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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April 9, 2009

Pros:

no pregnancy

Cons:

AWFUL acne, weight gain

I'm happy to admit that my weight gain likely has a lot to do with my diet and low activity level, but I've had the same habits for years and still managed to maintain my weight pretty steady. In the four months since starting OTCL I've seen about a 10 pound gain. That doesn't suck nearly as bad as what as happened to my skin. I had bad acne as a teen and actually did two courses of Accutane in my late teens/early 20s. After that, my skin was generally good. When I would commit to a good cleansing & exfoliation program, my skin would be excellent. Even when I slacked, I didn't have breakouts worth mentioning. The last four months on OTCL have been hell. My skin is worse than pre-Accutane. Huge throbbing cystic pimples on my chin and cheeks constantly. The kind that grow like a volcano and seem to have their own heartbeat. Cannot be covered with makeup, don't clear even after the cyst erupts. Instead I'm left with an ugly mark on my face and new pimples. Miserable, switching asap!
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

No babies, regular periods, light cramps.

Cons:

AT FIRST: breast tenderness, BAD moodswings ( irritable, furious, over sensative, depressed, crying)

I'm 21 and I was on OTCL for 2 years w/o a problem, then my dc switched me to a different one for about a year I didn't like the new one because my periods weren't regular. Sometimes I didn't get one at all, when I did get them it was just ugly spotting for about 4 days. So, I just switched back to OTCL 2 weeks ago. My body has to adjust to it all over again. For the past week I've been very very moody either very angry for no reason, very sad, or just blah. (For the lack of a better word).. Also my breast have been so tender.. I know it will wear off, I just feel bad for my boyfriend, He's been very patient and understanting...... It's 1pm and I've been awake since 9:30 but I'm so blah I haven't managed to get out of bed, not even to type this. I'll probably be fine after I get my period or by the end of the month.
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

Was on Ortho Tri Lo: Less Cramps & Shorter Periods-Whats better that, or CYSTIC ACNE?

Cons:

Cystic Acne almost immediatlely.

Had numerous visits to the Dermatologist. Horrible cysts that wont heal and left scars. Switched back to Yaz after 3 months on it. Ready to get off of that as well, although my face cleared up immediately after switching back.
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

No babies, Bigger boobs, clears acne, No weight gain

Cons:

None after you take the pills for a full 2 -3 months

This pills does help clear up acne it just takes some time. I have been using this pill for about 3 months now and at first it made my acne worse. But after 3 months my skin is clear and the plus side is I have bigger boobs as well. So it just takes time for your body to get use to this pill.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Acne, good contraceptive, predictable periods, and tolerable cramps - mine used to be BRUTAL. I'd be in a sweat in bed with a fever, throwing up for an hour or 2.

Cons:

Headaches, and slight nausea.

I've been using tricyclen for almost 2 months now with little to no side effects! I am very pleased with it so far. I used to be on alesse but tricyclen is definitly better!
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March 30, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my skin after 4 months of use, cheap, less cramps

Cons:

gained 5 pounds

i take ortho tri-cyclen lo and it took me 4 months to see results, so have patience! i had bad acne especially around my chin and now i am clear :)
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March 29, 2009

Pros:

No Acne, Regular period. no pregnancy

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN!!!!

This pill makes you gain excessive weight if not careful. I am trying to find a low dosage of hormones.
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March 28, 2009

Pros:

regular period, no mood swings, no pregnancy, acne is the same but its only the first month...hopefully it clears up!

Cons:

just got first period on it and threw up this morning and have had a headache for 24 hours. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the pill. I was on ortho lo for awhile and never experienced any side effects.

overall its okay since I've read many reviews about women experiencing mood swings and I'm normal so far. so thats a good thing
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

no babies, period is on time every month, shorter periods, clears acne

Cons:

gained 30 pounds, irritable, mood swings, cramps are worse

ive been on yaz for 2 years and gained 30 pounds ive tried diet and exercise to see if it was my fault for gaining the weight. i never lost anything. im 20 yrs old and 30 pounds over weight!!! so i finally went to my dr and he switched me to ortho tri cyclen lo since i think that the hormones are making me huge. we will see how it works and if i lose any weight. but im scared since one of my friends got pregnant on ortho tricyclen. hopefully the new birth control will work for me. by the way i never had bad acne only a couple of pimples here and there and yaz did clear up most of it. and before i got on yaz i never had bad cramps, i only got on birth control to prevent pregnancy.
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March 26, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, cheaper than other birth control pills, no break-through bleeding, breast growth

Cons:

Slight weight gain and increase in hunger, nausea, slight dizziness, FATIGUE, minor headaches, MOOD SWINGS, INCREASE IN ACNE

I went on Ortho Tricyclen Lo primarily to prevent pregnancy. When my doctor told me that it may also help with my acne, I was a little excited. Although my acne before going on the pill wasnt severe, I would get breakouts before my period or if I had my makeup on overnight. Since going on the pill, I noticed many differences in my skin - the type of acne changed and started appearing on different places on my face than what i was used to. My pores got bigger and the overall appearance of my skin worsened. It's not TOO terrible but considering the fact that many women go on this pill expecting that it will clear their acne, Ortho Tricyclen was a huge disappointment. I gained around 4-6 pounds, but I've only been on the pill for three months, so this weight may balance off. I tend to feel a little sick to my stomach an hour or so after taking the pill. A major side effect is fatigue; I feel very tired especially in the mornings. I also cry more often now and have unexpected mood swing
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