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
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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May 9, 2009

Pros:

regulate period, shorter/lighter period, breast growth

Cons:

first month breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea for first couple of days.

Everyone's body reacts differently. During the first pack ( I took my first pill on the first day of my period), I had bleeding the entire month until my next period! After that my period came during the placeabo pills, ended in about 5 days and i haven't had breakthrough bleeding since! I think after the first pack my body just needed to adjust to the new hormones hence the bleeding (which was very light, but admittedly annoying). Breast tenderness not overwhelming. I threw up for the first 3 pills but haven't experienced nausea since. Basically any problems I had went away after the first pack!
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

Helps keep acne under control and manageable, prevents pregnancy, regular monthly cycle

Cons:

Doesn't clear acne completely. Having to remember to take the pill at similar time everyday, doesn't work if you get sickess/use antibiotics for other conditions, have to stop using under some circumstances, not suitable for people with migraine

I used BC pills to keep my acne under control following Roaccutane, though whilst on them I was never clear or acne free. I used them for 10 years then stopped to have my daughter and started them again when I had finished breast feeding. I have been on them again for the past 4 years but have now had to be taken off them due to severe migraine.
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May 6, 2009

Pros:

completely got rid of my large cyst acne! mostly improved my surface acne!

Cons:

as a couple people mentioned, it does make me tired. i have very oily skin, so i still have very mild surface acne but is controllable as long as i use my proactive wash.

nothing worked before this. changed my life! if you just have very mild surface acne, it might not help as much as it will help someone with more moderate to severe acne.
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May 5, 2009

Pros:

prevent pregnancy, clear skin, regulate periods

Cons:

some skin issues

I just started the pill about a week ago, and so far I haven't seen a huge change in my mood or skin like others have stated. However, I have been getting a few more pimples here and there, which might just be from stress. I've been a tad emotional, but not to the point of uncontrollable, which also might be from stress. I've only had sex while using a back-up method, therefore have a very low risk of pregnancy. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone trying to prevent pregnancy or regulate their periods.
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May 5, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, increased breast size

Cons:

Breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, initial acne breakout

Im finishing up on my first month so the effects ive had could just be due to my body getting used to the pill (Ortho Tri CYclen LO). I started breaking out pretty badly along my jawline (and on my back-very odd for me) at first but the breakouts have stopped and now seem to be going down. Hopefully by next month ill be clearing up. What bothered me was the breakthough bleeding. I get my period for a day or two then it stops. This has been going on all month and is so annoying. My boobs have gotten bigger! YEY! Not as tender as they were two weeks ago. Overall I think I need to just give it more time. My past experience on BC has been great- totally cleared up my skin so Im trying to get back to that point again. I'll post again in a couple months.
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May 4, 2009

Pros:

Acne has cleared up

Cons:

weight gain / sensative feelings

It has helped my acne clear up. I haven't really noticed other things about this birth control because i didn't really pay attention. But im not pregnant :) but im also not getting my period after the pack (21 days) i just finished, and its been days :S i really hope i get it, and soon!
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May 3, 2009

Pros:

It definitely prevents pregnancy well and i trust it in that sense. I had shorter periods within a few months of taking it.

Cons:

I gained a max of like 4 pounds. which makes me uneasy, but i have accepted this fact.

I love how the pill has been both effective and affordable. it works for sure.
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May 1, 2009

Pros:

bigger boobs, regular lighter period,havent gotten pregnant and helped me gain weight!

Cons:

none that i know of

I love this birth control, I've told all of my friends to get on it, the only thing i didnt like about it was spotting in the very beginning. I've never gotten any acne, I've never had it.Overall I love it and I love not being a mommy. :)
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

Never got pregnant, lost weight, no acne, regular periods

Cons:

Tender breast, i am very tired

I love this birth control... I been on it for four years and never got pregnant.. I never had cramps or PMS... i lost weight and my acne cleared up!! The only thing that sucks is that my boobs hurt and i get tired a lot.
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April 23, 2009

Pros:

heard you can lose weight, clears acne, regulates and lightens periods, etc.

Cons:

heyy i'll let you know. can possibly do the exact opposite.

The gyn said that i am not ovulating at all. Which is pretty scary. My first thought was "holy *&^%, i'm going into menopause early!" but I'm not sure. Or maybe my babymaker is sleeping? But either way it needs to wake up. It has a job to do. I'd rather not be infertile. I just got prescribed for Ortho Lo and i'm hoping that it will get everything back in order considering it's completely unhealthy to not have a regular period by now. I guess either I'll turn into a fat, pimply monster beotch. Or a slim (as i am now), clear-faced, happy person. Will shall see..... AHHH the suspense is killing me!!!
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