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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5
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

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March 30, 2010

Pros:

my breasts got fuller

Cons:

My breasts were super tender. I had mild acne before starting this birth control, and it got worse.. I had more acne than ever after two weeks of my first pack.. I ended up getting pregant during the 3rd pack, but I think it's just because I was on medication which interacted with the pills effectiveness.

I was on Tricyclin Lo for a year when I was 17 and I had no side effects. I'm 25 now, had a baby when I was 21 and these pills didn't work for me this time around.
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

I hear its great for acne

Cons:

I was in the hospital within days. The side effects are horrible!

Every side effect on the label i got big time so to everyone else beware...Think long and hard before trying this one
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June 21, 2009

Pros:

Pregnancy prevention, Cheap to buy

Cons:

Worsened acne

I have been on these for a year. I got on them after having my Mirena (IUD) removed. The Mirena gave me acne and acne on my back and made me bleed for 9 months. Took that out and got on OTC. Back acne cleared up for awhile but face did not clear up. After awhile I got back acne again! Got off of the OTC and face is already more clear. Condoms again. No more hormones for me. Hopefully I do not get pregnant again.
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March 22, 2009

Pros:

I don't really know yet I just started taking it about four days ago

Cons:

Dont know this yet either

O.K. I have been on BC 14 years now and I have tried it all. I have had the "SHOT",Lo-ovral,Yasmine,Yaz,IUD,and I am now on Tri Cy Lo. I have have the worst problems with all of it. I've been in a fog for about a year and a half and I am ready to feel normal again. Girls let me tell you DO NOT take yasmine or Yaz it is awful. I have had more bad side effects on those than any I have ever taken. My poor husband dont even know who i am anymore.Bottom line if you are married or just a happy sain person dont take those two.I hope this new one works for me. GOOD LUCK LADIES!!
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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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October 6, 2008

Pros:

it does what its suppose to do and thats birth control haha

Cons:

weight gain, exterme cravings

Cramps didn't fully go away, acne stayed the same. slight weight gain and increased cravings before period
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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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March 2, 2008

Pros:

while on the pill no cramps and no breakouts and more importantly no baby

Cons:

while on the pill severe mood swings

I started taking the pill about 3 years ago right before I got married. It worked fine, no breakouts, no cramps and shorter predictable periods. About 10 months ago I decided to stop taking it because the horrible mood swings. Since I have been off of it, I have had the worst cramps every month and my skin is progressivly getting worse each month. If I could ever tell anyone don't even start taking this, try natural family planning. None of this crap is good for you.
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