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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Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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May 19, 2008

Pros:

lost weight, regular periods

Cons:

ACNE!! anxiety, moodines, yeast infections, low sex drive

I was on the Ortho LO for five months for problems with ovarian cysts. Until the pill, my acne was under control. However, on the pill, my skin broke out uncontrollably! nothing I put on my face made a difference! Also, I was an emotional mess!!!! crying, moody, anxious...I definitely would not recommend this pill to anyone. It made my life hell...and it took me awhile to figure out what was the cause of everything. I feel so much better off of this damn pill.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

havent gotten pregnant

Cons:

ACNE HORRIBLE,weight gain,because i have an eating disorder i wanted to gain a little weight but it makes me nauseated almost every day, i have mood swings like crazy and my sex drive isnt even the same

screw this pill
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4 user(s) found this helpful

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May 11, 2008

Pros:

knowing i won't get pregnant

Cons:

you have to remember to take it at the same time daily, (some have to do it hiding it from your parents) AND it stopped my periods alltogether

I have been on the pill for 4 years. First it seemed to do some good, but after a few months my body got used to it and all the acne came back. I still stayed on the pill for contraception, but i stopped taking it after 4 years. That was over 3 years ago,and i still dont have a period. I have been to several doctors, all of them giving me pills to start ovulating again, but thats just even more hormones. I would never, never ever even consider taking them again. Maybe my period will never come back and i won;t be able to have children
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9 user(s) found this helpful

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May 11, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne, no pregnancy, minimal side effects, lighter periods

Cons:

None!

I had really bad acne before going on this, after 6 months my skin is back to normal again. You have to give it a few months to regulate your hormones to notice a change in your skin. Great product!
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5 user(s) found this helpful

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May 8, 2008

Pros:

shorter, lighter periods, less acne, decreased appetite

Cons:

nausea, vomiting, stomach problems

I like this pill, I just don't like throwing up and feeling sick all the time. But at least I haven't gained any weight.
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Hhhmmm?? Well, I havn't gotten pregnant!

Cons:

Nauseous, headaches, tired, weak, irritable.

I need to switch pills...
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3 user(s) found this helpful

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April 29, 2008

Pros:

Effective birth control, hasnt decreased sex drive or made me crazy like it has other people.

Cons:

I'm a petite girl and gained 5 lbs. in 10 days! That's 5% of my body weight! Everyday I go to the gym and everyday I have gained weight. I feel like a fat slob. I have a fast metabolism, but its not helping. Also, my joints are starting to ache.

Everyones body reacts differently. Try it and see how yours reacts. I will only allow myself to gain 3 more pounds maximum before trying something else. I guess its better than being pregnant. I've been there and done that.
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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April 26, 2008

Pros:

Not worrying about getting pregnant.
MUCH less acne.
Less depression, less moody.

Cons:

Coming off of it made me an emotional wreck. It took me a month to get mood-steady.
ACNE!!!

I need to get back on this.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

Severity of cramps reduced, no babies, bigger boobs

Cons:

Weight gain, mood swings, emotional

I have been on this pill for over a year now. I have gained weight but I used to throw up when i had my period and now I just feel a little cramping. Ive become way more emotional and cranky sometimes. However, its kept me from getting pregnant so it has to be working!!
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

SHORTER PERIODS

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE BEEN USING THIS FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, AND THE ONE REASON I DID NOT WANT TO START TAKING BC IS BECAUSE OF WEIGHT GAIN, WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW. THIS IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT IM STRUGGLING WITH NOW.....I WATCH MY SODIUM INTAKE AND WORK OUT. I CAN'T STAND THIS. I ALSO HAVE AN INCREASED APPETITE, WHICH DOESN'T HELP ANYTHING...I JUST DONT TRUST BC..
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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

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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.
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