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
July 26, 2007

Pros:

The pros of Yasmin are many. It is very reliable when taken correctly and I have much lighter periods. The absolute best is my face. My skin has NEVER been this clear. I use to struggle with acne constantly; however, NO MORE with Yasmin.

Cons:

The only con is that I don't have health insurance and it is almost 60.00 per pack. I still say, for the clear skin, it is definitely worth the price. Dermatologists cost a whole lot more.

The bottom line is I have used Ortho Tri Cyclen and it was O.K. however, nothing has ever worked this good for me. I love Yasmin because it can be taken in the 28-day format or you can try the new YAZ with only 4 days of your period and a lower dose of estrogen. I am not sure how well YAZ works with Acne because I only tried it for a month and I was continuing to get breakouts; however, Yasmin which is a different product than YAZ works miracles on acne ridden skin. My face is absolutely beautiful when taking Yasmin. I highly recommend to everyone; especially people taking birth control pills to help with acne. Hope this is helpful, Angie
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June 21, 2007

Pros:

Glowing skin, no babies, killed my PMS and slightly bigger boobs.

Cons:

Cost ($50 w/out insurance), small weight gain, skin over entire body becomes drier so in winter I must moisturize a lot.

I wish I'd known about this pill sooner and avoided Estrostep FE altogether. It's very compatible with my system so it's perfect for me. I hope others find a pill that's complimentary for them.
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June 13, 2007

Pros:

No Babies.

Cons:

Acne, Nausea

I have never had acne. I'm 29 years old. Within two weeks of starting Yasmin, my skin was horrible. I wake up every morning with new pimples. I called my doctor today to switch to something else.
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May 26, 2007

Pros:

protection from pregnancy, lighter periods

Cons:

mild skin problems, more emotional, still have cramps.

I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 8 months. After the first couple of months of having some of the expected side effects which went away, i found this drug to cause extreme emotions, almost in a bi -polar way. I still have cramps, get tired and my period sort of has regulated...my flawless skin became somewhat irrated from the BC. More importantly, i feel that my hormones increased in a negative way that has cause problems in my relationship. I am about to try Yasmin with better hopes. If that affects me negativly, I am discontinuing the pill all together.
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May 6, 2007

Pros:

Not pregnant, regular (and lighter) period.

Cons:

Worst acne I've ever had- big tender cysts and all. Cramps not much better.

I started out on a different pill and my doctor switched me to this one saying it wouldn't make me break out; I've now been on it for 2.25 months, and I don't think I think if I haven't improved in another couple weeks I'll just stop taking it. This isn't worth it.
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February 25, 2007

Pros:

No cramps

Cons:

BAD acne, the deep cystic kind. Period not any lighter. Depression. Low libido.

I was on it about six months and just threw out a pack mid-way through. I can't stand this product. Only a week later my skin has started to visibly clear up. I also feel better mentally, as in the dark cloud has lifted.
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February 19, 2007

Pros:

Not pregnat, good mood, no head aches, no weight gain

Cons:

Acne, nausea

It seems alot of people here hate this pill but i love it. Aside from the small amount of acne and some minor nausea i have had no major side effects. Although it may be the cause of some diareah and frequent urination. These problems are not bad or that bothersome. I have been in a great mood since starting Yasmin!!!
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February 15, 2007

Pros:

The best skin since the results from Accutane deminished. PCOS symptoms are gone - male pattern hair growth, thinning hair on head.

Cons:

Zero sex drive, but that has been the case since my older daughter was born almost 5 years ago.

After hearing negative comments from my sister and reading the same, I had to comment. I enjoy great results with this pill. The breakthrough bleeding lasted the first 3 months, but once I made it through the transition no trouble. It is very carefree.
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February 11, 2007

Pros:

I don't think i've been taking this pill long enough to see any positive use out of it. Before this, I was on ortho micronor because of the low hormones. (I have gall stones, so anything with excess hormones can cause an attack).

Cons:

I've never had acne in my LIFE until i started using this pill. I'm mainly having breakouts aroung my cheeks, jawline and mouth. I think I should either talk to a doc and switch soon, or maybe just get an non-hormonal IUD. Any suggestions?

This pill has been reported to lessen breakouts. Maybe I should give it a little longer before I change to another BC method, but Im getting impatient because I'm not used to having breakouts like this. Perhaps this pill just has a different reaction on different people, but I have yet to experience any positive reactions. As a matter of fact, I've read more bad reports on it from people who have tried it than good reports.
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February 11, 2007

Pros:

light period

Cons:

SEVERE ANXIEY, SEVERE PANIC ATTACKS UNABLE TO FUNCTION IN LIFE MY LIFE IS FALLING APART CANT BREATH CONSTANT TIRED AND THIRSTY!

THE INVENTOR OF THIS PILL SHOULD BE SUED
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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.