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:
April 17, 2007

Pros:

no babies

Cons:

weight gain, awful acne, spot bleeding

My acne went from being mild to severe within the first month of taking OTC Lo. Very frustrating.
This Was Helpful

Report
April 9, 2007

Pros:

cleared my skin while i was using it

Cons:

no sex drive, depression, and HORRIBLE AFTERMAT

THE AFTERMATH OF YASMIN 28 IS MAKING ME SEVERLY DEPRESSED I NEVER USED TO BREAK OUT UNTIL I STOPPED TAKING BIRTH CONTROL. NOW I CANT GET MY SKIN TO CLEAR UP I HATE THE THOUGHT OF HAVING SOMETHING UNNATTURAL IN MY BODY.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 27, 2007

Pros:

No babies, breasts increased one cup size, no mood swings

Cons:

Didn't affect my skin at all (I was hoping for improvement), I still get cramps and bloating as I did without the pill

I used to take OTC and now take OTC Lo. OTC helped my acne; OTC Lo doesn't, which is ok because I'm taking an Clindamycin/Adapalene combo for my face and my skin looks better than it ever did on OTC. I like OTC Lo because it has kept me from becoming pregnant without causing any of the really bad side effects (mood problems, decreased sex drive, headaches) that I've had with previous pills.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 25, 2007

Cons:

made my skin much much much worse. Well into month three my skin looks worse than it ever has in my life. No very pleased.

I used this for years and it worked great. My hormones changed after kids and now it's a nightmare for me.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 23, 2007

Pros:

Helped with acne, shorter periods, I know when my period will start, less cramps

Cons:

weight gain, a couple times Ive fealt quease afterward, mood swings

When I first got on the pill 4 years ago my periods were irregular, skipping months have two in a few weeks time, lasting anywhere from 3-14 days! My cramps would have me doubled over in pain crying, I couldnt take it so I got on the pill. Within the first month things were much better, and since I've been on it my period starts on the exact same day and lasts 6 days, my cramps are minimal and usually goes away with asprin.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 16, 2007

Pros:

It's great for cramps and it cleared my acne in the past.

Cons:

expensive for me ($43 month) and it's not working this time yet

I used this before having kids and it was fantastic! My skin was fine for years. Then I started Trinessa (worst drug ever made) and got sick, cramps, spotting, horrible acne, depression...I just went back on OTC brand for two months and my skin is just as bad if not worse. My derm said keep waiting b/c it might take another month or so. I'm praying it does work and if not does anyone have another recommendation for me in the pill?
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 10, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my acne for awhile, made my period regular

Cons:

My acne is bad again! ugh!

I don't get it? For a LONG time my birth control helped my acne A LOT! My skin went from being bad to almost perfect..and now my skin is horrible again. I've been on the pill for over 4 years. I don't understand why it helped it so much and then backfired on me? Does it quit helping acne after a certain time of taking it or what?
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 7, 2007

Pros:

Love the fact that I know when my period will be. I tolerate the pill well and have been on it now for 2 years+.

Cons:

I gained weight, although I also gained bigger boobs...which is ok with me! I don't notice a big change in it helping with my acne.

Great birth control pill, easily tolerated with mild to no side effects. Possible to gain weight and doesn't seem to control acne the way promised.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 5, 2007

Pros:

I haven't experienced any kind of side effects.

Cons:

Hasn't done anything for my acne and hasn't helped to lighten or shorten my period and I still have cramps.

**ORTHOTRICYCLEN LO** Because of the low hormones, you don't get many side effects. It's perfect for preventing pregnancy, but if you're trying to clear up acne or improve your period, I'd use regular OTC.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 2, 2007

Pros:

clear skin, regulates period

Cons:

mild weight gain

I took ortho tri-cyclen for about six months last year. One month, my pharmacy gave me the generic brand trinessa without informing me. I started taking trinessa, broke out horribly, and had terrible mood swings. For all of you who are saying your skin is breaking out please realize that the generic versions of OTC are NOT THE SAME as the name brand. The name brand may be mpre expensive, but it is worth it. I am now on Ovcon 35, I was happy with it at first, but it has not done anything for my skin, and is causing mild breakouts, Im going to start OTC again next week.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 68 69 70 71 72 … 74
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