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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January 15, 2008

Pros:

not pregnatnt, clear skin, shorter periods, hardly no pms symptoms

Cons:

none until i was switched to otc lo, then i had to go off it cuz i started clotting.

i loved the regular otc. i was on it for years. i wouldnt have changed except the local planned parent hood stopped using it, they switched me to the otc lo, and it was great until i started clotting after only a couple of months.
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant. regular period. lost alittle weight

Cons:

went crazy with emtions. did not help my acne

i would not reccommend this pill.
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regulated my periods.

Cons:

None to note personally.

I have had absolutely no problems with Tri-Cyclen for the nearly 3 years that I have been on it so far. I have actually lost weight since being on it. As well, I had moderately bad skin before going on this pill and shortly after starting it, it completely cleared up and has treated me quite well ever since. From personal experience, at least, I highly recommend it.
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January 3, 2008

Pros:

jumped a cup size in my boobs, shorter periods, clearer skin, no pregnancy!!

Cons:

EMOTIONAL breakdowns that come out of no where, bloating, upset stomach if i do not eat, change in appetitite (increased)

I have been on this pill before when i was 15 (i am now 21) and overall i think its a good pill, but the emotional breakdowns and bloating are sometimes too much to handle. The bloating seems to never go away!! anyone else experianced this? Plus, my periods have been very short compared to normal and VERY light. Not sure if this is completely normal with being on the pill.
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January 2, 2008

Pros:

no babies,lighter periods, no cramps

Cons:

didn't help acne AT ALL, moodiness, bloating, weight gain

I started taking OTC Lo to help my acne.... and it did NOT work.... the only thing it did is make my period lighter. I gained 15 lbs in my first couple months of using it and my breast did not change at all.
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January 2, 2008

Pros:

regular periods, bigger chestial region :)

Cons:

broke out like crazy then evened out a little but overall acne is worse off.

wouldn't recommend it unless it is necessary as a contraceptive-- not for acne. it is pricey as well so free clinics would also be the only way to go
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December 27, 2007

Pros:

not pregnant... regular period

Cons:

acne and nausea

uggg... i never really had bad acne, but after i started this i broke out really bad around my chin and lower face... it sucks.. i have also had nausea at random times.. i was on it once before, and i got the acne, but no nausesa... if this doesnt clear up (ive only been on it a lil over a month) im def goin to see about changing
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December 18, 2007

Pros:

Not Pregnant, Cheaper than Orthro Evra,

Cons:

Moody, Emotional, Bloated, Pimples, blackheads and whiteheads (NEVER AN ISSUE BEFORE & nausea

It's birth control. It's preventing pregnancy which is the only reason why I began taking it. The crying has subsided and my moods are more stable. However, I'm not a fan of the acne that seems to come along with this pill, in my case. I've always had clear skin but am now noticing an appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. I'm also suffering from nausea. I've only been taking this stuff for 2 months and if by month 4 there are no changes, I will DEFINITELY get off of it.
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December 17, 2007

Pros:

Guards against pregnancy

Cons:

Horrible cystic breakouts, nausea, bloating, cravings, emotional mood swings and dry skin.

As I'm sitting here looking into the mirror, let me tell you follks, stay away from OTC if you're looking to clear up your face. My face wasn't bad before I started, but I just went on this as a form of contraception. Now I just want to be off of it! My skin is terribly dry, and has broken out all over my forehead and cheeks, and weirdly around my neck and chest area which have NEVER ever once broken out in my life. From a girl that never used to get pimples this is a horrible experience, they hurt, they're huge, and they leave scars. I am extremely moody and depressed, and I feel REALLY bloated. It's like I"m gaining weight except it doesn't show on the scale. I just feel like I'm 300 lbs. Not a fun experience. Get off this sh*t while you can.
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

not pregnant =]

Cons:

mood swings, no sex drive, started to break out when i didnt before, some nausea, bloating.

ugh dont take it. like, the bloating i can handle, but not the breaking out!! i never broke out before, what the hell!?
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