Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Acne: What Users Say

• Sti...
• November 6, 2020

For Birth Control "This makes 5 months on Nikki for me. My body acne has completely healed. I was on the Mirena IUD right after my second child, and it completely messed up my hormones. I gained 30 lbs in two months. Now being on Nikki, I have officially lost 20 lbs without any real change to my diet. Wondering if I'm crazy or if this BC has actually straightened out my hormones. Has anyone else experienced weight loss?"

• Lan...
• February 6, 2020

For Acne "3 months ago I was scrolling through the comments on this website in hopes of finding hope for my hormonal cystic acne. I was diagnosed with PCOS after going to various doctors for my horrible acne that was painful, all over my jawline and especially my chin. It scarred horribly and took forever to go away. I was then prescribed Yaz. When I first started, I could count for 10-20 cysts on my face. 3 months later, I don’t even have 1 active cyst on my face. The only reason I’m not giving this a 10/10 is the first month was terrible. I was constantly nauseous and even threw up a few times. It also caused an initial breakout that was worse than anything I experienced before (even though my doctor insisted it wouldn’t get worse.) Besides that initial purge and nausea - I don’t have anything but good things to say. I’m finally getting my confidence back with clearer skin. This was amazing for me. I hope it works for you as well."

• pim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

For Acne "Okay guys, I desperately searched this site two months ago when my acne was horrific. I had started Yaz for the acne and it instantly got worse for the first month, and it felt really hopeless. BUT, it’s been 3 months now (the amount of time they say to wait) and it’s so, so, so much better. Please stick with this if you have hormonal acne, it helped me so much."

• Iwa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2020

For Acne "I started taking Yaz along with antibiotics to cure my acne 3 months and a couple of days ago. I’ve read the reviews here religiously, saying it would get better after 3 months. This is not the case! My acne got worse as soon as I started taking it. Month 1 was terrible, also 2, and now I honestly see no difference. Please tell me if someone shared the same experience. I don’t know what to do."

• acn...
• February 27, 2014

For Acne "I must say this is GOD sent. I was on Yasmin for polycystic ovarian syndrome and birth control! At first, I didn't know that it would help with my acne, but it did help... wow! I was acne-free for the five years that I was on Yasmin. I could actually go out without foundation, it was amazing. BUT for the past five months, I came off the pill because I wanted to start my family, the biggest mistake I ever made! My acne came back full-blown and even worse than before. In those five months, I tried every topical and home remedy, but sad to say, nothing worked. Now I'm back on the pill, only four days in, and I'm already seeing a drastic improvement where my acne is concerned."

• Chk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Acne "I am almost finishing my 4th pack of generic Yaz, and I’d love to report better news, but my acne is not better, actually worse. All over my upper neck and jawline, which is hormonal acne - which is what I thought this BC specialized in! And I’m 32, so this shouldn’t be happening like I’m some teen in high school with acne. Definitely started the BC journey and saw it purging and getting “worse” before better. But then 4 weeks ago, my acne got terrible. I have tons of activity and surface whiteheads and even some cystic acne. I told myself I would try to complete 5 months, but I just don’t see this getting better. Yes, my skin has improved from when I had a really bad episode of acne 4 weeks ago, but it's still pretty bad. What a disappointment. I’ll report if anything changes..."

• Chk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Acne "I am almost finishing my 4th pack of generic Yaz, and I’d love to report better news, but my acne is not better, actually worse. All over my upper neck and jawline, which is hormonal acne - which is what I thought this BC specialized in! And I’m 32, so this shouldn’t be happening like I’m some teen in high school with acne. Definitely started the BC journey and saw it purging and getting “worse” before better. But then 4 weeks ago, my acne got terrible. I have tons of activity and surface whiteheads and even some cystic acne. I told myself I would try to complete 5 months, but I just don’t see this getting better. Yes, my skin has improved from when I had a really bad episode of acne 4 weeks ago, but it's still pretty bad. What a disappointment. I’ll report if anything changes..."

• Chk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Acne "I am almost finishing my 4th pack of generic Yaz, and I’d love to report better news, but my acne is not better, actually worse. All over my upper neck and jawline, which is hormonal acne - which is what I thought this BC specialized in! And I’m 32, so this shouldn’t be happening like I’m some teen in high school with acne. Definitely started the BC journey and saw it purging and getting “worse” before better. But then 4 weeks ago, my acne got terrible. I have tons of activity and surface whiteheads and even some cystic acne. I told myself I would try to complete 5 months, but I just don’t see this getting better. Yes, my skin has improved from when I had a really bad episode of acne 4 weeks ago, but it's still pretty bad. What a disappointment. I’ll report if anything changes..."

