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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June 18, 2007

Pros:

Regular and lighter periods, protection against pregnancy, minor weight loss

Cons:

Minor stomach discomfort, anxiety?

I've been using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 3 1/2 months now. The first month I had some spotting. I seem to have lost some weight (I am attributing this to the pill, because I have not changed my diet/exercise). My periods are regular and so light, but I don't think my cramps have significantly decreased. I also feel that I have become more anxious. However, I would still suggest this pill to anyone.
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June 14, 2007

Pros:

I didn't get pregnant!!

Cons:

None

I started taking the pill when i was 15 years old. I tried many different kinds and none worked well with my body. One kind made me gain HUGE amounts of weight, one made me have my period for pretty much the whole month, it wasn't until i went on OTC that i finally felt normal again. I lost the weight and am back to my normal size, i still have the clear skin i always have, and my periods are lighter. It all depends on how your body reacts to the kind of pill your taking. Trust me i know i tried many kinds and experienced many things that the doctors were telling me could happen but probably wouldn't. You just have to try it out and if it doesn't work with your body then tell your doctor and they'll switch you to a different kind.
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April 30, 2007

Pros:

regular perriods, no pregnancy

Cons:

tired, acne became worse in firrst few months

I decided to switch to ortho tricyclene a couple of months ago because I heard it was a good pill and I was not happy with the one I was on. Beofre I started OTC, I had very mild acne ( a few pimples on chin and forehead). I am just finishing my second pack of pills, and my skin is horrible ( a bunch of samll pimples on my forhead). I know that you are supposed to give it at least three months to work, and I am planning on sticking it out. If anyone struggled with the same thing, could you please tell me if it got better after three months. Thanks!
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February 1, 2007

Pros:

It can clear acne.

Cons:

It can also cause stomach discomfort and mood swings.

I had been searching for years for something that would clear my acne. When I came across ortho tri-cyclen and its claims I decided to give it a try. It cleared up my skin within a month.The doctor then switched me to the Ortho-Lo (for what reasons I don't know) and my skin brokeout ridiculously.Then I switched back to the regular strength and it cleared up my skin within a month.I was also using Proactiv which I believed helped with the overall clarity of my skin but when using it without the ortho didn't stop breakouts. Well after having my baby ten months ago I decided to get back on the pill and I did not see ANY results. In fact my skin was even more inflammed! And on top of that, I had extreme stomach discomfort. I have decided to stick with it and after my fourth pack my skin has finally stopped breaking out as much. The bottom line is that I believe if you stop taking it and start back you could experience different results for a while but just stick with it and it should work!
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January 2, 2007

Pros:

Takes away cramps during periods.

Cons:

I feel as though I gained a few pounds, nothing serious.

I have been using OTC for 2 years and I have been nothing but satisfied with it. I used to get unbearable pains during my period. So bad I would not be able to sleep at night. Once I started used OTC I feel absolutely no cramps. I feel as though I gained a few pounds, probably not noticeable to anyone but myself. However, that could be do to anything. My sex drive descreased a little, but it's still there!
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April 2, 2013

Pros:

anti-baby

Cons:

-Acne, need I say more?

I took this pill last year, hoping to make my skin perfect. (I'm a bit of a perfetionist) My skin was always clear, every now and then would get the odd cystic pimple. I took this pill in order manage that, made my skin SO much worse. I'm still dealing with it 8 months later, my face has been ruined because of this pill. Biggest mistake I could of ever made, I cry about it at times. I hate this pill. Please consider other options before taking contraceptives, trust me.
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June 30, 2011

Pros:

None.

Cons:

So dizzy couldn't stand up
Extremely nauseous
loss of energy
sadness
no motivation
expensive

I could only take three of these pills before I had to stop completely. I realize that you can't judge birth control in 3 days but this pill really jacked me up. I had heard so many good things about it for acne that after months of debate I finally decided to give it a try. Well...it didn't work out as expected. It made me extremely nauseous even with doing everything the doctor recommended (such as taking it at night and with food). It also made me extremely moody, dizzy to the point of not being able to stand up, faint feeling, and I had a loss of energy and appetite. Not only that, but in the three days that I took it, my face got worse. I hope this works better for you than it did for me... oh and did I mention that it's $50.00??
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February 21, 2011

Pros:

-Less period cramps
-not being pregnant
-no weight gain
-more balanced emotions

Cons:

-Skin seems to be worse than it was before
-lost a lot of weight
-weird cravings/appetite changes

My doctor prescribed me this pill in order to help clear up some of my acne. I had previously done 6 months on Accutane, which did wonders for my skin. However, after a couple of years, the acne begins to slowly return (but not nearly as bad as it was before!). Since Accutane killed my liver, my doctor didn't recommend me doing another trial on it. Therefore, she prescribed me this pill. I've been on it for 6 months and my acne has gotten progressively worse. However, my diet could be the cause of that, because I have been getting abnormal cravings for foods that I have never liked (sodas, candy, etc.). If you do take this pill, make sure you eat a well-balanced diet and stay away from junk foods. Although I have not gained any weight from the junk food (I have actually lost some after being on the pill), it takes a toll on your skin. Bottom Line: If you want a birth control pill for the sole purpose of clearing up your skin, I do not recommend this one.
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

Bigger Boobs, No Babies, Lighter Periods, No Bleeding bt periods, didnt have bad cramps to begin w but none now.

Cons:

Mood swings first month, may be the cause of random spots of acne on legs and back, slightly anxious but controllable.

starting on my third pack, seems okay so far
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

I have had hormonal adult acne for years and this pill has dramatically improved my skin!

Cons:

I have nausea every day; almost ill feeling all day. I have gained weight suddenly without changing my good diet and excercise. The weight is very noticable on just my stomach area- almost bloated.

I wish I could keep talking this pill as I love my skin now! I feel fine-not moody, but maybe a little more tired than normal. Studies say that the pill doesn't make you gain weight, but I am baffled because I gained at least 5lbs since I started taking it. (3 weeks). I scared to keep taking it for this reason; as I've read reviews of others gaining weight too. Try this pill if you have bad skin, maybe you won't gain weight--there are lucky ones!
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