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
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3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

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April 3, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up acne, lighter/shorter periods, less cramping, increased bust size

Cons:

Gaining weight, moody, decreased sex drive

I've been on the pill for about 9 months now. It has really helped clear up my acne when nothing had worked before, and believe me, I have tried it all. I still get a tiny break out around that time of the month but other than that my complexion looks a million times better. The downside, however, is I've gained about 10 lbs all in my stomach and thighs which isn't terribly noticeable to anybody except me, but nevertheless it annoys me. I also noticed I've been more moody but that could just be added stress of school. Bottom line: I would recommend this product, you need to give it about 4 months though until you really start to notice a difference. It's a long time to wait, but it's worth it.
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March 12, 2008

Pros:

not pregnant, regular light periods

Cons:

Have to take it every night

I'm pretty good about remembering to take the pill and otherwise I've had no adverse reaction to it. In the beginning I would get nausea after taking it but that wore off by the end of the first month. I've been on it for 2 years now, and nothing else seems better suited for me
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February 8, 2008

Pros:

i am on lo, and it gave me the best periods of my life! my periods would last up to 12 days, and now they are about 3 days. i could not be happier. it also prevents pregnancy wonderfully!

Cons:

i get migranes around the time i have to take the pill, but once i take it, about an hour later my headache goes away. spotting during the first month, but after that, it was smooth sailing!

i would reccomend it for girls who want a shorter/lighter period and want great protection against pregnancy!
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January 23, 2008

Pros:

prevents pregancy

Cons:

worst acne ever

I am not sure how to get my skin back to normal but ever since I took OTC and came off it I break out all the time. I wont go back on it, but I don't know what to do to help my acne!
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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 15, 2007

Pros:

helped to clear up some of my acne

Cons:

none!

definitely works well for clearing up acne...try it!
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

Lighter periods, effective form of birth control (i.e., no babies), helped with acne, I know when to expect my period

Cons:

mood swings, no sex drive

Great pill. I've been on it for about 3 years and it's worked great for me. I have shorter, lighter periods. It helped with the acne, but it wasn't a miracle product. I still use benzoyl peroxide & routine face care.
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September 27, 2007

Pros:

Not PREGNANT!

Cons:

Skin isnt better, and my period doesnt come on the day it is supposed. sometimes as much as a week late.

well, i am not pregnant..but is it worth being fat and crabby
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September 24, 2007

Pros:

No terrible side effects

Cons:

Did not clear up acne AT ALL and I got pregnant while using it!!

It didnt clear up the acne and It obviously doesnt work as a birth control either.. Cuz I got pregnant while using it.. And yes I took it correctly!
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September 9, 2007

Pros:

No fear of pregnancy.Lighter periods and lesser cramps

Cons:

Slight nasea, bloating, mood swings. No change in condition of skin.

I went on OTC to attempt to clear my acne. I had been on it for over a year and noticed no improvement or worsening. I did notice bloating and nasea at the start. I've had cystic acne for years and recently broke out more all around my chin. After reading some other reviews i've atributed this to going off OTC for a month. Now i am on Yasmin. I don't know if this is supposed to help with acne but I like the idea of a lower hormone dose. If anyone has tried Yasmin and it has helped with acne please let me know!! Good Luck to all.
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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

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.
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