Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken this pill for four months now and don't really have anything negative to say. I hit my 'two-year limit' with the Depo shot I was on, so my healthcare provider suggested this pill. I haven't been nauseous, no headaches, no appetite changes, no bloating, etc. The only negatives I can definitely complain about are the acne and sex drive. My acne is well contained while on the pill, but during the week 'break' it flares up worse than I've ever experienced. Also, I've noticed an extreme loss of sex drive along with a loss of energy. I usually cringe at the thought of having sex and losing sleep; and the only thing that has changed about my routine is this pill."

• Rac...
• March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for almost 2 weeks now, and there have been no negative side effects: no moodiness, no pimples, no weight gain or loss, etc. I've also already noticed my skin slightly less pimply (although this might have to do with certain times of the month/hormones, we'll see). If anything, I've noticed my mood become more stable and happy. So far, so good!"

• Anonymous
• September 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 3 months now. For the first 2 weeks, I experienced terrible mood swings and was extremely sensitive. This quickly went away. Now I'm very satisfied with the pill. I went from extremely horrible, heavy, and painful periods to having an extremely light period that lasts 3 days. I'm also very regular, which has never happened to me before. The only thing now that keeps me from giving this pill 10 out of 10 is that I went from having clear skin to breaking out, and it hasn't cleared up for the past 3 months. I have a little bit of acne around my mouth. Reading other people's experiences made me hopeful, and I definitely hope it clears up soon. I'll just have to stick it out a little longer on this pill."

• Anonymous
• September 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 3 months now. For the first 2 weeks, I experienced terrible mood swings and was extremely sensitive. This quickly went away. Now I'm very satisfied with the pill. I went from extremely horrible, heavy, and painful periods to having an extremely light period that lasts 3 days. I'm also very regular, which has never happened to me before. The only thing now that keeps me from giving this pill 10 out of 10 is that I went from having clear skin to breaking out, and it hasn't cleared up for the past 3 months. I have a little bit of acne around my mouth. Reading other people's experiences made me hopeful, and I definitely hope it clears up soon. I'll just have to stick it out a little longer on this pill."

• Cou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I first tried this in high school and had no problems or side effects. It actually really helped me! I no longer suffered from debilitating morning cramps or heavy periods. In college, I switched to Mirena IUD. Six months into having the Mirena, my face broke out with pimples like I could never have imagined. I tried topical treatments, diet changes, and acne clinic facials. Nothing helped my acne until I decided to remove the IUD. I'm now back on a brand of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I'm happy with my birth control again. It's doing its job and not giving me any problems - no weight gain or weight loss. I'm working on recovering my skin from acne scars, and I'm so thankful for no more active breakouts!"

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I started using this birth control after a previous one since it was too strong (on it for 4 months). I have been using this for 7 months, and I have since gained 30 lbs. I eat very healthy and exercise 5 days a week, as well as live in a city, so I walk up to 8 miles a day. Plus, I am in training for a marathon, so I should be losing weight, not gaining it. I used this birth control for acne as well as for preventing pregnancy. I can say I have had no pregnancy scares, and my period came the same day every month, so I always knew when I would be getting it. It has cleared up my acne a little, however, not a lot. This is my last month taking it, as it is most likely the reason I gained so much weight, plus it took away my sex drive."

• dom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I was beyond being in a dark place on this Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo pill, my face broke out like crazy. I’ve had nice skin forever, and taking this pill, I thought would be nice because I’ve heard reviews of it being good for your skin. It didn’t really help with my cramps either, they still hurt (my pain is as bad as having to book off a week off of work, fainting, throwing up, etc.). I failed 4 classes because I was so depressed every day. This pill might work for you, but I wanted to leave my review to warn other girls that may experience this super dark, depressing, dark hole that this pill put me in so you can have an understanding of where it’s coming from."

