Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.5
1015
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
October 9, 2009

Pros:

My acne COMPLETELY cleared up. I could even eat foods that in my past have made me break out.

Cons:

Most days I wanted to throw up, and on the other days I actually did throw up.

The clear skin wasn't worth the sick feeling.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 8, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made acne worse, mood swings, depressed tired and causes bad breakouts.

Not for controlling acne problems.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 4, 2009

Pros:

Effective contraception

Cons:

Worsened acne and severe mood swings/depression

It may work wonderfully for others, but it was not worth it for me.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 27, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

tiny bumps everywhere...Literally!! Acne at its worse

Didnt help my acne, just made it worse then before. There's not one clear spot on my face.. Time to go to a Derm rather then listening to a GYN doc for acne!!! Ortho cyclen which is same as orth tri no good for me
This Was Helpful

Report
July 17, 2009

Pros:

no babies. did not gain weight. period was only a few days. no cramping. no mood swings

Cons:

acne was out of control. everywhere on my face that i never had before.

When i was 18-21 i used Ortho Tri cyclen LO and my acne was under control- amazing skin. 21-23 i used a british brand called "Celest" and it was amazing too NO ACNE! i moved back home to the US and started using again Ortho tricyclen Lo and my skin was never the same. constant breakouts especially on the chin. The last few months i'd get painful breakouts ALL OVER MY FACE. Even on my eyebrows, really painful ones. its time for a change. Its true that your body/hormones change so i'm in the process of finding a new pill. Started Yaz today and hopefully my acne subsides.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 18, 2009

Pros:

no children

Cons:

increase in acne

I had mild acne on my face, and would get what i refer to as tumors once a month so my doctor suggested ortho tri-cyclen. i have been on it for three months and my face still has mild acne, but my entire back has broken out with tumor pimples. i have never had a pimple on any other part of my body except my face, and now i have scars on my back from these pimples. i am going back to yak. yes, it costs an arm and a leg, but atleast i can show my back in public!
This Was Helpful

Report
June 18, 2009

Pros:

period is lighter and lasts 4 days only

Cons:

your acne gets worst and you get pimples on your chest and back. No matter if you avoid alcohol and greasy food, your light acne becomes moderate to severe.

I tried Ortho-Tricyclen Low for a month. I started getting pimples out of nowhere although I dont drink or smoke. I work out and do not eat junk food. It was really frustating!! Anyway, I talked to my doctor and she told me to try Ortho-Tricyclen. I really do not understand why doctors will give us something that will not help your skin at all!! I have read a lot of comments on this issue on different forums and seriously it is pretty upsetting.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 9, 2009

Pros:

Didnt get pregnant

Cons:

HUGE decrease in sex drive, irritability, mood swings, depression, break through bleeding

I stopped taking Ortho lo 2 weeks ago and i already notice a huge change. I feel like i am back to my normal self. While on the pill i actually thought that i might be bi polar.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 16, 2009

Pros:

not sure yet

Cons:

having to remember it daily at same time, bleeding during intercourse

only been on it for 2 wks now was prescibed it to regulate my periods so its made me bleed more I think but its only been couple of weeks I'll wait it out and see what happens my BF is concerned about the bleeding during sex though. I would like bigger boobs I'm reading about LOL
This Was Helpful

Report
May 13, 2009

Pros:

breast growth

Cons:

made my face worse than it has EVER been, it was HORRIBLE!

Did not work for my acne whatsoever.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 4 5 6 … 10
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website