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Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate for Acne User Reviews

Brand names: Sprintec, Estarylla, Tri-Sprintec, Mili, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, Mono-Linyah, Tri-Mili, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Marzia, Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri Femynor, Femynor, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Vylibra Lo, VyLibra Previfem Tri-VyLibra Nymyo Tri-Lo-Linyah Tri-Nymyo …show all brand names

Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 473 reviews for the treatment of Acne. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.

Ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate rating summary

5.4/10 average rating

473 ratings from 495 user reviews.

Compare all 306 medications used in the treatment of Acne.

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Reviews for Ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate

  • Laur
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 6, 2019

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Hey ladies from someone who is new to birth control- tried Yaz and legit almost had a meltdown and was super depressed and gained weight- Estarylla SAVED me - there is more eythinylestradiol and a different progestin (norgestimate) . I feel like my normal self. My skin is GLOWING. I didn’t gain a pound I’m actually losing weight. And I don’t have any headaches or nausea. I’m starting my 4th month now! It really is true that different birth controls work for different bodies. My body has always been extra messed up and extremely sensitive and odd. For some reason this pill, that everyone else hates, has been my savior!!! Anyone with cystic acne, PCOS and oily skin might wanna give this a shot. Don’t immediately rule it out"

10 / 10
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68 Report
  • Rhomier
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 10, 2019

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was worried about trying this birth control after reading reviews online, so I wanted to share my experience. I am on the second month of Tri Sprintec and haven't experienced a single side effect. Additionally, I have noticed my skin slowly but surely beginning to clear up."

10 / 10
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46 Report
  • Ana
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 3, 2019

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I am never one to post reviews anywhere, but I just had to for this drug for anyone out there who is still battling with acne. I’m in my mid 20s and suffered from acne for almost 3 years. I’ve tried everything and spent $$$ just to get rid of it. Birth control pills were prescribed by my derma, but the first brand that he gave me (Alesse) made me depressed, and way too emotional so I had to ditch that one. Tried to switch to another one but I’ve suffered way too many side effects, and tried two more before I landed on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I’m on my 3rd month of using it and I have zero acne not whitehead in my face right now. I’ve had a breakout on my first month of using it, mostly around my chin and jaw area, but after that batch cleared up I haven’t worried about acne anymore. Best one I’ve tried and will be on this pill for as long as I can!"

10 / 10
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37 Report
  • Acne...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 3, 2014

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Since having my last child at age 27, my acne has been out of control. Serious cystic breakouts (forehead, chin, temples). When they just about heal up, BOOM, here comes the new ones. I have tried it all, literally. I did lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, herbs, masks, lotions, pH balancing washes etc. NOTHING worked. I was so sick of it. At 30 I got Tri-Sprintec. The results were amazing. 1st month, I noticed the breakouts weren't as severe (but still there). 2nd month, I noticed the inflammation was better, still a few break out spots. 3rd month, I noticed I barely broke out (just on my temple area and one spot on my chin). 4th Month-NO MORE BREAKOUTS!"

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • Megs
  • April 16, 2020

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "Hello everyone! I wanted to share my experience with this birth control so other can have some insight. Anyways, my body took A WHILE to get used to the BC, because I had never been on any kind before. My first month was constant spotting, and the next few had occasional spotting. My mood was a little more irritable for about 4 months, but not to the point that it was ridiculous. Around month 5, I started a strict diet that caused hormonal imbalance and I kinda got out of whack again... but in month 6 I’m great. My skin in GLOWING, more than ever before. My mood is normal again, and my period is regular. On this pill, I gained NO WEIGHT. I’m very active and it did not effect my appetite or physical activity. My sex drive is the same as well. During the first 3 months, my boobs were a bit swollen and slightly tender, but I didn’t mind. This medication has saved my face, and my confidence for that matter. I just had to get through the first few months of my body adapting."

8 / 10
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31 Report

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  • Anonymous
  • May 15, 2012

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "28 yr old- healthy/active nurse. Always had minor acne since college but nothing like what I had a year ago last summer (2011). I blame it on YAZ for messing up my hormones. Painful cystic acne covered my jawline and forehead. I'm talking like 20 cysts at a time. Tried every OTC washes, organic, no caffeine, sugar, dairy, you name it. Nothing worked. Even though I did not want to go on the pill, I had too. ORTHO TRI CYCLEN (no the generic) for almost 7 months and finally it's almost clear. It was BAD first few months but I stuck with it. Give it time. PS: Generic is NOT the same as the real thing. Different fillers causes different reactions!"

