Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Any brand of oral contraceptive appears to clear the skin about the same amount, regardless of whether it is officially approved for acne treatment. Some people report complete clearing of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, artificially controlling your hormones is a serious decision, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Hormonal Therapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 18, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
I think this BC had made me very anxious and a bit crazy. I had very irrational fears/anxieties that I never noticed prior to starting this?
I started 100 mg daily of Spiro in conjunction with this to fight my adult hormonal acne. I cannot be sure which one of these made me feel very fearful and anxious but since ceasing this medication those symptoms have gone away. I also seem to have my period for 2 weeks every month? After 4 months I have stopped the Yasmin altogether and just take the Spiro. It was very expensive without insurance, I got the name brand not the generic.
April 2, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Bigger boobs (my ten year old sister thought I got implants), clearer skin, no weight gain.
Cons:
Mood swings, cramps, bad break through bleeding when I first started using it.
Compared to the other pills I've tried, Yasmin is by far the best..(it's expensive for a reason) the other pills turned me into somebody my boyfriend at the time couldnt even recognise, i'd have violent mood swings and he actually broke up with me one stage because of it, gained weight, bloated so much, started getting pimples, the only positive was larger breasts so i stopped taking it and i was too scared to go on anything else, after I ended our 4 year relationship and started to mingle i realised i needed to go back on the pill, told the doctor about my syptoms and he straight away suggested yasmin, i havent looked back since, i havent gained any weight, my mood swings are still there but they are bareable, and i can control them. my boobs have become even bigger and my skin has cleared up even though i dont look after it well at all (oops)
April 1, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
no babies, no babies...they are cute but no babies, clearer skin sorta.
Cons:
fiery emotions! mood swings, cramps.
i have never had such bizarre mood swings. ever. i have been on it for only a month so i don't know if i would recommend this pill or not. i think it's worth trying. very expensive! (less than a kid) but is my main reason why i am changing and possibly waiting till i'm 18 perhaps. (once i am 18 insurance will cover it) what's with that though??? i think i might go to planned parent hood.
February 20, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Works very accurately, periods are very short, not pregnant, very easy to use/remember to take, NEVER makes me gain weight, clear skin
Cons:
Breast swelling
I have used YAZ for almost 6 years. I have been placed on it just to control my bleeding during my periods. I have never had an issue. I have not gained weight, my periods are 2-3 days long, I never have any serious mood swings (normal ones, just because men drive us crazy), it is very affordable and I have never once had an issue with it NOT working (no pregnancy scares at all). My periods are lighter and very workable, my cramps have diminished too. No bad things to say about YAZ
February 3, 2009
Pros:
lighter period, shorter period, clear ance, enlargement breast, less cramps
Cons:
tender breast, a few cramps, a few breakouts, gain weight (5 lbs), food carving
I've only been on this pill for a month, so i'm going to keep waiting it out for the 3rd month to see how everything goes. It's so far the most amazing pill i've been on because i hated the long, heavy flows and now it's really light and only lastes 4 days rather than 7 days. It also made my boobs grow one size up which i'm quite happy about.
January 29, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
NOTHING has cleared my skin up like this! I no longer had oily skin after being on Yaz for a little over a month. My moderate cystic acne cleared up.
Cons:
I did notice a little weight gain but I cannot be positive it was the Yaz.
I made the mistake of letting my prescription run out because Ididn't have time to get back to the dr. My horrible acne came back! I hadn't had huge cysts since I had been on Yaz! I am getting back on it asap!
December 17, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
fewer pimples, not near as much irritibility or mood swings than when I tried YAZ, lighter periods
Cons:
little bloating during period, spotting last for awhile after your period is over
It working like it says it should!
August 11, 2008
Pros:
Very predictable periods, like clockwork!
Slow improvement in skin.
Cons:
Horrible initial breakout around jawline
Crazy moody and extremely emotional; cried over everything.
I'm halfway through my 5th pack (Tri-Sprintec) and at first I hated it!
The first 3 months were TERRIBLE!!! Every time I thought it would get better...it only got worse! and I CRIED LIKE NO OTHER! I had horrible breakouts around my jawline, but no where else!
It wasn't until the 5th month were I saw noticeable improvement in my skin and my emotions (I stopped crying)! During the first 3 months I had 1-2 new pimples a day around my jawline. Now, I've had 5 total pimples in the past 2 weeks; and each went away after a day.
I've also been using ProActive religiously for a few months now and Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion (GET THIS STUFF, ITS AWESOME!!!) and using that at night. Also Bare Minerals makeup -- this stuff is great!
Bottom line....stick with it and don't give up!! They say to give it 3-4 months before you give up, but I saw no improvement until month 5. I'm SO glad I didn't give up! Have hope!
August 5, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Boobs are a cup size larger and no mood swings from PMS
Cons:
Dry skin
I generally like it and will stay on it.
June 27, 2008
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Lighter periods, cramps, bloating, acne, and a much higher sex drive.
Cons:
I'm in my third month, and I am just now having spotting, that wont go away.
I have severe endometriosis, and pre-cirvical cancer. I could never take birth control before, due to the horrible side effects. My doctor made me try this as he said it will do good for my health issues. And it has!! After I had surgery I started taking Yaz. I had no noticable side effects. After my first month of use I felt great! I lost the weight I gained from surgery, I was not so moody, and best f all my sex drive went to the roof!!! But now in my third month, I am having spotting. It may be due to my heath issues, but the doctor said more then likely it is from the Yaz. Ither way I am going to hang on, so far this has been a medical breakthrogh for me! I recommend this for woman who have issues like myself. It has been wonderful! And I dont have the period side effects any more, which is great for woman with endometriosis!!
Pros:
Cleared up acne, Did not gain weight, Not pregnant, Boobs grew about 1/2 a cup size.