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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February 8, 2007

Pros:

Work well. no mood swings no side effects

Cons:

has not done anything for my acne

Use it for birth control not for acne cure.
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February 2, 2007

Pros:

Keeps my skin relatively clear. I had cystic acne and now get minor breakouts.

Cons:

Killed my sex drive! Increased weight gain, may contribute to my moodiness/depression

It Killed my sex drive! I'm a single 23 yr old women and i have no desire for men. Just stopped taking it after 2 years of dealing with this. Enough is enough, I'm trying another BCP or accutane. But either way, i need my sex drive. It's not normal. I recommend trying it. It affects some people and others dont mind it at all.
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February 1, 2007

Pros:

It can clear acne.

Cons:

It can also cause stomach discomfort and mood swings.

I had been searching for years for something that would clear my acne. When I came across ortho tri-cyclen and its claims I decided to give it a try. It cleared up my skin within a month.The doctor then switched me to the Ortho-Lo (for what reasons I don't know) and my skin brokeout ridiculously.Then I switched back to the regular strength and it cleared up my skin within a month.I was also using Proactiv which I believed helped with the overall clarity of my skin but when using it without the ortho didn't stop breakouts. Well after having my baby ten months ago I decided to get back on the pill and I did not see ANY results. In fact my skin was even more inflammed! And on top of that, I had extreme stomach discomfort. I have decided to stick with it and after my fourth pack my skin has finally stopped breaking out as much. The bottom line is that I believe if you stop taking it and start back you could experience different results for a while but just stick with it and it should work!
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

I've only been taking it for 2 weeks (too soon to tell)

Cons:

spotting, but that doesn't bother me (so none really). my ance appears to be getting worse

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! I'm not sure if OTC is cauing worse ance. This is ,y 15th day on the pill and my ance seems to be getting worse. Is this normal and will it get better? (if so, how ong before it gets better?). Are there any other BC pills that help with your acne?
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

Helped clear skin up

Cons:

In between bleeding
Having to take it everyday
Seems to make cramps a lot worst

This is my 2nd time using this product the first time I didn't have much acne so don't remember if it really did anything. Now I have really bad acne and have noticed a difference in my skin.
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January 6, 2007

Pros:

haven't been able to really tell

I've been on both OTC and pro-active for months and my acne didn't seem to improve any more than it had at the beginning. I have tried everything else before starting this combination..including accutane, and many other prescribed topical treatments. I am now trying a new cleansing line from germany..Chris Ferral. It's both helped and made my acne worse. I've decided to commit to it, even though my acne has gotten worse, because they said it takes a few weeks to work. Get worse to get better. But its really made me feel ugly, and I've lost alot of self-esteem, and a boyfriend over it. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be more than happy to try them. Thanks.
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January 2, 2007

Pros:

Takes away cramps during periods.

Cons:

I feel as though I gained a few pounds, nothing serious.

I have been using OTC for 2 years and I have been nothing but satisfied with it. I used to get unbearable pains during my period. So bad I would not be able to sleep at night. Once I started used OTC I feel absolutely no cramps. I feel as though I gained a few pounds, probably not noticeable to anyone but myself. However, that could be do to anything. My sex drive descreased a little, but it's still there!
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January 2, 2007

Pros:

low period
no cramps at all

Cons:

low sex drive,

i dont know if im taking the right pill for my acne. i've been taking OTC lo for 1 month and 3 days and until now, my stupid big nasty pimples are still on my face. but il still hang on it for a month and if i dont see any improvement yet, then il deal on that when that time comes.
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December 25, 2006
i have been on ***OTC LO*** for a little over a month and i'm quite happy with it! at first i was terrified after reading about some horrible side effects, but my mind was put to ease after the first day. i can take the pill on an empty stomach without nausea, i haven't gained any weight, and my acne is clearing up! the only thing i'd recommend is that if you're taking this to clear up your acne you should make sure you still cleanse your face morning and night and use moisturizer and any spot treatments. the only negative effect i've noticed is that my sex drive has gone down, but i expected that so it wasn't a surprise. good luck to everyone!
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December 15, 2006
Just Last week I started on Ortho Lo to help clear up my Acne. After the first month when i get adjusted to the pill I'll switch to Regular Ortho. Is that a good Idea? Is Ortho Lo and Ortho Regular basically the same thing just a bit less hormones?? I'm so confused and don't know if I'm doing the right thing! advice please!
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