Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.5
1015
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
September 29, 2009

Pros:

I have been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for 5 years, and opposite from many of the reviews above, there has been nothing but positives for me. Clear skin, no cramps or back aches, super light periods...and as for birth control...100% effective.

Cons:

I've only ever felt slightly nauseous when I had to take two pills at once....never have I been sick. I have slight mood swings a few days prior to my period, which I contribute to the sudden drop in hormones from not taking the pill for 7 days

Tri Cyclen has offered nothing but benefits...two thumbs up all the way. I Truly have 100 % faith in this birth control (given you are responsible and take if on a consistent basis). My boyfriend and I never use condoms, and I have never had any issues.
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 27, 2009

Pros:

I have not taken ortho tri-clycen, but my sister and best friend did and I wanted to share their stories. My sisters skin did get better, however, there were serious adverse effects you need to be warned about

Cons:

Serious adverse effects included suicidal and morbid thoughts. Both my sister and friend gained weight, and their personalities completely changed. My sister kept having the same terrible worries our family would die the whole time she took it

BE VERY WARY of psychological side effects as well as physical ones. My friend pushed her roommate away and caused her boyfriend to break up with her. Both her and my sister couldnt figure out what was wrong, but all their psychological unsteadiness stopped when they discontinued their use of the pill. My friend stopped because her and her boyfriend broke up, and we were lucky enough to realize the pill was messing with my sister's mind. I wasn't the one that took the pill, but felt it important enough to warn you about this pill.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 26, 2009

Pros:

It works great at preventing pregnancy. It began to clear my skin some after 1-2 months. My breasts got bigger. It's on the Walmart list and is very affordable.

Cons:

My breasts were sore. My face didn't clear as much as I hoped. I gained 10lbs around the 3rd month and had a lot of sugar cravings.

If you don't mind sore boobs and weight gain and don't have bad acne, then it's not bad. I just don't want to gain weight, and I want clearer skin. I work hard to stay thin and I exercise daily. I went from 113 to 123, and saw no end in sight so I got off it and started feeling better immediately. I am going to try Yaz. I hear a lot of good things and my dermatologist recommended it after I visited while on this particular brand.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2009

Pros:

My breasts had gotten firmer, which is not saying much since im 36DD.

Cons:

Nauseous, Tired, Dizzy, headaches that increased in severity, confused and dis oriented.

I started this pill a week ago, on the first day I had taken a pill and i had gotten nauseous then i had thought it was because I hadn't eaten anything, so the next day I had taken a pill after dinner and i wasnt naseous but for the rest of the week I was tired then when the weekend had started I became nauseous all over again and I had a headache that started on friday at 7 and went away when i woke up the next morning but was back as soon as 7p.m. had came around. On monday I was so tired and nauseous that I felt like I was going to pass out and the headaches didnt help like clock work it had came back at 7. So I had stopped taking it on wednesday and it is now thursday and I have been feeling better the only thing was that I had a slight headache but it stopped after 10 mins. So now I would not recommend this birthcontrol to anyone.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2009

Pros:

Pregnancy prevention

Cons:

Noticed I havent gained weight but feel bloated. Hasnt made me breakout more or less than I am used too. Not much of a sex drive though...

Havent had any major issues....try it and get off if you do
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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...
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 8, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made acne worse, mood swings, depressed tired and causes bad breakouts.

Not for controlling acne problems.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 4, 2009

Pros:

Effective contraception

Cons:

Worsened acne and severe mood swings/depression

It may work wonderfully for others, but it was not worth it for me.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 2, 2009

Pros:

cleared acne..

Cons:

nausea, mood swings, weight gain

prevented pregnancy and got rid of acne other than that it was horrible, i had nausea and crazy mood swings
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 1, 2009

Pros:

NO PROS

Cons:

BREAKOUTS BREAKOUTS BREAKOUTS

I've been struggling with acne for about 4 to 5 years now each year getting worse and this pill only made my breakouts WORSE. I only started taking this pill to TREAT my acne and now this is NOT one clear section of my face. I break out in areas that have never been problem. Not only does it make you break out this are DEEP LARGE bumps that take at least a couple weeks to clear. BOTTOM LINE IF YOU ARE TAKING BIRTH CONTROL TO TREAT YOUR ANCE THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT PILL FOR YOU!
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 28 29 30 31 32 … 74
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Finding a Doctor

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:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website