Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Any brand of oral contraceptive appears to clear the skin about the same amount, regardless of whether it is officially approved for acne treatment. Some people report complete clearing of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, artificially controlling your hormones is a serious decision, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Hormonal Therapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 16, 2009
Cons:
Did not clear my acne up. I've been using it for 1-1/2 months so I'm hoping it will help. The first month I was super tired, and my boobs hurt like crazy. That went away after the first pack.
I'm still using it because I need a form of Birth control. But it did not help my acne at all :( Boo
October 9, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Keeps my acne under control, regulates periods, dont get pregnant :)
Cons:
I have noticed I've been getting a lot of headaches around my period, and my appetite is a bit up and down, sometimes I'm really hungry sometimes I don't want to eat at all. I am also very depressed. I don't know if these are related though.
I had possibly the world's worst acne until I went on Dianette which was a miracle, I changed to Yasmin about 6 months ago and my skin hasn't really changed much, so I assume its doing pretty much the same job. I have had some problems with headaches, appetite and depression, but I am predisposed to depression anyway and I have moved to a new country so there are several other factors. Basically I KNOW if I come off Yasmin I will be back to the TERRIBLE skin I used to have, so I'm sticking with it!! It does appear to be different for other people though, so it depends on the person. Works GREAT for me though.
October 1, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Less acne, no cramps, 2 day long period
Cons:
Recent FDA possible recalls
I've been on Yaz for close to two years (since I was 16). I absolutly loved it at first! It got rid of my cramps that at one point would make me stay home from school causing horrible migranes and I have a two day long period.
Recently though, I've been noticing a lot of talk about Yaz and its horrible side effects that have been making me reconsider my choice of birth control. Although I enjoy having a 2 day long period, the idea of a blood clot (which is something that is on the rise for Yaz takers) just doesn't appeal much to me. Also I found an artical stating that the FDA is considering a recall of the product.
I'm calling my doctor today to switch me to a different brand, the risks outweigh the benefits.
September 18, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
After 3 months, my skin is noticeably better. People are commenting on the improvement. I hear it gets even better by 6 months.
Cons:
I had some adjustment issues during the first month. I didn't follow instructions about when to start, and I experienced irritability, fatigue, depression, and nausea. It all went away during the 2nd month though.
This seems to work great if you acne is caused by PCOS or other hormonal issues. My skin suddenly started breaking out about a year ago, and after antibiotics were unsuccessful, they tested my hormone levels, which are slightly off. The endocrinologist said YAZ works great for people like me, and in my experience, it has been effective so far.
September 9, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
not pregnant, good skin, thinner, boobs fuller, higher sex drive, light period,
Cons:
leg cramps, stomach aches, mood swings
very good birth control, i like it a lot so far except for the leg cramps and moodiness.
September 4, 2009
Pros:
Effective contraception
Cons:
Worsened acne and severe mood swings/depression
It may work wonderfully for others, but it was not worth it for me.
August 23, 2009
Pros:
Helps regulate my periods.
Cons:
SEVERE ACNE!! Soo depressing, super moody, bitchy, irritable.
I was taking OTC Lo(yellow pk), but switched to OTC regular(blue pk) and oh boy did it make me break out like I never have before. Huge hard pimples, they're like stress pimples, not pimples w/ whiteheads that come on if you don't wash your face. These stubborn breakouts are continuous and takes about 2wks for them to go away and the scar will stay for over a month or somewhat remain dark blemishes. These large acne did not flare up and were not large like this when I was taking OTC Lo. I was taking OTC Lo for over 2years, and have been taking OTC regular for 4 ½ months now, so I'm giving up on giving it another chance/another month. Gained weight and made me irritable.
August 21, 2009
Pros:
No babies, slight growth in breast size, less cramps, no acne
Cons:
WEIGHT GAIN, more emotional, tired often
I've used OTC for over 3 years and decided to stop taking it due to weight gain. Even while eating light and exercising I have gained 30 pounds in 3 years. Weight seems to be dropping off now with ease. Periods always lasted 5 days. It was good knowing the exact day you were going to start though. I always seemed to be tired, but am now finding that I have more energy. I was also very emotional with mood swings during the week of my period, which was never that way before the pill.
August 21, 2009
Pros:
Stops pregnancy, clear skin
Cons:
Started a smell "down there" after periods
I took OTC Lo when i was in High School with no side effects, i stopped taking them and i had my son. When i started them again, I noticed that i was getting a bad oder after my periods...i guess when I had to take the pills with the highest dose of estorgen it really was bad. I have since stopped taking them and it went away.. i am now searching for another birth control, was thinking about Yaz, but i haven't heard many good reviews for that..needles to say i have an appt. with my doctor this week!!
August 11, 2009
Pros:
No babies, bigger boobs, controls my acne quite well even when I'm not using acne products, no side effects =]
I love it
Pros:
No more babies, knowing when I'm going to start my period, No more spotting for a week before, boobs got bigger..