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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22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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October 10, 2008

Pros:

none. oh its cheap but i have very good coverage in cananda

Cons:

broke me out!!!, cramps, weight gain.

I wish i never took it...
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September 17, 2008

Pros:

None, really.

Cons:

I got extremely sick within a week, I was vomiting and sick to my stomach for hours on end. It didn't help my acne at all. I went off of it after 2 1/2 weeks.

If you have a delicate stomach, I don't recommend it.
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July 21, 2008

Pros:

Light, very predictable periods, no cramps, no pregnancy.

Cons:

Depression, moodiness, don't feel like self. No change in acne.

Would not be on this unless I felt like I needed to for the meantime. Was put on it because of excessive bleeding during periods causing numerous fainting spells. Definitely thinking about going off birth control~! Hate it, mind feels very uneasy.
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

shorter, lighter periods, less acne, decreased appetite

Cons:

nausea, vomiting, stomach problems

I like this pill, I just don't like throwing up and feeling sick all the time. But at least I haven't gained any weight.
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April 17, 2008

Pros:

none so far

Cons:

Acne, hunger, and ramdon abdominal pain.

Just started the pill and I broke out on my face, back, and chest. I get random abdominal pain and I'm hungry all the time. Gained 4lbs within 3 weeks. This never happened before.
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November 16, 2006

Pros:

cleared up my acne when nothing else would, no side affects with me

Cons:

u have to get blood work done everymonth females must be on birth control and

FOR ALL U PPL OUT THERE WITH BAD ACNE!Im 24 i had horriable acne since i was 13 nothing would help it creams, anitbiotics,nothig.my acne was so bad sometime i would get these cystic pimples that would cause my face to swell up like a chipmunk so finially My dermatologist put me on ACUTANE ask ne one who has used it,it's a miracle drug it starts clearing up in 2 to 3 months by the 6th month ur face will be completely clear i guarentee that. Then after 6 months your face stays clear forever and you stop the medication. i know a few other ppl who also had bad acne and used this medication and they had the same results.the only down side is its a serious drug so u have to do blood work every month to make sure every thing is good and females must be on birth control cause you absolutely cannot get pregnat until u've been off of it for atleast 6 months.but to have a clear face it was definetly worth it.to get it so if nothing has worked for u i promise this will just ask dermatolgist for it
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

None yet.

Cons:

Nauseas
Migraines
Bumps on my face, acnes getting worse.

I've been nauseas everyday since starting. I'm getting little bumps on my face. I've been getting terrible headaches. So far I strongly dislike this product. Im on my 3rd week taking it.
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January 5, 2012

Pros:

-Works well as birth control
-Does not cause nausea like some bc pills do

Cons:

-Developed large painful back acne
-Sever face break outs.

Started this pill about two weeks ago and everything about is spectacular. Aside from the fact that my face broke out terribly. Everyone's skin is different this may work for someone else.
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November 23, 2011

Pros:

Only $10 with health insurance

Cons:

Unbearable nausea
Headaches
Stomach cramping
Constipation
No noticeable change in acne

I got on this in the hopes that it would help my acne. I have hardly ever had acne except for the occasional breakout and then suddenly got a major flair up back in June (I am 19). Please note that when they mention that the pills may cause "pregnancy symptoms", they mean it. I had the absolute worst morning/afternoon sickness accompanied with occasional headaches, stomach cramping, and constipation. To top it all off, my acne didn't budge. My doctor said that the sickness and other symptoms were due to the fact that this pill distributes different levels of hormones every day, kind of going up and down like a sea saw. This tends to make some women sick, apparently. It didn't work for me, but it might work for you. For me, it was hell. I would rather my worst period than this stuff.
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September 25, 2011

Pros:

Not Pregnant

Cons:

Worst acne breakouts of my life
Constantly Nauseous
Very Emotional
Depressed
No sex drive

I gave this pill a 4 month run and the end result is that this pill is horrible! I've gone from the happiest, most outgoing person, to really sad and depressed. I finished a pack yesterday and will NEVER go on this pill again. I constantly felt sick, and the thought of alcohol was intolerable. My face went from a pimple every now and then to severely broken out and my sex drive was non-existent. DO NOT take this pill!!
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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.
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Be sure to:

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Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

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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.
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