going on this pill. I have had other health issues but I'm not 100% sure if they are connected to this pill. But the more reviews I read, the more likely it seems the connection is there.
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

Keeps breakouts under control
Reduces oil production
Pretty cheap
Lighter periods

Cons:

Weight gain
Melasma (hyper-pigmentation)

I was on the pill for almost 10 years. My acne was under control and I loved that. But, I gained 50 pounds over this time and developed melasma which made my skin look old and crappy. Been off the pill for 2 months, my hormones are going crazy but I prefer to find a more natural way for the acne.
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September 13, 2009

Pros:

starting to clear up my acne, boobs are getting bigger, not sexually active so can't say if it works for that, no weight gain or loss...

Cons:

made acne worse at first, first few days made me nauseous, and very sore breast...

only been taking it for a week, but it seems to be working with very little sideaffects...
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June 23, 2009

Pros:

Bigger Boobs, Weight Gain

Cons:

Worsed Acne, Changed my mood drastically, Weight Gain

I got this pill free from a local Planned Parenthood. I decited to take it because im not very smart at safe sex and thought it would help with my skin. My skin has cleared up before than it use to be. I took it for about a week and saw bad changes happen to me. My skin is now worse than before, my mood has altered significantly in a bad way and made me gain weight. I put the gain weight in both the pro and con because I am a petite girl so a few pounds will show however it did give me bigger boobs, which I enjoy. Overall I do not like this pill. I just stopped taking it because I cannot handle how it has changed my mood and worsened my skin. I am feeling sad, angry and just lost at everything.I do not like this free pill.
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June 21, 2009

Pros:

clearned skin completely! leveled emotions, consistent periods

Cons:

weight gain

It cleared my skin. I have had hormonal acne since I was 13 and I feel I have tried everything else.I took the pill for 4 months and it was wonderful for my skin, but not so great for my body. I gained 7 lbs. Urg. I stopped this month and am trying a few different things. My face is already breaking out a little bit. I may go back or try a different birth control eventually.
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June 2, 2009

Pros:

increased breast size, lost a few pounds, no pregnancies, loss of appetitte, and helped clear my back

Cons:

nausea, mood swings, more emotional about things

I like it. It works well. I thought id gain a lot of weight being on it but im glad i'm losing it. It has helped with my back acne too which is great. I love that my boobs are bigger. they are fuller now then they were before and I can fill out a bra that was slightly too big for me before. It works well. I like it. i think the nausea mood swings and emotional aspects will subscide after a few months. but i guess ill have to wait and see.
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March 28, 2009

Pros:

regular period, no mood swings, no pregnancy, acne is the same but its only the first month...hopefully it clears up!

Cons:

just got first period on it and threw up this morning and have had a headache for 24 hours. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the pill. I was on ortho lo for awhile and never experienced any side effects.

overall its okay since I've read many reviews about women experiencing mood swings and I'm normal so far. so thats a good thing
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Clearer Skin, Increased Sex Drive, NO Pregnancy!

Cons:

Extreme Moodiness, Bloating, Weight Gain, Very long period during first month (13 days)...

During the first month of using this pill (having never been on BC pills before) I immediately noticed a change in my appetite and mood swings. I was having cravings for the oddest things and would go from being my normal happy self to ready to murder within seconds. I had my period (ranging from spotting to very heavy) for about 13 days. I am working on my second month on the pill and have noticed that my appetite fluctiations have decreased, and maybe a slight decrease in mood swings but not enough of a decrease to keep me and my relationship happy. Speaking of relationship, I have noticed an increase in sex drive (even though I am moody and bloated half the time!) Bottom (bottom) line: my skin has cleared up (with the help of RX acne wash), sex drive is up, moodiness and weight gain are there... but are decreasing steadily.
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November 26, 2008

Pros:

very light periods skin made my skin kind of clear

Cons:

bloatiness....and weight gain!! i've only been on it for less than a wk and i am craving everything!

Everyone is different and I just started...I just hope I do not gain like 20 pounds!
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November 16, 2008

Pros:

Clear glowing skin. No more migraine headaches! like my other BC gave me ( Levlite 28). Rescued me from pregnancy! so grateful.

Cons:

slight weight gain, roller coaster emotions, you can get really nauseous taking these its best to take them before bed. Vivid dreams, 1 nightmare (haven't had one in years)

I like them! I will endure the side effects just as long as it continues to help my acne. This is ortho tri cyclen Lo.
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