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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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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June 7, 2009

Pros:

I love it...it kept my skin clear, kept my weight in check, prevented babies. I absolutely love it...when I got off of OTC, thats when the acne ( that I never had before) came out of nowhere, I gained weight,etc.

Cons:

NONE...I'm getting back on it.

It's an amazing product and I would recommend it to any and everyone : )
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May 28, 2009

Pros:

cleared my skin completely, eliminated period cramps almost completely, made my period light, lost weight, and kept the babies away.

Cons:

stress to the MAX from having doubts everyday that i could be pregnant, dizziness, loss of apetite, nausea, decreased sex drive, and a lot more emotional.

im 19 and I've been using it for 7 months to prevent pregnancy. The first couple of months were when i was experiencing the side effects, but they have now worn off almost completely. I started with tri-sprintec and this month they gave me trinessa because they ran out of tri sprintec. at first i was confused but i realized they are the same exact thing, just different brands. i love the pill and so far its doing its job well.
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May 6, 2009

Pros:

completely got rid of my large cyst acne! mostly improved my surface acne!

Cons:

as a couple people mentioned, it does make me tired. i have very oily skin, so i still have very mild surface acne but is controllable as long as i use my proactive wash.

nothing worked before this. changed my life! if you just have very mild surface acne, it might not help as much as it will help someone with more moderate to severe acne.
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May 4, 2009

Pros:

Acne has cleared up

Cons:

weight gain / sensative feelings

It has helped my acne clear up. I haven't really noticed other things about this birth control because i didn't really pay attention. But im not pregnant :) but im also not getting my period after the pack (21 days) i just finished, and its been days :S i really hope i get it, and soon!
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May 3, 2009

Pros:

It definitely prevents pregnancy well and i trust it in that sense. I had shorter periods within a few months of taking it.

Cons:

I gained a max of like 4 pounds. which makes me uneasy, but i have accepted this fact.

I love how the pill has been both effective and affordable. it works for sure.
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May 1, 2009

Pros:

bigger boobs, regular lighter period,havent gotten pregnant and helped me gain weight!

Cons:

none that i know of

I love this birth control, I've told all of my friends to get on it, the only thing i didnt like about it was spotting in the very beginning. I've never gotten any acne, I've never had it.Overall I love it and I love not being a mommy. :)
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

Never got pregnant, lost weight, no acne, regular periods

Cons:

Tender breast, i am very tired

I love this birth control... I been on it for four years and never got pregnant.. I never had cramps or PMS... i lost weight and my acne cleared up!! The only thing that sucks is that my boobs hurt and i get tired a lot.
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April 23, 2009

Pros:

heard you can lose weight, clears acne, regulates and lightens periods, etc.

Cons:

heyy i'll let you know. can possibly do the exact opposite.

The gyn said that i am not ovulating at all. Which is pretty scary. My first thought was "holy *&^%, i'm going into menopause early!" but I'm not sure. Or maybe my babymaker is sleeping? But either way it needs to wake up. It has a job to do. I'd rather not be infertile. I just got prescribed for Ortho Lo and i'm hoping that it will get everything back in order considering it's completely unhealthy to not have a regular period by now. I guess either I'll turn into a fat, pimply monster beotch. Or a slim (as i am now), clear-faced, happy person. Will shall see..... AHHH the suspense is killing me!!!
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April 22, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up acne, periods were regular, no weight gain, no cramps or PMS, 2-3 day periods

Cons:

Got pregnant

I thought this was a wonderful product until I found out I was pregnant. :( Side effects might have not affected me because I always took at night? Now that my son is born, I am getting back on it to regulate my periods. Got it from a Family Planning Clinic and never had to pay for it.
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