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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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December 15, 2006

Pros:

I have only been on it for a week but I was on Tri Cylen Lo for about two months but I just wasn't liking it, it worked a bit but not good enough for me! Plus I read that Tri Cyclen can be really good for acne, so I am trying it.

Cons:

I am having terrible a terrible break out right now, on my chin and forehead... I'm going to try and wait it out but it's hard when you're waking up with more pimples each day.

It's cheap for me since my mom has health insurance or whatever it is. I am praying to God it puts an end to my terrible appearance.
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December 6, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up my mild acne and I did not gain weight.

Cons:

Since it's low hormone, you have to take it at the exact same time every day or you will have break-through bleeding and mild cramping and the cost is high even with most insurance since there is no generic form as of yet.

THIS IS A RATING FOR ORTHO TRI-CYCLENE LO! I came here to try to find reviews for Tri-nessa and OTC regular but after reading the reviews I have decided to go back on OTC-lo immediately b/c I've been on Tri-Nessa (way cheaper) for only 10 days and acne is back and have gained 4 pounds. I wanted to give ADVICE TO ACNE SUFFERERS as well. I have had mild acne/severe break outs (however you want to look at it) since I was 15. I am now 24 years old and finally found a sure fix for it just within the last six months. 1) I use Clinique 3 step system. Excpet I subsitute the face soap with Clinique Acne Solutions Foaming Cleanser 2) I use Clinique Perfectly Real Powder Compact for a base foundation (with lots of the 3rd step lotion first since it can be drying). 3) OTC-lo I know it sounds like a Clinique endorsement but it's the ONLY thing that has worked for me. I even tried Pro-Activ to no avail. I found the foundation was the key (and my last miracle step) as it di
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December 4, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up my moderate, hormonal acne within 2 months of taking it! I have not had ANY breakouts since I started 5 months ago.

Cons:

It always makes me a little nausous on the first couple pills in a new pack...nothing too severe though.

I believe that Ortho Tri-Cyclen will work for you if you have hormonal acne due to teenage hormones and have tried oral antibiotics and topicals with no dramatic change. From my research, online and talking to people, I think it helps moderate to severe hormonal acne and can possibly make mild cases worse.
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November 30, 2006

Pros:

I'm not too sure yet but it seems to be clearing up my acne

Cons:

Don't know yet

I was on Yaz for about 3 months and by the third day I broke out. It was so disheartening because I have always had clear skin. Now I have switched to OTC. I have been on it for about 5 days and it seems like my skin is slowly looking better. Hopefully it will completely clear my skin up soon.
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November 20, 2006

Pros:

I don't really know yet

Cons:

A little mood swingy but that's about it.

Well I started OTC about a month and a half ago for birth control reasons, but I was optimistic about the acne benefits of it also. I have been using Benzaclin, a benzoyl peroxide acne cream for about 2 1/2 years and that worked great, but I still got a few small breakouts around my period. The problem is now I'm breaking out pretty bad. I am still in my second month of OTC, and I don't want to stop it because it seems like maybe it will clear up and I still need the birth control, so is there anyone who had really bad acne the first month or two or three but it cleared up? and should I keep using the benzaclin?
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November 19, 2006

Pros:

Face is clearing up a tiny but ...

Cons:

A few days before I start my water pills I break out horribly ... Before I went on the pill it was a bunch of little ones now its a few large ones ... hopefully this is a sign itll clear up 100%

Well .. I have a question. Ive been on ortho tri cyclen regular for about 2 months. Im starting my 3rd month in 7 days ... Anyways ... my face clears up 100% right after I get my period But it gets pretty bad before my period How long should I wait to know if its working Im so depressed now it isnt even funny: Should I at least give it til the end of the 3rd month Thanks
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Not sure yet but should clear up my face cause it did before

Cons:

Really bad mood swings ...

Well I was just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for the birth control pill to work. I started using orth tri cyclen lo and it wasnt working but i was only on it a month and then i went on tri cyclen and i notice it clearing up but when will i notice it working much more, i have only been using it 1/2 month. Thanks
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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:

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