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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4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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August 25, 2008

Pros:

Stress-free. No cramps. Lost weight.

Cons:

Broke out where I never did before.

I'm not having any major side-effects, except for breaking out? I'm breaking out around my jawline, and I got like 2 huge cysts on my cheeks...Well, hopefully that goes away, but overall I think its a good pill. I think I'm only breaking out because my body is adjusting to the hormones.
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August 24, 2008

Pros:

Great at preventing pregnancy, skin is clearer, reduced severity of cramps.

Cons:

HORRIBLE mood swings, major depression, crying, breakthrough bleeding, bloating, some weight gain, headaches, nausea, fatigue

I quit taking it for a month and felt great- I thought I was losing my mind emotionally while I was taking this pill- so I will be seeking out alternative birth control options, I cant deal with the depression this medication causes. Note* I was taking the generic version "Tri-Sprintec", I was not taking the brand name or the "Lo" version of this birth control medication. This may be the right med for some women, but not for me.
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

My acne was never really bad, but the little I did have cleared up quickly.

Cons:

Extreme nausea, fatigue, bloating...and i'm BITCHY. I've noticed alot of women on here claim to have been nice and always happy. I use to be too. This BC makes you believe your a little nuts. Ladies, I hope your boyfriends are understanding. :)

I've been pregnant before and I had severe morning sickness and fatigue. This BC is VERY similar, I literally had to lay down and close my eyes because I was going to puke!! I hope it doesn't get worse. I'm a little nervous on how long i'm going to have to put up with these aweful side effects. The things we women do..I think its about time the MEN get on Birth Control. ;)
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Not pregnant, bigger firm boobs, little weight gain, definently helped clear mild acne.

Cons:

Upset stomachnauseated at times, irritability, mood swings.

The pros says it all...no more acne for me. A little more moody is that so bad considering.
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Stop cramps, Light period, no weight gain

Cons:

Breakout when I start my period

Stopped my painful cramps and heavy flow which im thankful for.I only get about one or two bumps when i come on.
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August 11, 2008

Pros:

Very predictable periods, like clockwork!
Slow improvement in skin.

Cons:

Horrible initial breakout around jawline
Crazy moody and extremely emotional; cried over everything.

I'm halfway through my 5th pack (Tri-Sprintec) and at first I hated it! The first 3 months were TERRIBLE!!! Every time I thought it would get better...it only got worse! and I CRIED LIKE NO OTHER! I had horrible breakouts around my jawline, but no where else! It wasn't until the 5th month were I saw noticeable improvement in my skin and my emotions (I stopped crying)! During the first 3 months I had 1-2 new pimples a day around my jawline. Now, I've had 5 total pimples in the past 2 weeks; and each went away after a day. I've also been using ProActive religiously for a few months now and Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion (GET THIS STUFF, ITS AWESOME!!!) and using that at night. Also Bare Minerals makeup -- this stuff is great! Bottom line....stick with it and don't give up!! They say to give it 3-4 months before you give up, but I saw no improvement until month 5. I'm SO glad I didn't give up! Have hope!
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, few side effects

Cons:

now: continuous spotting (like light period), worsened acne (from mild to moderate)
first one/two weeks: moodiness, nausa, fatigue (not severe)

I started to take oc for two reasons acne and preventing myself from getting pregnant. im not pregnant, so that's a relief, but i was hoping my acne would get better, not worse. i haven't broken out this bad for about 2 years, at the least. however, i have been breaking out in the past few months anyway. so, it could just be a coincidence. also, the continuous spotting was scary at first, but i researched it/talked to my doc about it and its nothing to really worry about unless it doesnt stop after the 3rd pack of pills. i think i will switch to ortho tricyclen if this doesnt help my acne or maybe yaz... i'm on my second pack btw
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

Regulates periods and they are lighter. I got on OTC because I had severe acne on my back for 8 years. The month I started taking it my back improved 90%. I love it, it is the only medicine that has helped my acne.

Cons:

My biggest problem is just remembering to take the pill!

If you have bad acne give it a try. I went to the dermatologist for years and never was given medicine that helped like OTC.
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

REALLY clears up skin, keeps it that way pretty much, only mild breakouts on forehead after; regulates periods; no noticeable emotional changes

Cons:

weight gain (5-15 pounds)

i'd recommend it if your acne isn't too bad and it's just in certain concentrated areas.
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August 2, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin! Minimal cramping during my period, and my periods length shortened by almost half the time

Cons:

usually a few days of spotting, but thats about it

I have been on and off this pill for about 7 years. Everytime I stop taking it, my back breaks out in acne, my cramps are horrendous and my period lasts for a week. Life is so much easier using it.
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