Hormonal Therapy
Reviews
3.3
2743 Reviews
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects
High
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.
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 1, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up acne. Made my breasts at lease a cup size bigger. No weight gain, just a little bit of bloating. 3 to 4 day period and almost no cramps.

Cons:

First few weeks I felt sick and extra hormonal.
Expensive for non generic without insurance.

Been on it for 6 months, all the bad things have went away and its very hard to ever want to stop because the benefits are amazing. I'm only twenty and I would recommend this to anyone.
This Was Helpful

25 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 21, 2010

Pros:

Regular periods and words as a birth control method

Cons:

huge pimples, extreme exhaustion, very sore breasts and digestion problems.

I'v only been on this pill for two weeks and it started with a really bad headache, immediate and HUGE cyst like pimples on my chin and jaw line, and extreme exhaustion. I can't say that the tiredness is from the pill, however, I sleep 3 hours in the middle of the day even after a good night of sleep. So I think it must be. I am a very active person normally, and now I have trouble getting myself out of bed and getting to the gym in the morning. I am going to switch next week because this just isn't fun. And because of the sore breasts.... I was on it before for about 2 months, and it did the same thing. So I think it's safe to say that it's not right for me, and might not be right for you.
This Was Helpful

25 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 2, 2015
YAZ Journey
Hello, this is my first time writing any review online but I figured it would be interesting to track my progress on my Yaz journey for clearer skin. I have suffered from acne (more than mild but not the most severe of cases), cheek, jaw, and chin ACNE. My acne began when I was in 6th grade, 11years old. I am now 21 and just ready to freaking live life! My life, happiness, lack of friendships/relationships have TOTALLY relied on my acne. Earlier this year I finally acknowledged the fact that I do in fact suffer from depression due to the effects of my acne. I have tried EVERYTHING!! OTC everything, benzoyl, salicylic acid, neutral washes, organic/natural washes, not using product at all, zinc, evening primrose, omega oils etc etc and I give these products months to work. I have a very healthy diet and exercise multiple times a week, my family calls me a health nut. In August of this year I decided that I was no longer responsible for my acne meaning I realized that my acne was beyond my control, there was something internally wrong. So I started YAZ in August 23 2015. I was put on for acne, oral contraceptive, and to help my heavy flow and cramps. -Month 1: started breaking out mildly on my forehead. Before Yaz, my forehead had been relatively clear, the only clear place on my face. Also my mood seemed to improve, maybe because I have hope that Yaz will help my acne. Periods are sooo much easier to deal with. -At 6weeks: Large acne on left side of cheek, but not too much. Don't know whether to blame BC or its just how its always been. Breast seem to be sore and possibly growing. They kind of hurt sometimes if I don't wear a bra. When the acne is popped they seem to smooth out quicker than before BC. I'll keep this post updated! Hopefully I'll have a success story. -3rd month completed: My skin is really smoothing out! There are finally more clear patches than acne patches for the first time in a while. I still break out, especially before my period (a few jawline breakouts). My temples have been a bit problematic, but I realize when I drink my 3 liters of water a day my temples/face stays clear. Overall I am dealing with scarring. I have also started using the Burt's Bees diaper rash (zinc 40%) and that has been more effective than benzoyl/salicylic acid. I'll see yal next month!
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 10, 2012

Pros:

clear skin, balanced hormones, reduced cramps and PMS, no pregnancies

Cons:

breakthrough bleeding during first month of use

I've heard some awful things about Yasmin and Yaz on the news - but in my experience - this pill is phenomenal! I am 25, thin, and a non-smoker and this pill does never makes me feel nauseous like past birth controls I have taken have (Zovia). This is only my second month on Yasmin and my skin is beautifully clear consistently. I did have a pretty bad break out during the second week of the first month of use, but barely a pimple in sight since then. I haven't experienced PMS and my hormones seemed to have balanced out. No mood swings or horrible cramps - it's awesome! I had pretty bad acne before this pill and now my skin has never looked better. I'm so so happy with Yasmin. Breakthrough bleeding happened my first month of use, but not bad. I recommend taking your pill at night to reduce side-effects and staying active to keep your blood flowing! Great product overall.
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 9, 2015
Only your second month eh, wait untuil you've been on it two years or so before passing judgment, it worked 'miracles' for my skin, untuil two years later when I came off...
August 9, 2010

Pros:

- Not pregnant.