• Chk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Acne "I am almost finishing my 4th pack of generic Yaz, and I’d love to report better news, but my acne is not better, actually worse. All over my upper neck and jawline, which is hormonal acne - which is what I thought this BC specialized in! And I’m 32, so this shouldn’t be happening like I’m some teen in high school with acne. Definitely started the BC journey and saw it purging and getting “worse” before better. But then 4 weeks ago, my acne got terrible. I have tons of activity and surface whiteheads and even some cystic acne. I told myself I would try to complete 5 months, but I just don’t see this getting better. Yes, my skin has improved from when I had a really bad episode of acne 4 weeks ago, but it's still pretty bad. What a disappointment. I’ll report if anything changes..."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2023

For Acne "I told myself I would come back and write a review because I drove myself crazy reading them all. I had terrible hormonal acne on my cheeks and jawline, and nothing worked, including topical products, diet changes, and even other birth control brands. I decided to try Yaz, and let me tell you, it worked so well. The first 3 months it got much, MUCH worse than it was before Yaz. I was so discouraged and miserable, but I held out. The first two months, especially, were terrible. But after my third pack, new breakouts heavily decreased and completely stopped halfway into the 4th pack. I'm now on month 10, and it was so, so, so worth it. I have maybe one breakout a month. Please don’t read bad reviews and think this won’t work for you. People are much more likely to leave a bad review than a good one. Try it for yourself and persist for 4 months. I wish I could tell myself to do it sooner. Good luck!!!"

• Gba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Acne "So I was skeptical about taking this birth control due to reading the mixed reviews. I’m glad I took it anyway. I just finished my second pack, and I’m also using a prescription acne cream called Retin-A. My skin definitely cleared up. I had constant cystic acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. I looked like a teenager, and I’m in my mid-twenties. My skin has occasional breakouts during my period week. Nothing crazy, maybe 3 pimples at the most, which is a huge improvement from before, where I would have like 20 at one time. I definitely recommend this birth control. Also, I’m not pregnant ;)"

• JMA...
• April 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Yasmin by my GP 3 years ago. After 2 months, I became depressed and very moody, but the acne on my back cleared up. I decided to come off it for my sanity, my moods improved, but my acne returned. 7 months ago, I decided to give it another go. This time has been fantastic. I'm 31, and my skin has never looked so clear, and my hair growth is much faster. I have always been a B - C cup, but 7 months on, I am a DD. My mood never changed, and I just feel great. I wouldn't change from Yasmin now, it's been great for me."

• jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2021

For Acne "I have only been on this pill for 2 weeks, and I see a HUGE DIFFERENCE!! I got off Nexplanon back in March (it gave me acne), so I started Estarylla in April, and it was so painful!! I was depressed at how my face was covered in hormonal cysts. I would have 12 cysts on my face at a time, and it was such a blow to my confidence. I couldn't even look people in the eye. I had such a strict skincare routine too and was using prescription creams for acne, but nothing helped. 5 months later, I finally decided to give birth control another try after a short break and went with Loryna. It has changed my skin, and I have no breakouts on my face right now, my skin is completely smooth with only some scars. I tear up at how much confidence I have now because I haven't felt this way in so long. If you are on this journey right now, keep pushing!! You got this! Acne does not make you any less beautiful!!"

• ani...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2021

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE Syeda! During Covid-19, my pharmacy switched me to Syeda from Ocella. I didn’t think anything of it. Oh boy, was I wrong. Gained 20 lbs FAST, had severe acne, and crazy depression and anxiety. Thought it was all due to Covid-19 stress. However, from doing my research, I am now learning Syeda messed me up! Throwing it out now."

• Ban...
• April 1, 2020

For Acne "I was prescribed two different birth control pills since I first chose to go on it, and my experience with both was not great. I would experience spotting, severe anxiety and mood swings, and then very severe cystic acne. This past October, I switched to Nikki for the sake of my skin and anxiety, and I have never been so happy. My skin has been PERFECT since starting this pill, my hormones feel so balanced, and I could not be happier. I HIGHLY recommend Nikki for anyone experiencing difficulties with emotions, anxiety, or cystic acne."

• Bos...
• November 11, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 21 and have been taking the pill since the age of 16. Two years ago, I began to take Yaz after severe mood swings, depression, and overwhelming sadness and anger due to PMDD. Yaz has been a lifesaver for me! I don't have cramps, my period lasts 3 days at most and is very light (not even enough to warrant the use of a tampon), and my skin is perfectly clear, with the exception of 2 pimples a month around menstruation. But the absolute best part is my mood! I became ME again, a happy, easy-going person who doesn't pick fights with her boyfriend over burnt spaghetti noodles ;)"

• Sil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 15, 2012

For Acne "I've suffered from acne-prone skin since I was about 10. And let me tell you, after years of suffering from low self-esteem and being made fun of, I am in love with Yasmin. I've tried Pro-Active and other face cleaners, but nothing worked. My face took a month or so to improve, it's not all completely gone, I do get pimples every so often. Yasmin has helped me with emotional issues as well. I'm not so moody, and I feel so great on it. I definitely recommend it."