9 / 10
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66 Report
  • Skylar
  • November 14, 2013

Tri-Previfem (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So I went on this pill for my acne and irregular bleeding. At first, it made my skin break out somewhat more and I started to lose hope. I've had a rough time on the pill because I forget to take it daily but it's getting better. But after being on it for two months, my skin is totally clear. I have one zit and it's not big at all. I have so much more confidence now and I'm so happy that I stayed on it. If you are hunting about going on the pill for acne I highly recommend this brand. You will have side effects at first but trust me, it's definitely all worth it. "

10 / 10
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51 Report
  • beemed
  • February 24, 2014

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I would just like to say if you're looking for a solution for you're acne PLEASE try this. I have been struggling with acne for a few years, I have tried everything from over the counter to prescribed medicine and NOTHING worked. Finally I decided to get on the pill because I had very deep painful cystic acne along my jawline and chin that wouldn't go away. I have been on Sprintec for 2 months now and my skin is 100% clear. Only time I get a pimple is around my period but it is so much more manageable. Trust me this pill is my magic pill."

10 / 10
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49 Report
  • olivia
  • August 25, 2014

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "So my acne before was mild but I was told it would start clearing my acne in the third month. I am finishing my third month and my skin is much much worse than it was. I am left with red markings/scars everywhere all over my face and I am at my wits end. I am torn between continuing or giving up,"

3 / 10
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47 Report
  • Dakota
  • July 8, 2014

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I'm 17 and this is the first method of birth control I have tried, been taking it for three weeks. It has been Amazing! My acne has completely cleared up in all areas (whole face, chest, back) and I have had no bad side effects!"

10 / 10
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46 Report
  • Krissy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 10, 2014

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I have just completed one pack of the Tri-Sprintec. I was prescribed Ortho but was given Tri-Sprintec due to insurance. I am 30 years old and have not had any major acne in years. The last major outbreak I have had was when I was 24. I would still get the occasion 1-2 acne but it would only occur every several months. This month has been horrible on Tri-Sprintec. I've had at least 20+ acne spots on my face. I've tried to used multiple products to clear it up to no avail. It is all hormonal cystic acne that is mainly concentrated around my mouth area/chin and they all leave scarring. I'm honestly not sure if I can last 3 months on it to see if it will get better for me. I do not normally break out so this terrifies me!"

3 / 10
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46 Report
  • ld87
  • October 15, 2018

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I broke out pretty bad about two months ago. I had a lot of tiny bumps on my forehead and cheeks so I got on Estarylla & the first week it was clearing up my face pretty well, but out of NOWHERE it made me break out even worse. I woke up one day and had 4 huge cystic bumps on my forehead. I never wanted to leave my house my face just looked so beat up. After that it just kept getting worse & it felt like it would never end. But I didn't want to just stop taking the birth control right away, I read online that it could be my body getting used to it. I am now on month 2 and my skin has cleared up immensely. I think my body purged all of the things clogging my pores and pushing everything to the surface. I know everybody is different but if you're only on the first month of taking this I would stick with it for maybe a couple more months! "

9 / 10
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26 Report
  • Fullo...
  • March 21, 2014

TriNessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've been on this birth control for six months and I love it. I had acne all over my back and very few on my face. Within the first month my face cleared up and some on my back. Im now going on my seventh month and my whole back is clear. Ladies with acne definitely need to try this and Give it time to work"

10 / 10
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39 Report
  • nadiaaa
  • August 27, 2013

TriNessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I'm 15 and I've been on Trinessa for about a month. I have NO side effects. I'm on the pill for acne and I'll tell you it does get worse then better. I had the worst breakouts when I first started it and I wanted too get off the pill but I was going be patient. Now my skin is improving. I recommended this for you. Try it."

8 / 10
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40 Report
  • Snoop...
  • May 1, 2014

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I recently got married so my husband and I started discussing different birth control methods and decided on the pill. I have suffered from acne since I was 13 and when I found Ortho Tri-Cyclen, approved to treat acne, I thought it would be a good pill for me to try. My experience on Ortho so far has been positive. I have been on the pill for three months (my third pack) and have had no negative side effects. I have been happier, haven't gained any noticeable weight, no mood swings, way lighter/shorter periods, no pregnancy, and larger breast. I'm a bit disappointed because my acne has only slightly improved but hasn't worsened. Maybe if I remain on the pill longer my acne will completely disappear. Overall I'm happy and will remain on Ortho Tri Cyclen."

9 / 10
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37 Report
  • J121
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 15, 2019

Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "When I first started taking Tri-Sprintec it definitely was a struggle, I had some anxiety and depressive thoughts and my acne only got worse. My gyno told me to wait a longer than 3 months and if I still felt crappy to go back to her. After about the 4th month things definitely started getting better. My acne began to clear up, my mental health went back to normal, and my periods got lighter and my cramps are almost non-existent. My doctor told me Tri-Sprintec does have negative side effects in the beginning and does take a little longer for your body to get used to it. Overall, after the first few months I am now very happy with this pill, I would recommend giving it a try and just to be patient with it, I know everyone is different but it really works well after you give it time."

