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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March 21, 2009

Pros:

predictable light periods, does its job. Clear skin, but never had a prob w/ acne b4.

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN, i think I put on almost 10 lbs. And dont even bother dieting and exercising to lose it, it wont budge. Made me very irritable and caused a little anxiety. Always bloated. Just switched so we'll see.

If wanna pack on some lbs and become a irritable bitch then go 4 it.
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November 15, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne, but it takes awhile for your body to adjust. I've been on this pill before, and then had to go off it, and now I'm back on it. I've been taking it for 6 weeks (the second time). In the past, I took it for 2 straight years. It works great until the second row of pills(0.215mg), which is when I break out like crazy. After 2-3 months of consistent use, it gets better and better but that row of pills always brings up at least one zit.
No pregnancy!
Shorter, VERY regular per

Cons:

Just the second row of pills for the first 2-3 months... Horrible breakouts (way worse than when I'm off the pill). But keep at it, it will pay off eventually.
Also, I get very moody for the first 2-3 months. But this also gets better once the body adjusts.

It's different for everyone, but if you're like me and break out at the beginning, stick with it. It will likely get better. If you're strong enough to handle some extra pimples (and hyperpigmentation for me) for a few weeks, you will see the results... clear skin and avoiding pregnancy!!
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September 1, 2009

Pros:

none?

Cons:

i feel sick to my stomach

just wear a condom
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

Easy to take. Clears my skin entirely. Cheap.

Cons:

Slight weight gain. Cannot get pregnant with it.

I have used Diane for years and years, and will continue to do so for the couple of more years until I get to old. I wish there wasn't an age limit.
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December 25, 2006
i have been on ***OTC LO*** for a little over a month and i'm quite happy with it! at first i was terrified after reading about some horrible side effects, but my mind was put to ease after the first day. i can take the pill on an empty stomach without nausea, i haven't gained any weight, and my acne is clearing up! the only thing i'd recommend is that if you're taking this to clear up your acne you should make sure you still cleanse your face morning and night and use moisturizer and any spot treatments. the only negative effect i've noticed is that my sex drive has gone down, but i expected that so it wasn't a surprise. good luck to everyone!
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August 4, 2011

Pros:

Cheap with insurance.

Cons:

Smelly periods, vaginal pain and large blood clots.

Yet another medication I did not want nor need prescribed for my acne. I took this long before Yaz and though it's nowhere near the severity of side effects, I still got some pretty bad ones. My periods smelled "normal" before the pill, but after taking it I developed a horrible smell. It smelt like something had died! After stopping the pill, I went back to having normal smelling periods and no extreme clotting.
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April 22, 2009

Pros:

dont kno yet

Cons:

none so far

Dont really know yet i only used it for three days but i pray it clears up my acne!!!!
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April 21, 2008

Cons:

bad acne,no change in period,mood swings

I've been on it for 3 months and have worse acne than I did before I started this. I get zits on my legs, which I have never experienced before. My periods are still heavy and last just as long.I get emotional (cry, yell) very easily since I've started this.
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October 21, 2007

Pros:

clear skin, regular periods, lighter periods. Not pregnant.

Cons:

have to remember to take it every day, same time. Lower sex drive (I think). I rather have clear skin. I'm vain.

OTC only works for HORMONAL ACNE! If you break out before your period OTC can help for most women. I would always breakout right before my period, around my mouth and jaw. OTC cleared up the problem. No more breakouts at all. The only thing is you have to keep on taking the pill. Once you stop your hormones will go back to the mess they were before you started the pill. It's free if you go to a clinic and have no insurance. I don't think it causes weight gain. Face it, this is America. We eat a lot of junk and we are completely lazy!
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

Well I started using it 2 days ago because I have mild acne and they say its really good for acne, but ill see how it works...

Cons:

The first night I took it it gave me a headache.

Any birthcontrol is good to take because it helps you have regular periods and less cramps so I will keep using this product.
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