• Fli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2019

For Acne "The reason I am on this website is because I've almost finished my 3rd month of Yaz, and my skin is terrible, so I came here to see if others felt the same, and it seems so. I'm just not getting a break from pimples, it's really getting me down. I've read a lot here that the skin improves from here on out, so I will persevere. My moods have improved so much, I am more consistent and balanced. No PMS at all, very light periods too. If you're like me, hang in there a bit longer, I'm optimistic my skin will clear."

• kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2020

For Acne "I've been using Yaz as a form of birth control but also for my moderate, persistent acne (tried everything in 5 years). I would say the first 3 months were terrible. My acne has never been worse, so be prepared. But now, I'm 7 months into it and my skin is the clearest it has been in years. I still have pimples, but they are really small and go away in a day, and it could also be because I'm eating really bad at the moment. The only negative thing is it has made me a bit more anxious and prone to crying. Even if my gynecologist says it's impossible, I've noticed that I'm way more sensitive than before. Even little things make me cry. But anyway, I suggest you try it if you don't want babies and acne. Just be patient, I know it can be tough the first months, but it's worth it! I also haven't noticed a gain in weight, and I guess it's because it is a low dosage pill. Good luck!"

• h_s...
• May 13, 2008

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Yaz 6 months ago for Premenstrual tension syndrome. I think my PMS would last 2 weeks: lots of bloating, lots of acne, and lots of moodiness and crying. Yaz has been life-changing for me. No more PMS, very little breakouts. No more gaining/losing 10 lbs every month. I have lost 20 lbs to date just because I don't have weird cravings, my energy level is back to normal, and I am 5 lbs from ideal BMI. I feel GREAT! I love Yaz and am so thankful to my doctor."

• h_s...
• May 13, 2008

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I started taking Yaz 6 months ago for Premenstrual tension syndrome. I think my PMS would last 2 weeks: lots of bloating, lots of acne, and lots of moodiness and crying. Yaz has been life-changing for me. No more PMS, very little breakouts. No more gaining/losing 10 lbs every month. I have lost 20 lbs to date just because I don't have weird cravings, my energy level is back to normal, and I am 5 lbs from ideal BMI. I feel GREAT! I love Yaz and am so thankful to my doctor."

• Kat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Yasmin (brand name only) has been a miracle drug for me. I have PCOS, and when I'm not on it, I gain weight, have severe acne on my back and chest, grow excess hair on my body, lose hair on my head, and I'm super lethargic. When I'm on Yasmin, all of these symptoms go away. I will go on it again as soon as I can!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Acne "I’ve been on the Yasmin pill for exactly 3 months now. Before I started it, I was self-conscious about my skin, and I have horrific period cramps, so I decided to go on this pill. The first week or so my skin was pretty clear, and I originally thought my skin was going to stay like this... it didn’t. In months 2 and 3, my skin blew up, getting huge under-the-skin spots that were painful and took ages to go away. I realized that I cried almost every day about it, but I convinced myself that it was going to get better, as my doctor said it would take 3 months to get better. However, my skin looks 10x worse than it has ever looked before, and my period cramps haven’t changed in any way. I’m not sure what to do going forward because my skin is so scarred and damaged from all the huge spots I’ve been getting. Someone help!!!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2020

For Acne "I was prescribed Yaz a month ago due to hormonal imbalance, cystic acne, and water weight. I just finished my first pack and wanted to share with all of you. I have lost some water weight, and my mood/hormones have leveled so much! Before, I was around an 8 around PMS, but I haven’t felt above a 3 in weeks. This acne, however, is horrible. It has completely wrecked my skin. Every day, I have new cystic bumps along my cheeks and jawline. My doc wants me to give it a full 3 months, but I seriously don’t know if I can continue with my face like this. I’m 30, not 15. I have been using BP and been prescribed Retin-A to help. I am beyond embarrassed by it, so hopefully it gets better. Before Yaz, I would get maybe a handful of cystic acne around my period, but I have a new bump every day since I started."

• MRG...
• August 17, 2010

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I suffered with PMDD for over 20 years. This included bad acne, terrible mood swings, recurring infections such as bladder and yeast, having to be bedridden the entire week prior to my period, terrible joint pain, and water retention. I had seen all types of doctors, given tests for diabetes to STDs- as they couldn't figure out what was ailing me. I had doctors recommend Prozac and large amounts of Ibuprofen... none of this helped. It was by luck, my doctor was not available and I saw a different physician that prescribed Yaz. I can honestly say this medicine has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel like a new person and spent 20 years in pain. Thank you Yaz for giving me my life back- I LOVE THIS MEDICATION AND MY NEW LIFE!"