8 / 10
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19 Report
  • reviews
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 4, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was put on Ortho Tri-Cyclen because I have been struggling with bad acne for a few years and my dermatologist asked if my periods are regular and they are not because they come a few days late every time so she told me in order to fix your acne I need for your hormones to be normal and all. I was put on this medication and this medication worked really, really well. My oily skin was GONE and my acne was also completely GONE. I couldn't believe it. BUT one month into taking this pill I noticed my hair thinning I thought it was stress. At the end of the 3rd month of taking this pill I realized it wasn't stress its the side effect of the pill. So I stopped taking this pill."

5 / 10
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38 Report
  • kac7xv
  • December 22, 2010

TriNessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've only been taking Trinessa for a month, but so far I love it. I was getting very self conscious with my acne and I was originally going to take Ortho Tri Cyclen, but my doctor recommended Trinessa. I was VERY worried after reading some of these comments but I'm so glad I gave it a try! Sure, my skin is not perfect (it's not a magic pill), but its CONSIDERABLY clearer, and I have not had any nausea, headaches, or dizziness. My breasts have gotten a little sore (a couple of times) but its a small price to pay for clear skin. Try Trinessa."

9 / 10
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43 Report
  • Liz
  • July 24, 2013

TriNessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "After years of treatments for acne and my only option before mass treatment (Accutane), I tried TriNessa... it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Even if it took three months to notice improvement and first became worse than better, was worth it, 100%. It took almost 6 months to be almost clear. Be patient. Is worth it."

9 / 10
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36 Report
  • Happy...
  • October 3, 2013

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I was prescribed this birth control because I have moderate to severe acne. I doubted this birth control was strong enough to battle it because I have tried everything non-prescription in the pharmacy to treat it over 4 years. I noticed it reduced my oil production on my face but really did nothing overall for my acne in the first 6 months. Then slowly my acne started to disappear. I didn't even notice it was vanishing until 8 months in. Then I stopped using harsh chemicals to help get rid of them. After that I had tons of blazing red acne scars and redness galore. Now as I'm 12 months in the redness is reducing and the acne scars are starting to fade. I recommend this if you want a birth control pill acne solver 2 in 1, and are willing to wait for results."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • nadia...
  • December 13, 2013

TriNessa (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I love this birth control. I've been on the pill for about 6 months and I still have NO Side effects, well I do eat alot. I'm now 159 lbs but that's okay. I got on this pill for birth control but mainly for acne, and it works so great. It gets worse before it gets better, I recommend this pill for everybody. Try it."

10 / 10
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34 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 28, 2012

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I've been taking this birth control for about 7 months and have no real complaints. It cleared up my skin fairly well. I still break out a little but not as badly as I did before. It regulated my period and shortened it and while I still get cramps I no longer get back cramps or ones that physically make me sick. This birth control made my depression and mood swings, which I was already having slightly worse but nothing a higher dose anti-depressant didn't fix. My breasts were very tender for a few months and I gained a cup size. I gained a little weight at first until I realized the pill was making me hungry, but with exercise and a balanced diet I'm back to my original weight. Overall I say it's worth a try."

8 / 10
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38 Report
  • Revie...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 18, 2017

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "After experiencing moderate to severe acne breakouts for all 4 of my high school years, my doctor prescribed me to Lornya, AKA Yaz or Gianvi. Being on Lornya actually made my acne breakouts worse, I waited it out to see if it was an adjustment period, but after 10 months I had a conversation with my doctor. She was ready to put me on accutane, but my mom didn't want to settle for that, so she did some research. I tried ortho tri-cyclen. After 3 months, my swollen lesions slowly disappeared. It honestly was a miracle. I never believed I could be confident without makeup, but this pill changed my life! Going on this medication was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I would highly recommend it to anyone who struggles with acne. :)"

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Alyssa
  • February 27, 2013

Tri-Previfem (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I LOVE this birth control. Not only is it an effective contraceptive, it helped my acne, I wasn't moody, and my sex drive was great. My periods were the normal four to five days so, if you're looking for something to shorten your periods, I'm not sure if this is the best for you. I'm currently on Sprintec because my pharmacist recommended it as the generic, but I don't like it. I can't wait to be back on Tri-Previfem!"

10 / 10
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  • Kels
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 24, 2018

Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate) "I started this pill barely a month ago (I get my period next week so I'm keeping my fingers crossed), but I love it. I read so many terrible reviews before I started it and I was super anxious, but now that I've been taking it I actually like it more than the Mononessa that I had been on. I lost the weight that I gained from the monoessa, my skin stopped breaking out aside from a few pimples here and there, and it doesn't make me nauseous like Monoessa did. I used to have cystic acne around my jawline and sometimes on my cheeks and I've gotten 1-2 since starting but they went away in literally a day's time. I was honestly amazed. I'm a pharmacy tech so I knew it wouldn't be much of a change but I didn't think it would be this much better!! If you're unsure about it, give it a chance just because everyone's bodies are different. You could be one of the few like me that it works miracles on. :)"

9 / 10
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21 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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