• Nat...
• November 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Natalia W here again, as I said I would review this pill if my period did not stop. I am on day 15 now of my period. It got lighter at day 9-14, where I never wore a tampon, however, I bled when I peed or worked out. Today I woke up, day 15, cramps, heavier bleeding, and wearing a tampon AGAIN. Made an appointment with my Dr to see if this is normal. I did just start this BC, so I hope my body is just regulating. Still no weight gain, no crazy mood swings, no acne. Just non-stop period. Will update with new info if necessary. Still not a bad pill because no weight gain, acne, and my sex drive is still pretty much the same, maybe a tiny bit lowered, but probably because I am constantly on my period."

• Lex...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I first got on this birth control at 15 years old and took it up until March 2020, when I regrettably got off of it for a 'break.' Since getting off of it, I constantly have acne on my forehead and cheeks (I’ve NEVER struggled with acne), my anxiety/insecurities have heightened, I get cramps during my periods, and I have a way lower sex drive. Oh, and I did end up getting pregnant even after taking Plan B. I started back up on it this morning and can’t wait to feel back to my normal self. Everyone suggested I get off the pill because it made everyone 'crazy,' but I got way crazier and emotional when I got off of it than when I was on it. I cry about anything and everything and never used to on the pill."

• Aye...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2019

For Birth Control "This Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo birth control really helped. I had horrible acne and oily skin. It made me gain a little weight, but that is okay considering I'm very thin. I struggle with extreme depression, anger, and anxiety, and this pill only made it worse. However, I was used to it already and was able to control it. It controlled my skin and prevented pregnancy, however, so I love it. I just went to the pharmacy and got this new pill, Tri Lo Sprintec, and after reading NOT A SINGLE GOOD review, I can say I'm scared for my life to take this, lmao. Apparently, it causes horrible acne, mood swings, cramps. And I already get all of those things. I'll take this for a month, then update."

• Myn...
• April 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I had been off birth control for about 6 months, but the acne and PMDD symptoms were unbearable, and I had met a guy. So, I go in and talk to my doctor, and she prescribed me this. It was different than I was used to. I've never taken a triphasic pill before, nor a 28-day cycle one. After the first two days, I became severely depressed. I started crying over nothing. After a week, my acne was cleared up, but I had awful breakthrough bleeding. After two weeks, still bleeding, cramping (taking ibuprofen 5 times a day), no energy, acne is back and cystic in some spots, and an emotional wreck. Third week, I was in a dark, dark place mentally, worsened acne, and all of the above issues still remained. On the inactive week, I had bleeding so bad I contemplated adult diapers and had to call out of work due to the escalation in pain from the cramps. Had testing done; not pregnant, no STDs, no pelvic inflammatory disease, no cysts, etc. I took this pill religiously at 6 pm every day and was not on any other meds."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2011

For Birth Control "I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 5 years and switched to Loestrin (because of insurance purposes). As soon as I switched, I got horrible acne. Although Loestrin gave me lighter periods, I was crazy, moody, and overall a terrible, cranky person-haha. I gave it about 6 months to see if it would get better-it didn't, so I'm spending $75 a month for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo again. Totally worth it."

• Ana...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about three weeks now, going into my second cycle. I so far have not experienced any side effects that I know of. The first week, I had a few intense headaches, but there was also a major weather fluctuation where I live, so I can't say for sure what was the cause. Otherwise, no migraines, spotting, nausea, or muscle pain. I have actually been losing weight since I started the pill, but I would like to think it's my healthy lifestyle doing the work. Contraceptive-wise, still not pregnant, so that's fine. For long-term benefits and risks, i.e.: acne, hair loss, I cannot say much. My skin is more or less the same. I have moderate to slight acne, so it may not even be hormonal. So far, so good."

• Lea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2015

For Endometriosis "I took Ortho for just over 1 year. This is the worst thing I ever did for my severe cramps caused by endo. I don't think I will ever fully forgive myself for it. While my cramps subsided completely for 8 months (and ONLY 8 months --- then they came back in full force without any change in lifestyle or medication), the side effects were a nightmare. I developed extreme pain in my breasts to the point I was barely able to wear a sports bra and totally unable to wear a regular bra. I developed severe cystic acne, which has left my face permanently scarred. My hair began to thin, and small patches fell out while I suffered from crippling depression and insomnia. I would never take BC again in any form after this experience."

