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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Amanda

January 21, 2009

Pros:

-My skin stayed the same (it wasn't really broken out to begin with)
-No noticeable weight gain

Cons:

-MAKES ME CRY! every little thing makes me cry!
-Nausea! Big time.

For me & my body, i like it & it works well. The only thing is I hate how I get angry or sad & cry really easily now. Honestly, an Adam Sandler movie made me tear up! Oh well though, i'm happy i didn't gain weight! Oh & when you first use it, your period is kinda messed up & if you forget to take it, you may spot.

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Catherine

January 18, 2009

Pros:

Reduced cramps, lighter blood flow, regulated cycles.

Cons:

A little weight gain, slight acne.

This has done an amazing job for my cycles. I used to have cramps so bad that I would literally not leave my bed, and after a few months on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, I have had no problems with them. The first few months I felt sick and had cramps between cycles, spotting and such. BUT I PROMISE it goes away and after the first 3 or so months, I can't imagine having to go back to periods without this. I don't get the moodiness like I did before I took this, which is awesome. The only thing is, I used to only get one or two pimples a month or so, and I have had a few more on my face.

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Amanda

January 16, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne, little to no mood swings, controlled period flow.

Cons:

Initial weight gain.

I'd been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 4 years when my insurance provider switched, causing the price to rocket to about $65 a month. I switched to Trivora and have had a horrible time with it (acne, weight gain, mid-cycle cramps, fatigue, migraines). I'm switching back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo next month, as I've never had a bad experience with it. Although I'm not a doctor, I'd highly recommend it to women who don't do well on high dosages of hormones since this is a very low hormone birth control. I've been on about 3 others kinds since switching and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is the best from my personal experience.

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MNgirl

January 15, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regular periods, breast growth, free at a sexual health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.

Cons:

Not much of a change in acne severity and persistance, mild mood swings, breast tenderness.

It didn't help my acne as much as I hoped it would, but there are few negative side effects. Yes, it may cause mood swings and breast tenderness, but for me it was less severe than my natural cycle. I take it primarily for use as a contraceptive, but I was hoping less acne would be an added bonus. Every body is different, but it seems that some of the major side effects reported on this review board have been wrongly attributed to this pill.

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Rach

January 14, 2009

Pros:

Not pregnant

Cons:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO-Freaking expensive. No generic brand

Cost way to much....no problems. no weight gain or craziness or acne.

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Brittany

January 12, 2009

Pros:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO is great. I was on that before and had no side effects whatsoever. I definitely recommend pills with low estrogen. But, everyone's body is different, so you just have to try and see what works for you...

Cons:

Hi, just trying to get the word out about the terrible side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I was taking the generic version of it, Mononessa, and experienced SEVERE depression. I also had an increased appetite and crazy mood swings. Made me psycho.

After getting off of the Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Mononessa), I am now on Lutera (which I think is supposed to be the equivalent of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo). I just started my first pill today, so hopefully this one works better for me! If you have any questions about birth control, feel free to email me: brit101903@[link removed]. I'm not a doctor or anything; just someone with a lot of personal experience! Good luck, Brittany

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Brandi

January 6, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy.

Cons:

None (See below)

I have been taking this on and off for about 5 years. It does what its made for--preventing pregnancy. I didn't start BC to control my acne or weight but I can say that it hasn't contributed to either--in any way. The ONLY problem I had was when I bought the CHEAP cheap brand from walmart. My face broke out horribly. They didn't tell me they switched 'generic' forms. I take name brand now but the Trinessa (other generic) was fine too--just don't take the SUPER cheap version..its awful stuff. I haven't gained weight from this, I didn't ever get nauseated, and it didn't make my 'acne' worse. Overall, a good BCP.

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Christine

January 4, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin

Cons:

Nausea, anxiety, panic attacks

I took Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo when I was 14 for the sole purpose of clearing up my skin. Throughout that year I experienced severe panic attacks. I had been diagnosed with anxiety disorder before and my parents attributed my new trouble to starting high school. I recently got back on the same pill and after two pills I am having severe anxiety again for the first time since I was 14 (I am now 18). I am crying a lot, I can't sleep, and if I do finally fall asleep I am awakened by nausea.

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amber

December 28, 2008

Pros:

No pregnancy, Boobs got bigger.

Cons:

Possible weight gain from the pill, made me crave bad foods, made period heavier and more cramps. feel nausea for first few weeks. ( has gone down, after first few months)

It almost seems like theres more pros then cons. I have been on the patch, and the shot. And i must say the shot wasnt bad. And the patch was a long time ago. But with the shot, i never got a period and that seems very unnatural. I have heard horror stories about how you gain tons of weight and cant lose it. well I had the shot for one time and it lasts for 3 months. I am scared that i may be biased because of what people told me. Also, it may have been other variables such as working out less, or eating worse. Its just just a matter of closely paying attention to all things. I payed close attention, and ive noticed the pill kind of makes me lazy, and eat worse. The shot, for the first month made me tired, then fine after that. But no pain thats forsure. The patch seemed like it worked the best but it was a long time ago. I am considering all three very closely.

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sera

December 24, 2008

Pros:

my skin is really clearing up & was considerably cheap

Cons:

major mood swings, but considering the skin it gave me, its priceless

it depends what your body is like to see if your acne is going to clear up, i had mild to moderate acne and it worked terrifically, but it is always different from person to person. Its worth a shot though. :]

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