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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14%
1
9.5%

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September 18, 2009

Pros:

Pregnancy prevention

Cons:

Noticed I havent gained weight but feel bloated. Hasnt made me breakout more or less than I am used too. Not much of a sex drive though...

Havent had any major issues....try it and get off if you do
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July 26, 2009

Pros:

Took is for 2/1/2 years and had no problems. It helped lessen my cramps.

Cons:

Starting taking it again after not using any birthcontrol for 2 years( was pregnant, breastfeeding, etc.) and I have been super moody and depressed. Although, It's only been a week, so I will give it a chance.

Loved it the first time I took it and hoping it will be ok again once my body gets more in the system.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

bigger boobs

Cons:

acne everywhere!

i've never had acne before, and ive only been taking this pill for 6 days. is it normal to breakout in the beginning?
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Currently getting rid of my cysts, I have I hope.

Cons:

Severe acne, made my face breakout everywhere. Tiny breakouts, then huge pimples. Leaving scars, leaving my face totally damaged.

If you've dealt with acne your hole life and want to get rid of it, then don't take this pill at all. It made my acne a million times worse. I'm still upset. :(
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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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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 19, 2009

Pros:

No pregnancy / Cleared up all acne / Full Breasts / Nice thick hair / Period always came on the same day / No cramps (ever)

Cons:

Hormones destroyed my gallbladder

I loved everything about being on birth control (OTC Regular) except the fact that after taking it for 6 years it made me very sick. I've been told by my GI that since gallbladder problems ran in my family (maternal side) taking the extra hormones ultimately lead to my gallbladder functioning at 10% its capacity. Because of the hell I went through I had to get it removed. I'd recommend doing some tests and talking to OB's about the various possible problems that may arise from taking higher dosed birth control pills.
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April 14, 2009

Pros:

Lighter Periods. Lost Body Acne, no effect on my mood, cleared my body acne.

Cons:

Acne around the Mouth, Vision worsen, Breasts always swollen, bloated all the time ( even if i dont eat )

I was on OTC Lo for 6 months. It was okey for my acne and my body until 6 months. It was when acne started to come out. Ive decided to switch to OTC Regular hoping to cure my acne. I was advised that it takes 4 months for it to take effect. But of no luck. Acne got worse. I was on the 5th pack that I decided to get off the pill. Its been 2 weeks now and my acne is getting crazy. I think my body is still adjusting to the new set up. I hope that within 2 months my acne would be better. I took BCP solely for my acne. But it did not help. I was bit relieved that it did not help with my acne. At least I wont get hooked up with the pill taking into consideration the negative effect it might do for your body. As what others say, it takes some time for your body to adjust. but it did not work for me so i decided to stop.
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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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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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