Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.5
1015
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
September 27, 2009

Pros:

I have not taken ortho tri-clycen, but my sister and best friend did and I wanted to share their stories. My sisters skin did get better, however, there were serious adverse effects you need to be warned about

Cons:

Serious adverse effects included suicidal and morbid thoughts. Both my sister and friend gained weight, and their personalities completely changed. My sister kept having the same terrible worries our family would die the whole time she took it

BE VERY WARY of psychological side effects as well as physical ones. My friend pushed her roommate away and caused her boyfriend to break up with her. Both her and my sister couldnt figure out what was wrong, but all their psychological unsteadiness stopped when they discontinued their use of the pill. My friend stopped because her and her boyfriend broke up, and we were lucky enough to realize the pill was messing with my sister's mind. I wasn't the one that took the pill, but felt it important enough to warn you about this pill.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 26, 2009

Pros:

It works great at preventing pregnancy. It began to clear my skin some after 1-2 months. My breasts got bigger. It's on the Walmart list and is very affordable.

Cons:

My breasts were sore. My face didn't clear as much as I hoped. I gained 10lbs around the 3rd month and had a lot of sugar cravings.

If you don't mind sore boobs and weight gain and don't have bad acne, then it's not bad. I just don't want to gain weight, and I want clearer skin. I work hard to stay thin and I exercise daily. I went from 113 to 123, and saw no end in sight so I got off it and started feeling better immediately. I am going to try Yaz. I hear a lot of good things and my dermatologist recommended it after I visited while on this particular brand.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2009

Pros:

My breasts had gotten firmer, which is not saying much since im 36DD.

Cons:

Nauseous, Tired, Dizzy, headaches that increased in severity, confused and dis oriented.

I started this pill a week ago, on the first day I had taken a pill and i had gotten nauseous then i had thought it was because I hadn't eaten anything, so the next day I had taken a pill after dinner and i wasnt naseous but for the rest of the week I was tired then when the weekend had started I became nauseous all over again and I had a headache that started on friday at 7 and went away when i woke up the next morning but was back as soon as 7p.m. had came around. On monday I was so tired and nauseous that I felt like I was going to pass out and the headaches didnt help like clock work it had came back at 7. So I had stopped taking it on wednesday and it is now thursday and I have been feeling better the only thing was that I had a slight headache but it stopped after 10 mins. So now I would not recommend this birthcontrol to anyone.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2009

Pros:

Pregnancy prevention

Cons:

Noticed I havent gained weight but feel bloated. Hasnt made me breakout more or less than I am used too. Not much of a sex drive though...

Havent had any major issues....try it and get off if you do
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 1, 2009

Pros:

well my breast are slight bigger after only about two weeks..

Cons:

terrible mood swings, me and my boyfriend have been fightning like cats and dogs ever since i been on it due to my moodiness, and i feel drained and absolutly depressed...

its alright... no weight gain yet,,i think...try not to eat alot!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 1, 2009

Pros:

none?

Cons:

i feel sick to my stomach

just wear a condom
This Was Helpful

Report
August 26, 2009

Pros:

preventing pregnancy, less moody around menstration

Cons:

I have only been sick on this pill once and it was bad, my stomach is always growling like its hungry but the thought of most foods make me sick, and my acne seems to be getting worse!

I am still on my first pack and I plan of finishing it, but so far I haven't made much progress, especially when it come to clearing up my acne. But I figure I'll suffer a bit and ride it out because it is better than being pregnant!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 24, 2009

Pros:

No pregnancy...got it for free from Planned Parenthood.

Cons:

Makes me hungry, changed my mood

I have acne and this product never did anything to change that. It made me super hungry thus resulting in me gaining about 30 pounds in 3 months! My angry mood swings went away, and were replaced with a flood of emotional madness! I found myself being sensitive about the littlest things. I stopped taking it, I'm back to 125 pounds, and I'm not a blubbering mess anymore either.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 8, 2009

Pros:

Finally having periods.

Cons:

SEVERE change in mood and thoughts.Headaches, nausea, acne in weird places, and increased appetite.

I can't have periods on my own so my gyno put me on OTC. I have been on this for 2 months now and I feel like I am having a complete mental breakdown. I stay depressed, tired and angry. These side effects have caused a major problem between my fiance and I. I am not normally like this at all. I absolutely hate this stuff!!! I do not recommend taking this if you have any depression symptoms beforehand.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 25, 2009

Pros:

Steady, light period.

Cons:

My skin seems to be breaking out more then usual. Change in my appetite, eating less, feeling nausea the odd time. Change in mood.

I've only been taking the pill for a few weeks now. I have noticed some changes. I barely have an appetite anymore, haven't noticed weight gain or loss just yet. My acne is worsening, I'm breaking out more then normal. Tender breasts. More emotional, feeling depressed and taking things more to heart, moody in other words as well ! My periods although are steady, light and short which is what I like. But the pill does affect everybody differently. I hope my acne will clear up, and I will not have a weight gain, because that will be an issue for me.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 16
Next

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website