Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
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.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 18, 2009
Cons:
your acne gets worst and you get pimples on your chest and back. No matter if you avoid alcohol and greasy food, your light acne becomes moderate to severe.
I tried Ortho-Tricyclen Low for a month. I started getting pimples out of nowhere although I dont drink or smoke. I work out and do not eat junk food. It was really frustating!! Anyway, I talked to my doctor and she told me to try Ortho-Tricyclen. I really do not understand why doctors will give us something that will not help your skin at all!! I have read a lot of comments on this issue on different forums and seriously it is pretty upsetting.
June 17, 2009
Pros:
Decreased severity of acne, dramatically decreased cramp pains, lighter period, no unpleasant side effects so far.
Cons:
Expensive, needs a prescription, takes a long time to start seeing results, acne will return if you stop taking it.
I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for almost 5.5 months solely for acne and not for preventing pregnancy, so I can't comment on how effective it is as birth control. I can tell you that it does help clear my skin. When I started, my acne was the worst it's ever been: all over my face, a couple of reoccurring cysts. It took about 4 months for me to notice that I was breaking out less and that my pimples shrunk in size. I'm still getting a new pimple every few days, which is a big improvement from how I was before, getting 1-3 new pimples almost everyday along with the occasional cyst.
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.
May 5, 2009
Pros:
prevent pregnancy, clear skin, regulate periods
Cons:
some skin issues
I just started the pill about a week ago, and so far I haven't seen a huge change in my mood or skin like others have stated. However, I have been getting a few more pimples here and there, which might just be from stress. I've been a tad emotional, but not to the point of uncontrollable, which also might be from stress. I've only had sex while using a back-up method, therefore have a very low risk of pregnancy. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone trying to prevent pregnancy or regulate their periods.
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!!!
April 20, 2009
Pros:
not pregnant, regular periods.
Cons:
acne, depression, SERIOUS mood swings, random emotional issues, not myself, according to my boyfriend im a bitch now, random stomach pains, dizziness, panic attacks, all i wanna do is eat, headaches, major mood swings
As for preventing pregnancy, it gets the job done. But it's up to you if you wanna deal with the side effects. I'm already a mom, and my doctor put me on birth control after havin my baby.....and trust me, we have had MANY close calls where i would normally be pregnant, but my pills prevented it. it just depends on what you're looking into birth control for...like what is your soul purpose
April 17, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Lighter regular periods. When i first started using it i had breakouts but skin looks better after 2 months-not like it used to be.
Cons:
Does not help with mood swings at all. Very very low sex drive!!! Sore boobs week before. Bloated thrue most of the month. Cant get it without prescription.
I first want to finish my prescription i got for 6 months - been using for 3- before i stop this pill. I changed my pill for the mood swings, bloting and weight. Had absolutly no acne. Yasmin did not change my weight, bloating is worse. Happy to see i am not the only one with low sex drive. Would not recomend this to anyone.
April 10, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
birth control
Cons:
none that i have expirienced so far.
i have had horrible acne since 8TH grade & i have been on accutane THREE times. i am currently finishing up my third treatment, and my skin right now is very clear, love it! every time i end accutane, my acne comes back almost immediatley, i've tried everything you can even immagine. now im trying birth control, and i chose YAZ, i've only been on it for about a week, and i havn't seen any pro's or con's. i'll keep you guys posted.
February 12, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
no babies, weight loss (15lbs!) and no hair loss
Cons:
NONE!
I love it, DO NOT SWITCH TO THE GENERIC OCELLA. IT SUCKS. WEIGHT GAIN, SKIN OILY, DEPRESSION, EXHAUSTION. STAY AWAY, YASMIN WORTH THE EXTRA TEN BUCKS!
February 1, 2009
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
prevents pregnancy
Cons:
- Increase of mood swings and depression
- nauseated
- breasts increased in size and were very sore, i am already a D cup so i have no desire for larger breasts.
The side effects that occured so shortly of trying it really made me not want to continue. My breasts were too painful and just felt very swollen. I also like most normal people, prefer not to be nauseated at night.I was suprised that i didnt feel bloated or gain weight especiallly with the breast problems. I wouldnt reccomend this bc for those with bigger breasts or if you have stomach issues.
Pros:
period is lighter and lasts 4 days only