Cons:

- Headaches - at least once a day.
- Nauseous the first few days after the white pill.
- Moody - especially during 'that time of month'.
- Decreased libido - worst of all cons, I must admit!
- Went from having no acne, to fairly terrible acne - second worst side effect!
- Extra sensitive - I am sensitive, but this just REALLY added on to it.

This may be how my body is reacting to this pill and it may be different for you. I am just writing this to warn you that it may do the same to you. At the beginning of the second pack, I started having acne breakouts. I don't usually breakout. And, it may be a side effect that will disappear within time. However, now that I am starting my third pack, the acne has become cystic-like. Quite painful and it is not pleasant to look at. Let me also add, that my libido decreased significantly. It only increases when I'm on the sugar pills, which I find strange, but it makes sense since I am not taking-in horomones from the pill at the time. Isn't it the point to take the pill so you can have sex when you wish? I don't want to get pregnant, but I also do not wish to have my sex drive taken from me. Also, headaches have become frequent. I know everyone has the luxury of having a headache from time to time, however, it is not healthy to have headaches this much. Ever since I started Tri-Cyclen lo, I receive headaches AT LEAST once a day. Sometimes they get pretty bad. I am seeing a doctor for advice about this, because this product may not be right for me. If the doctor believes that it's still safe to continue using this pill, I will remain taking it until my last pack (three more packs left). I will report here for my final recommendation on November 1st, 2010 :) (that will be my fifth month marker) I do not wish for anyone to go through this. If it improves, great, I'll recommend it for the "patient-hearted". If it does not, well, then I'll strongly advise you not to take this product. For now, I warn you to proceed taking this pill with caution. Thank-you, Teresa.
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 27, 2010

Pros:

- Breasts bigger (fill out my cups like I never did before)
- Regulated period
- Less acne
-Birth control

Cons:

None in my experience

When I was first considering ortho tri-cyclen for birth control, I read all the reviews and was super scared of the possible side effects (mood swings, weight gain, nausea, etc.), however, I've been on it for a month and a half now and I haven't experienced any of them. So far, I've had a great experience on it. It's also pretty fun having fuller breasts than I've ever had before. Based on my experience, I would HIGHLY recommend it.
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 27, 2010

Pros:

slightly bigger breasts...at first

Cons:

worse acne, weigh gain, bloating, tiredness

i was hopeful to start this as it was my first birth control pill, my mild acne flared up within the first 2 weeks but i stuck it out. unfortunately it only got worse and after the alloted 3 months i switched to YAZ, which i have been on for 2 weeks and my skin has already started to improve. also no weird mood swings or deperssion that alot of people have claimed to have. good luck, but try yaz.
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 16, 2009

Pros:

No Babies. No when my period is going to start

Cons:

First month I was sleepy, and had headaches
Did not clear up my acne at all :(

I'm still taking it for the original purpose of blocking babies, but as far as it clearing up my acne nope not happening. I've been taking it for 7 months
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 16, 2009

Pros:

clears up my skin, firmed up my breasts after pregnancy, controls my period to the t, easy to take

Cons:

slight nausea, higher dosage of hormones but controls not getting pregnant better than yasmin (which i became pregnant on)

great method, and best birth control out on the market that regulates and protects.
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 10, 2009

Pros:

Great for skin!
A fantastic option for acne if your body cannot tolerate harsher meds
Inexpensive

Cons:

Felt nauseous for the first few weeks

I have had severe cystic acne since I was a teenager. Unfortunately am highly allergic to Acutane/Isotane, which I believe to be the best product on the market for acne. I have been on Yasmin for 3 months and have seen a significant improvement on my face!! My chest and upper arms are clearly slowly, and the back is taking its time... but I am seeing slow and steady results! I would say this is worth a try for anyone struggling with skin.
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.

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.