Hormonal Therapy
Reviews
3.3
2743 Reviews
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects
High
Hormonal Therapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Any brand of oral contraceptive appears to clear the skin about the same amount, regardless of whether it is officially approved for acne treatment. Some people report complete clearing of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, artificially controlling your hormones is a serious decision, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Hormonal Therapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 21, 2008

Pros:

helped pcos symptoms, happiness, shorter periods,

Cons:

headaches. when i dropped 20 pounds, i started to experience nausuea [4th month], extreme decline in sex drive

Took 2 months to see difference in PCOS symptoms, but it worked. For some reason instead starting my period on day 22, i start on day 25 and i end on next month's day 2. Im assuming the more you weigh, the less severe the symptoms are. Made me much happier for reasons im not sure of. And a huge decline in sex drive. But thats ok becasue i feel i can concentrate better that way [it was really high before] About the cost, its 5 dollars for every 3 months with my insurance.
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

clearer skin, bigger boobs, not pregnant, no cramps, regular periods

Cons:

gained a little bit of weight

i love it, everything works perfectly for me, no problems whatsoever.
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July 18, 2008

Pros:

Prevented pregnacy!

Cons:

My skin was completly clear before I started it but now I am starting to get bumps.

Everyone reacts differently to the medicine and I just reacted badly.
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July 15, 2008

Pros:

didn't get pregnant and my boobs look fabulous

Cons:

if you take it really early in the morning before you eat, you'll feel nauseated

It's great and has worked very well for me considering the fact that before I started Ortho, my period came maybe once or twice a year. My skin never looked better and my Boobs are great
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

did not get pregnant, lighter periods

Cons:

if not taken with acidophilous pills monthly yeast infections

works just had to make sure i took extra pills daily with it
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June 20, 2008

Pros:

no cramps

Cons:

MY FACE IS BREAKING OUT LIKE CRAZZZZYY! I have never had a problem with acne until now!

terrible acne, moooood swings...makes me wanna eat allll the time!
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June 19, 2008

Pros:

Have not found one yet

Cons:

May have gotten worse

I have been on YAZ for 4 months and if anything it has made my acne worse. I had mild acne only on my forehead and then when I took the YAZ it spread to my checks with the red deep zits. Not a lot but when one would clear I would get another. My Dermo just now put me on a low dose of Spiro with the Yaz, but that too is not helping at all. I either need to change pills or up the Spiro.
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June 19, 2008

Pros:

regular period

Cons:

I took the Tri-Cyclen pills for 3 months and end up with DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS. My left leg has been swollen for 2 months and also has the catheter procedure done however the problem is not going away

I would like to share my experience of this pill. First I got a stiff neck for a month. Then it moved to my shoulder and side, after a week I got DVT . My leg was swollen and hard so I rushed to the emergency and got local procedure done to remove the blood clot in my left leg. There is about 5 veins affected and my leg is still swollen and cant walk around. I hope no one will get this side effects-DVT. I am scare to try other pills. Ask your doctor about the side effects of the pills and ensure your blood INR is not too thick. Good Luck
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June 18, 2008

Pros:

It's Birth control....it does it's job

Cons:

EVERYTHING ELSE...After looking at several more website sabout this pill I'LL REPEAT WHAT EVERONE IS SAYING...."Do not take this Pill"

I'm having panic attacks, blurred vison, and EXTREME moodiness. I've never had anything like this...I'm Only 22 years old and i feel crazy..like I'm not myself or something. I swear it's the pill.
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June 13, 2008

Pros:

Didn't get pregnant,less acne,lighter/shorter periods

Cons:

I've been on Ortho for nearly a year now and I'm just beginning to realize, this is the reason for my constant sadness/indifference to everyone/everything. I feel like I don't know what I want or who I like one day, hate the next.

Bottom line...I haven't gotten pregnant, my skin is slightly better, but the toll my relationships have taken..is not worth it.
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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.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

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.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.