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%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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October 26, 2010

Pros:

controlled break outs sometimes, regular periods

Cons:

Took for 9 months without missing a dose in addition to having PCOS, I am PREGNANT!
-Mood swings
-depression
-weight gain
-spotting

I would not use this medication alone to prevent pregnancy, also use condoms for 100% effectiveness. Was on this for 9 months without missing a dose, the first night my husband comes back from afghanistan we conceive a child. I'm switching to the patch. Be careful with this drug.
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September 30, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up acne A LOT
Shorter, lighter period

Cons:

Makes me feel a little nauseous. I threw up the first week I took it.
My breasts are sore. I thought that would last like, the first month only, but I still feel it and I'm halfway through the second month.

I had HORRIBLE acne. I wanted to cry every time I looked in the mirror. I never left the house without wearing make up, which made my face even oilier. I hated leaving the house. My acne got so bad, my mom set up an appointment with a dermatologist and he prescribed me Tri Sprintec, which is the generic version of Ortho Tri Cyclen. I didn't see results the first couple weeks, but I'm on the 2nd month and my skin is SO much clearer than ever. I still break out a little bit, but it's not nearly as bad. I also don't wear as much make up when i go out. I have a lot of scarring from previous acne and I doubt this will help it, but it's cleared up almost all of my existing acne. I would definitely recommend this product. It makes me feel kind of sick when I take it- I feel nauseated, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
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June 23, 2010

Pros:

breasts went from D to DD
Not pregnant
No spotting

Cons:

Made acne worse
First period on it was 2 weeks long!!!
Makes me tired

I was on Yaz for 3 years but started to get worried because of all the negative press on this. My doctor prescribed me OTC and I started it a month and a half ago. My first period on OTC was 2 weeks long!!!! I hope it's just my body getting used to the different doses of hormones. Same with acne. I get on avg 2 pimples a day, and some are cystic and painful. btw, the acne started when I got my period, which happened while I was on Yaz, but with Yaz it went away with my period. Anyway my take on OTC is wait and see for now. I'm gonna give it 2 more pill packs and if my acne doesn't get better, I'm going to ask for a different pill. I'd rather be on a pill that doesn't really help with the acne that I do get, not make it worse!
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March 10, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin
regulates periods
Free

Cons:

having to take it at the same time everyday
slow process

I've been on OTC for a month and went on this for acne purposes. It's definitely helped. Rarely get a new spots now. The first few weeks, I've experience some side effects. Heavy and short period so far. Will do another update in a few months.
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October 13, 2010

Pros:

No pregnancy, before i got my days mixed up...everything was great...i didn't even notice i was on the pill....but then it went downhill...so if you can remember everyday and only pull from the cartridge...don't take out ahead of time and get mixed up like me...things should work out for you..hopefully. Everyone is different though.

Cons:

weight gain, increase in breast size (c to large d), random period times, very moody, extreme moodiness..borderline depression almost.

I've been taking for several years now and once i messed up my monthly dosage by one week and started back up after getting it straight, things haven't been the same. I now have cramps which i didn't before the pill, random start times...my periods would start one week...then come back again 2 weeks later, I've had weight gain, headaches, severe mood swings and into depression even. Just a sudden switch from how it used to be. I've had to discontinue the use of these. Everything was fine until i got my days all mixed up.
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July 29, 2010

Pros:

Clear skin
Lighter periods
Predictable periods
No cramps
No nausea

Cons:

None

I have been fighting acne breakouts for several years, including breakouts on my back that were out of control. The dermatologist had me on several different treatments with no success. I was considering Accutane when my regular physician suggested I try Ortho Tri Cyclen. As far as I am concerned, this is a miracle pill! My face and back completely cleared up except for a minor pimple or two around my period. I am taking the generic of Ortho Tri Cyclen which is Trinessa.
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April 26, 2013

Pros:

clears up acne
boobs bigger
is good contraceptive

Cons:

causes mood swings (only first 3 months)
can be diffuclt to lose weight
does lower sex drive

I am 27 year old female. I had moderate to severe acne. I finally decided to take ortho tri cyclen. Within 3 months my skin has cleared up about %85. Also due to having such an hormonal imbalance I also have really greasy hair and dandruff. The pill has also put a stop to that as well. Now my hair feels fresh and clean all the time. If there is anyone out there who suffers from acne I would strongly recommend this pill. It seems that there is a %50 chance that it will work with your body. Definitely worth a try. Good luck!!!
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December 31, 2010

Pros:

Clears up moderate acne
Breast enlargement
Lighter menstrual Cramps
Lighter flow

Cons:

Spotting the first few months you're on it
Does not clear up severe acne
May gain weight the first few months
Remembering to take the pill daily

It's pretty alright for moderate acne and lightening your menstrual cramps and flow. You gain weight to first few months you are on it, but it will eventually wear off once your hormones are balanced(after a few months time). YOU HAVE TO GIVE BIRTH CONTROL TIME TO WORK. It wont start to clear your acne the first pill. It will take a few months for it to take effect and get in your system. Would not recommend for severe acne.
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November 17, 2010

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy

Cons:

Increased acne
sore breasts
spotting
mood swings

I definitely noticed my acne fired up within the first week of using this. Also, I cry a lot more often for silly things. I have used so many different kinds of bc pills, mostly in my teen years and up until I was 21 (I'm 25 now) and I can't remember which helped with acne.
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October 29, 2010

Pros:

Did clear my skin.

Cons:

Takes several months to become effective, and acne will come back once your off it.

I have been on this for 11 years now. I had moderately severe acne when I was 18 and within 4-5 months being on ortho tri-cyclen my face was clear, with only the occasional pimple. I tried to get off of it once, and the same acne that I had when i was 18 came back! Once I got back on it, it went away again in another 4-5 months. Dissapointing, since I want to start trying for a baby, and I hate feeling like I am dependant on this stuff for the rest of my life.
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