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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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Clearer Skin, Increased Sex Drive, NO Pregnancy!

Cons:

Extreme Moodiness, Bloating, Weight Gain, Very long period during first month (13 days)...

During the first month of using this pill (having never been on BC pills before) I immediately noticed a change in my appetite and mood swings. I was having cravings for the oddest things and would go from being my normal happy self to ready to murder within seconds. I had my period (ranging from spotting to very heavy) for about 13 days. I am working on my second month on the pill and have noticed that my appetite fluctiations have decreased, and maybe a slight decrease in mood swings but not enough of a decrease to keep me and my relationship happy. Speaking of relationship, I have noticed an increase in sex drive (even though I am moody and bloated half the time!) Bottom (bottom) line: my skin has cleared up (with the help of RX acne wash), sex drive is up, moodiness and weight gain are there... but are decreasing steadily.
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Predictable periods, except I didn't have one last month, acne clear, less irritable, protects from pregnancy.

Cons:

tender breasts a lot, missed period, weight gain, too many hormones, tiredness, severe nausea first month on it

Its good overall. Just don't know if its normal to just skip a period on it, took all the placebo pills and nothing. But does help with everything else :]
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

less acne on face and back. i haven't gotten my period, either.

Cons:

none.

i would get it again if i went back.
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February 16, 2009

Pros:

boobs grew...and after a year on it still growing a little :), cleared acne, has still done its job of preventing preg., predictable periods...although one time not to long ago it came early and threw me off but they are short periods

Cons:

i had a little weight gain ( a couple pounds), irritability, emotional

overall, great. just have to watch out for the irritability. i get 3 packs for 20 bucks so its worth it
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February 15, 2009

Pros:

I didn't gain a crazy amount of weight.
It takes about 3 packs to see a difference in skin.
It stops PMS pimples.

I break out in hormonal pimples if I'm not on it. I skip my period on these pills and it's perfectly safe. I'm clear on these and no more huge chin zits. It does take time though. So don't get discouraged.
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February 15, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin and stopped spotting between periods

Cons:

I gained 10lbs in 2 weeks and had sever nausea every day.

I only took Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 2 months and decided the horrible nausea and weight gain were not worth it. Now I exercise every day and try to eat better but I can't lose the 10lbs. It just won't budge at all. I just want to cry. My clothes all fit too tight. I will never do that to my body again. I even read all the horror stories and decided to go for it anyway. What a mistake.
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February 13, 2009

Pros:

prevents pregnancy, clears acne, boobs grow, periods are predictable, and no cramps and mood swings when PMSing and on period

Cons:

causes some weight gain

the only real downfall is a little weight gain (like 3-5 pounds) and this can be prevented if you actually pay attention to what you eat. it made me overall happier with all the pros. i have taken another kind of birth control pill, but i like ortho tri-cyclen better.
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

glowing smooth skin all over until my period, controlled hunger, prevents pregnancy, larger breasts, my hair was shinier and grew faster, eyelashes became thicker and longer, happier mentally, a feeling of mental balance. No nausea.

Cons:

breakouts during period, low sex drive during adjustment months, feelings of depression during adjustment months, up and down emotionally when forgetting to take the pill a few days in a row, breakthru bleeding during adjustment months.

Good pill. It's my first time on the pill overall and I really like it. I feel more womanly and happier with myself. My skin gets a little break out-ish when I stop taking the hormone pills and begin the placebo pills, but it has to be from the dramatic drop in hormones that messes around with my skin causing it to break out. Remember to take it on time or you'll get break through bleeding after missing it 2 days in a row. My period is sometimes delayed and I won't get my period into sometimes my 4th day on my placebo pills.
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February 9, 2009

Pros:

Definitely prevents pregnancy, keeps skin clear, shorter periods.

Cons:

It sucks having to remember to take it at the same time every day.

If you love sex, this is a good birth control method.
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

im actually on ortho tri cyclen lo but it prevents preganancy, helps my acne, very LITTLE weight gain, short & predictable periods(3-4 days)...only $15 for 3 packs at a time

Cons:

none that i can recall

i've been on the pill for about a year and a half and i havent had any pregnancy scares....I used to have bad acne which subsided before getting on the pill but i havent had a pimple since....i gained a little weight (10 pounds in 18 months) thats not bad.
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