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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July 5, 2007

Pros:

no major side effects

Cons:

nausea, didn't help with acne

I was on it for nearly 2 years. I didn't experience any major side effects, but I did feel really sick (like morning sickness) during the first row each month. It didn't help clear my acne at all, but it didn't make it worse either. It was only in conjunction with accutane that my face became really good (like PERFECT). But six months after stopping accutane, my horrible skin came back. And I was still on Ortho tricyclen, which made no difference for my skin. I would recommend it for birth control, but not for acne.
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June 29, 2007

Pros:

No acne, no irregular periods

Cons:

weight gain, lower sex drive

I have been on Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo for 2 years and I began spotting so my doctor took me off of it. I have always been really small but after about 3 months on it i gained 10 lbs. I've never had an acne problem but I didn't gain any more pimples. Other than the weight gain I was happy with this pill until I started spotting.
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June 26, 2007

Pros:

I dont think I have been on it long enough to notice any improvement...only been on for about a month. I'm not pregant yet though which is good =)

Cons:

Nausea, break outs

I was a day late starting my first pack (I took two pills on Monday to make up for my Sunday start) and I was horribly sick to my stomach. I've never been pregnant but I'm guessing it was like having morning sickness. I take it at night to help the nausea but I sitll cannot eat breakfast in the morning without feeling sick. I have also been breaking out ALOT. However, I know it takes awhile for your body to get used to the hormone. I have been on BCP's for about 3 years straight but they were all Lo-dose hormones. I started the Regular Ortho because it is clinically proven to help your skin. Has everyone else experienced bad breakouts when you first start Ortho? And how long did it take for your skin to clear up? I am planning on sticking it out through the next couple months...hopefully my face will clear up...
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June 22, 2007

Pros:

No bad side effects.... Switched over to it from Diane which was good for my skin, but lowered my sex drive...was nice to have it returned to normal.

Cons:

Didn't work for the acne on my back and chest...gradually worsened over time until finally, i was getting so many painful cysts on my back i decided i had to go off it.

Personally, wouldn't bother with it again myself. Would rather go back on Diane and have lowered sex drive but not feel so rotten about my skin...that lowered my sex drive even more because i felt so self-conscious! Trying out Yasmin now, which is supposed to have similar results to Diane but fewer side effects, so hopefully, that'll work even better!
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June 21, 2007

Pros:

No nausea, pregnancy, etc.

Cons:

Weight gain (about 5lbs after 3 months), acne doesn't noticeably appear any better either.

I've only been on it about three months and I started solely to clear up my acne. I take it every morning and so far don't feel as if my skin is any better. I'm taking DifferinGel (sp?) in conjunction with the OTC-lo...not sure if I should continue using it or try another pill?
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June 21, 2007

Pros:

Shorter periods. Decrease of "time of the month" pimples. Controls and regulates your cycle. Boobs grow a tad, haha.

Cons:

Honestly, to remember taking the pills.

I started taking this about a year ago. My skin looks so much better. It didn't completely clear me up but it totally helped. You have to find a great time for you to REMEMBER taking the pills. Playing catch up sucks big time. I take mine at 10pm at night, right before bed, so I won't get that nauseous feeling. My periods come when I know they will, and stop when you know they'll stop. I love it. Just give it a go. If it makes you a lil dizzy, take it before bed. Its simple. =) Good Luck.
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June 20, 2007

Pros:

NO MORE HUGE PAINFUL PMS BREAKOUTS!

Cons:

minor weight gain(i believe it slows down metabolism a bit), increases plaque :(

One recommendation for you all when taking birth control!! INCREASE YOUR ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES!! Due to the hormones in the pill, it gives you more plaque... more plaque= more cavities. I learned the hard way. I am 32 and NEVER had a cavity and I never had to floss every day. I had PERFECT teeth until I started the pill. Part of my wisdom tooth fell out and I have 2 other cavities!!! ugg!! BEWARE! Other than that, when first taking this pill, it will slightly increase your breakouts for the first few months. Don't worry, it will GET MUCH BETTER after 3 or 4 months! Be patient.
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June 18, 2007

Pros:

Regular and lighter periods, protection against pregnancy, minor weight loss

Cons:

Minor stomach discomfort, anxiety?

I've been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 3 1/2 months now. The first month I had some spotting. I seem to have lost some weight (I am attributing this to the pill, because I have not changed my diet/exercise). My periods are regular and so light, but I don't think my cramps have significantly decreased. I also feel that I have become more anxious. However, I would still suggest this pill to anyone.
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June 11, 2007

Pros:

clears skin, take the edge of cramps, short period

Cons:

developed cystic acne after stopping, mild weigh gain

I've had nearly perfect, porcelain skin for as long as I can remember. I started taking OTC when I was 19 years old which only made things better - less cramping, not one pimple. stopped taking it when I was 24 and began to break out into 2 or 3 horrible deep cysts on my chin and/or left cheek and they took months to clear. Wound up with some scarring and some clogged pores that took years to purge themselves. I went back on it after 6 months and finally the cysts stopped coming about 4 or 5 months later. Now I'm 27 and I stopped taking the pill again for only 12 days and I have another cyst. Hopefully I can go right back on it and this will be the only one I get... but even one is a painful, embarrassing nightmare to deal with. Take the pill, but pay attention to your skin if you stop... you might need to take it forever!!!
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May 31, 2007

Pros:

breast growth, clearer skin, and weight loss

Cons:

nausea, occasional light-headedness, mood swings

i've always had a problem with heavy periods since i inherited the flow from my mom, and having to wear two tampons at once isn't very comfortable and the subconsious feeling is terrible during school. so my periods have been lighter since i started taking ortho tri-cyclen and my skin looks noticably clearer and brighter. another plus is my breasts have grown noticably within 2 months from a C to a D
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