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
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
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:
June 8, 2008

Pros:

im on ortho tri cylcen (not low) but the reg one..and have been on it for about 2 months..
none yet

Cons:

HEADACHES!!! im experiencing headaches like never before, and body ache and my acne hasn't improved yet ;9

im wondering if i should continue..bc these headaches are killing me so much that ive been taking lots of advil.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 6, 2008

Pros:

Effective birth control, no break through bleeding, reliable length of period, can almost set a clock to it.

Cons:

Horrid acne, weight gain, moody, head-achey, migraines.

I asked my doctor about my complaints over a year ago and he dismissed them. I just now, after being on this poison nearly since it came out, am I figuring out that the postules, cysts, horrible skin, headaches and migraines are from this stupid pill. Rest assured, he will be getting a call tomorrow morning and I want off this crap.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 6, 2008

Pros:

lighter period. less cramps. haven't gotten pregnant. cleared up my acne. it cost me nothing. (I work at a GYN office)

Cons:

a little bloating.

totally all for it.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 5, 2008

Pros:

Improved acne and regular, lighter periods.

Cons:

Kind of expensive and eventually stopped helping my acne.

I have taken Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 4 years, and for 3 of those years it worked really well for treating my acne. But for some reason, it hasn't been working as well on my skin lately.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 5, 2008

Pros:

Cleared skin, period seemed lighter

Cons:

heavy cramps, bloating, moodswings

I just started using OTC a month ago so hopefully there will be more positive changes.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 2, 2008

Pros:

no pregnancy, less cramps

Cons:

nausea, no sex drive, mood swings, irritable

working for what i got it for, but causing more probs
This Was Helpful

Report
June 1, 2008

Pros:

nothing at all.

Cons:

i ate like a pregnant woman all the time, got depression, and my acne got so much worse! i tried preventing worsening acne but this just triggered it. i will never ever ever take this again :(

it sucked for me. gained weight because of my increased appetite and also got way more acne.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 31, 2008

Pros:

Nothing really.

Cons:

Made my skin breakout in huge cysts and nodules and made it extremely oily like holy crap. I used mineral make-up and never put moisturizer on and I could feel the oil sliding down my face all day.

Not worth it at all. I hated it so I switched to another birth control. FDA approved to treat acne, but I just don't see how ):
This Was Helpful

Report
May 31, 2008

Pros:

I have used this pill for 2 years,and NEVER got preganat!! I even skipped a couple of pills.but its strong enough to prevent it

Cons:

When I first started using it I gained 20 pounds,with in the first 3-4 months!!Seriously,my family NEW I was on the pill,bc of my weight gain,and I've always been a skinny girl~~ If you stop,you will BREAK OUT!! It happen to me a few months ago!!!!

I have been using this pill off and on for 2-3 yrs. I stopped a month ago,and wish I never did...bc I swear to you,my FACE BROKE OUT like CRAZY!!! And I have NEVER had acne in my 25 yrs! So,it was super depressing,and it stressed me out! I'm thinking of going back on this pill,bc I dont wanna get pregnant! I'm just scared it may break my face out again!!
This Was Helpful

Report
May 24, 2008

Pros:

NONE.

Cons:

Worse acne, violent mood swings, violent mood swings, VIOLENT MOOD SWINGS!!!

I just started Ortho Lo and I have been a raging lunatic. I am generally a happy go lucky person. People come to me when they need a pick me up. Since I started this horrible drug, I have been angry, psychotic and completely out of character. DO NOT TAKE THIS!!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 52 53 54 55 56 … 74
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