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
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

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November 1, 2008

Pros:

I didnt really have any problems with it not really any side affects and its affordable. Boobs got a little bigger.

Cons:

Did not help with my skin it actually made it WORSE!! Depression.

My face never broke out like it has now after i started taking this bc and it stresses me out a lot. I mean i like it other wise because i have no side affects. i had a few cramps but nothing horrible and shorter lighter periods !!
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October 8, 2008

Pros:

i had very slight side effects, my boobs got a bit bigger, no cramps, had no increase in acne, and i know exacly when my period is coming.

Cons:

i had nausea with the pill for the first 2 months.

the pill works perfectly. although i didn't depend on the pill alone... condoms CAN break [and they have with me] but no babys!!!!
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

my periods are extremley regular
Minimal cramping

Cons:

Not really sure how it affects my acne or sex drive (see bottom line)
TERRIBLE PMS. very hateful and angry.

I started taking the pill when I was 14. I had moderate/severe acne at the time. I've always had the same type of acne. No blackheads or whiteheads just pimples. I get a cyst maybe once every 6 months but it goes away within a week. When I started taking the pill my pimples were mainly on my cheeks, but i had a lot of them. My acne has never been as bad since, but I still have it. Now I would say its mild/moderate but it has relocated from my cheeks to my chin/jaw area. I cant say whether the pill had any affect on this as i was 14 at the time and am almost 20 now, its quite possible I have just outgrown the acne as I still have dealt with breakouts since then just not as severe.
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September 21, 2008

Pros:

less acne, lighter periods, less cramping

Cons:

increase in appetite, weight gain

It's definitely helped my acne, but I've gained 10 pounds (possibly water retention, though) in the year I've been on it and am constantly hungry if I don't pop an Adderall with it, despite never having any weight problems before. Personally I'm going off it for a month to see if I lose the desire to eat everything in sight, but if you're active enough to stave off weight gain, I recommend this. Also, studies have shown that gaining more than 5% of your starting body weight while using birth control can be a sign of a tendency toward insulin resistance or abnormal glucose metabolism ([link removed] If you have problems with weight gain or increased sppetite while taking birth control, try switching to a low-carb diet (me, I like bread too much).
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August 28, 2008

Pros:

i used it for my acne but i noticed it helped with my periods being on time

Cons:

it helped the acne very little but of coarse i got little bumps on my checks and forhead area for about 2 years now. Something serouis so it does take time.

Does what its suppose to do!:)
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

Regulates periods and they are lighter. I got on OTC because I had severe acne on my back for 8 years. The month I started taking it my back improved 90%. I love it, it is the only medicine that has helped my acne.

Cons:

My biggest problem is just remembering to take the pill!

If you have bad acne give it a try. I went to the dermatologist for years and never was given medicine that helped like OTC.
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June 10, 2008

Pros:

I didn't get pregnant.
My boobs grew.

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN, Weepy-ness, Heightened appetite, Lethargy, Depression-(I thought I was clinically depressed) irritability,
EXTREME mood swings

Ruined my life, in short. I just figured out it was from the pill three weeks ago and only now are things starting fall back into place.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

havent gotten pregnant

Cons:

ACNE HORRIBLE,weight gain,because i have an eating disorder i wanted to gain a little weight but it makes me nauseated almost every day, i have mood swings like crazy and my sex drive isnt even the same

screw this pill
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

Severity of cramps reduced, no babies, bigger boobs

Cons:

Weight gain, mood swings, emotional

I have been on this pill for over a year now. I have gained weight but I used to throw up when i had my period and now I just feel a little cramping. Ive become way more emotional and cranky sometimes. However, its kept me from getting pregnant so it has to be working!!
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

Regular/lighter periods, clearer complexion, larger bust size, no weight gain

Cons:

Regular mood swings (thank-you blue pills), nausea

Have used it for 4 years now, and like it overall. Have never had children and have never been pregant. I never gained weight and it did clear up my complexion, although I occasionally have one or two pimples right before my cycle starts. In order to prevent nausea, I take the pill at night; however, when I am woken up in the middle of the night, I definitely feel sick to my stomach. The only negative side that I could live without it the mood swings. My husband is a trooper!
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