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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February 20, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant. predictable periods, no cramps during periods, clear skin, bigger boobz (yay!),no weight gain. no change in libido ;P

Cons:

NONE!!

im on my 4th pack and im starting to see results!! i used to break out A LOT so ive decided to take OTC, the first couple of months were hell!! i brokeout even more... but ive read some reviews on this site and some people said it will start out bad but it will get better around the 3rd pack. so i kept taking it and whola!! my face is 99% clear!! i also eat healthy food and drink only water, soy milk, and 100% juice. i use a mixture of baking soda and cetaphil to wash my face twice a day, and put my fav. Obagi C10 after... now my skin feels like a baby's butt!! anyways, the results will differ depending on the person so just give it a try!!!
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant. regular period. lost alittle weight

Cons:

went crazy with emtions. did not help my acne

i would not reccommend this pill.
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November 26, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my cystic acne, prevented pregnancy, no weight gain or loss, shorter periods, decreased cramping

Cons:

Expensive if you do not have medical coverage, after extensive use, (pros mentioned above) reoccured negatively, everyone reacts differently to any pill, very slight nausea when pills were missed

I had started using ortho tri-cyclen at the age of 16 to control moderate acne and reduce cramping. Within the first 2 months, my acne was completely clear, my period was regulated and my cramping was dramatically reduced. I experienced no mood changes, headaches or waight gain, or any negative side effects to be honest. After approx. 3 years of continued use I began to experience emotional changes. I felt like my emotions did not match my physical state. Shortly after, I began to experience the re-occurance of cystic acne(moderate), as well as cramps. I decided to go off BCP completely and felt as if I were back to my "normal" self. However, I have now switched my BCP to Alesse, I have not been on it long enough to comment but I'm assuming that since it contains quite a lower amount of hormones, I should continue to feel the same after regular use. Try ortho tri-cyclen if you have moderate acne, no promises... Every BODY is different.
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November 8, 2007

Pros:

still haven't gotten pregnant! helped clear my skin.

Cons:

makes me feel sick to my stomach if i don't take it at the exact same time, doesn't regulate my period as well as it should.

the pill does it job as far as preventing pregnancy, however, my period isn't as regulated as it should be-and i've been on it for 1 year now! it does help clear up my skin, and my cramps aren't as bad. it hasn't made me gain weight either, which is definately a plus!!
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October 21, 2007

Pros:

Predictable periods... works

Cons:

none

I noticed no weight gain. Skin cleared up. Shorter lighter periods. Love it!
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October 20, 2007

Pros:

Clears acne with little to no side-effects.

Cons:

Is a little pricey, co-pay is $25. Thankfully we can afford to refill every month! Oh, and it did make me a little more emotional.

When I first started out, I broke out a little but nothing out of the ordinary. I actually went into this thinking it wouldn't work because nothing else had before. I started out with almost severe acne, went down to moderate and tried ortho. I'm so thankful my derm. suggested birth control because 6 months later I completely stopped breaking out. I can now say, 10 months after I first started, I no longer worry about waking up to new pimples! So if you're thinking about taking Ortho, or already are on it and are reading reviews for some hope, PLEASE wait it out at least until the 6 month mark. Oh and beware of Ortho LO, for some people it helps with acne, but for most it makes it worse. Best of luck :-)
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October 8, 2007

Pros:

- Cystic Acne is under control!!!
- I know when I'm going to have my period

Cons:

- During every fourth week (when I'm not on the pill and I get my period) my cystic acne comes back again.
- Brand name birth control pills are more expensive than the generic

I think this pill has worked wonders for me. I saw no effects with Minocyclin and I'm not allowed to go on Accutane because of my depression. I've had acne since the 5th grade. Although Retin-A cleared up my skin during the 12 grade, my acne returned once I started college, despite continued usage of Retin-A, and it became even more severe. Right now, I take Ortho Tri-cyclen and use topicals such as benzoyl peroxide and retin-a every day.
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September 19, 2007

Pros:

Cleared acne.

Cons:

It took four months to clear my acne. In the beginning my acne was MUCH MUCH worse like I've never seen before!!! But I stuck with it and I have seen wonderful results!!!

In the beginning it took my body a while to get use to the Ortho Tri-cyclen. It made me feel sick and very moody. My acne became really bad in the first few months and I almost stopped taking it but my doctor talked me out of it. I'm so thankful for that because by the end of the forth pack I really started to notice a difference. I have NEVER had this clear of skin!!!! I would highly recommend taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. But remember it takes several months to even notice a change!!!
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May 16, 2007
I never had acne until my freshman year of college. It was horrible...large cysts, painful, couldn't really cover them with make-up without it looking cakey. I've been on birth control for about 6 years, so I thought it was the new environment, stress from classes, etc. Anyways, I used to take Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and it cleared up the acne somewhat but I still got break outs, especially one week before my period. I recently switched to regular OTC because I read it's been clinically proven to clear up mild to moderate acne. I've only been taking it for about 7 days, and I've noticed more, smaller breakouts on my cheeks and hairline. I would usually just break out on my chin. I also have broken out on my back and chest...which never happened before! I read this site and am now verrrrrry scared. Should I stop taking this pill??? Please give me some advice!
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March 23, 2007

Pros:

Helped with acne, shorter periods, I know when my period will start, less cramps

Cons:

weight gain, a couple times Ive fealt quease afterward, mood swings

When I first got on the pill 4 years ago my periods were irregular, skipping months have two in a few weeks time, lasting anywhere from 3-14 days! My cramps would have me doubled over in pain crying, I couldnt take it so I got on the pill. Within the first month things were much better, and since I've been on it my period starts on the exact same day and lasts 6 days, my cramps are minimal and usually goes away with asprin.
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