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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November 12, 2008

Pros:

the obvious, not getting pregnant, no nausea, slightly lighter period, no bloating or weight gain, stayed the same.

Cons:

possibility of some acne, possible cause of moodswings, a little more PMS

I don't quite know how to feel about this pill. I'm 21, I have been on it for two months now. I started oral contreceptives two years ago with Yasmin the first year, which gave me very clear skin but severe moodiness. My gyno switched me to reg. ortho tri cyclen a year after that and I felt pretty normal on that pill and had moderately clear skin, but then my periods suddenly got a little heavier over time. A little over a year later I am now on Ortho Low, and right before I switched over i had started getting acne randomly around my chin and jaw. It cleared up a little, and now its back...worse than Ive ever had. I dont know if its from the pill, I hope not. I hate switching things I'm putting into my body around so much. It has been almost two and a half months. Is this normal? I read that it can do that but is supposed to clear up after the first month. But now Im going on two and a half months. Also I feel like i cry over stupid things more. Don't know how I feel about this pill.
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November 10, 2008

Pros:

dont get pregnent. regular periods

Cons:

light acne. CRAMPS!!!

i get cramps every now and then. but there light cramps. sometimes the cramps get bad but not longer than 20 minutes. ive used the pill for two weeks and ive notices acne coming out in my shoulder :( ugh.
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October 13, 2008

Pros:

After a 2 months it cleared up moderate acne on face and back acne. Regulates period. No cramps during menstrual cycle and very regular bleeding. Doubles as birth control (Although I recommend using some other form of contraception as well)

Cons:

Depression. Tendency to become overly emotional. Slight weight gain.

I wouldn't recommend this to girls with only a mild acne problem. I have never been a very emotional person, but when I started using this I became severely depressed (No exaggeration), especially around the last few days of the pill right before my period. So if you already have an existing depression problem, I strongly suggest that you NOT take this. But if you can manage to get through a few speed bumps, it was worth it for me. I've had acne here and there since I was 14, I'm 18 now and this really helped clear it up, especially the back acne. But it's not for everyone. See your doctor and do your homework before you start taking it!
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September 26, 2008

Pros:

i felt I actually lost weight, less appetite, nothing else changed

Cons:

few mood swings, few breakouts (but im hoping it's not from this), and taking it the same time everyday is mad annoying!

I like it, its not bad. I'm gonna use it for a few more months, i dont want BABIES!
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June 29, 2008
had no period 1st mo.
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June 16, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, cheap, cleared up mild acne, bigger boobs

Cons:

horrible headaches, VERY tender breasts, fatigued, extreme hunger

This pill is okay. I take the generic - tri sprintec. I've been taking it for a month. I have EXTREMELY tender breast..so sore that i can barely roll over in my sleep!..but on the flip side I went up a cup! I get horrible pounding headaches to the point where I have to lay down and pop tylenol. I always feel tired and lazy. I get extremely hungry even after I've eaten a large meal. On the brighter side, my mild acne has cleared up and I have a much brighter and smoother complexion. No mood swings, no cramps, no bloatedness.
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Improved acne and regular, lighter periods.

Cons:

Kind of expensive and eventually stopped helping my acne.

I have taken Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 4 years, and for 3 of those years it worked really well for treating my acne. But for some reason, it hasn't been working as well on my skin lately.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Hhhmmm?? Well, I havn't gotten pregnant!

Cons:

Nauseous, headaches, tired, weak, irritable.

I need to switch pills...
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March 26, 2008

Pros:

Taken it for 7 years no side effects or pregnancy. Light periods with no craps and knew exact day of my next period. Helps with acne.

Cons:

I just stopped taking the pill (trying to get pregnant) got a bad acne brake out.

This pill is great! Never had a problem or had to worry if it worked and if I was pregnant. Had very clear skin(didn't need makeup). I took it for 7 years with no side effects. One month a was given the wrong script for the pills. The other BC pill made me sooo sick I felt nausea all month. I was glad when I started taking Tri-cyclen again.
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February 28, 2008

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regular periods

Cons:

I haven't found any yet

I just started my 4th month today. When I started it my skin seemed to clear up and this past week has been just hell. I don't think it will help out with my acne too much (NOTHING has...and I've tried just about EVERYTHING!) but my period finally got regular with the pills and started exactly when it should have. I tried some other pills in the past and I didn't like how they made me feel, but I've had absolutely no side effects with Ortho Lo. I just hope one day my skin will be clear of acne and I will finally have the confidence of not wearing any makeup :( It's so embarassing.
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