• Aja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I guess hormonal BC isn't for me. I switched to OTC Lo after being on Alesse 28 for 3 months. I was beginning to get acne on Alesse, and it was impacting my mood. My GP recommended I try this BC because apparently it's good for acne. Well...this BC made my acne worse. Literally ruined my chin with painful zits and now horrible scars. My depression has gotten worse, and my anxiety is through the roof. I have an appetite that is endless and gained so much weight. Also, my period happens before the placebo week, which is odd. I absolutely hate this pill and wish I never started birth control at all. As far as birth control, it does its job, but the side effects are not worth it."

• ch4...
• May 7, 2017

For Birth Control "Had no issues on this! No noticeable weight gain or change in mood or anything. Got my period during the placebo week, which was nice, because my period was super irregular before (got it anywhere from 28 to 54 days in between cycles). Only once did I start getting my period a day or two before the placebo week, so my OBGYN put me on an extra dose of estrogen pills the next month to balance it out. That seemed to fix it. My acne cleared up a bit too. Only switched off it to get an IUD, but if I was going to stay on an oral BC, I would have had no reason to leave this one."

• Cla...
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I've truly loved this birth control. I used to take Alesse, and I was so depressed, and I always felt horrible, and I had gained weight. However, with Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, after 3-4 months, I noticed that I feel much happier than I did with Alesse, less pimples, less weight gain. Although I do bloat, I don’t think it’s inevitable. I’m sure if I ate right and exercised, it would be perfectly fine."

• Dov...
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "My personal experience. * Effectiveness: It was completely fine. I felt safe using it even with unprotected sex. I never felt the need to use extra protection. * Side effects and how it made me feel emotionally and physically: I did not experience sickness or irritability. However, I did experience weight gain, increased appetite, and hormonal acne. After a while, the acne settled down once my body got used to the hormonal changes. * Insurance coverage: My insurance is United Healthcare. So after the first month that I was on, I had to switch to a generic version, Tri-Sprintec, because they wouldn't cover it. * Pill size: Small. If you don't like taking really small pills, I would suggest taking it with yogurt or pudding."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 9-10 years, other than when I got off of it to have my 3 children. I never had any weight gain, acne problems, and never had any heavy bleeding. I had a light period and occasional moodiness, but nothing out of the ordinary. BUT! I have noticed a SEVERE lack of sex drive!! As in no sex drive at all, nothing, notta, zero, zilch!! This is a great pill to take if you don't care to have a sex life and are not married."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2011

For Birth Control "I took this pill for about a month. And in that month, I thought I was doing fine. No mood swings, nausea, headaches, not as much acne. But then my mom pulls me out of my room one day and tells me that I was gaining weight. I thought I had noticed it, but thought it was just because I was eating a lot. Being on this pill made me overly hungry all the time."

• Oka...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 20, 2015

For Ovarian Cysts "So, I thought the light periods were a problem, but since I see people with the same issue, that makes me feel a little better. Although, I don't like that I come on at the end of the pack. I usually would come on the Wednesday during the non-active pills, but now it's like Saturday or Sunday, then extremely light for maybe 2 to 3 days. Good thing is I do not have problems with the cysts or fibroids now, no pain. Periods are once a month, although light. No acne, mood swings are normal, I think :-) overall good pill."

• Jen...
• March 30, 2012

For Birth Control "Well, I started taking it back in June 2011 after getting horrible side effects from LoSeasonique. It caused me to break out (even on my thighs), and I retained water like no other. So, my doctor put me on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. When I first started it, there were not any side effects for the first few weeks. After the first pack, that's when I got side effects. My face broke out. But I stuck to it. It has to get worse before it can get better, right? I do occasionally have a breakout still to this day. But I have not gained weight. I haven't been sexually active while on it, so I cannot say it helps keep me from getting pregnant. I was put on it for my severe cramps I get. It does make my periods lighter and no cramps!"

• Mal...
• June 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm just about finished with my first pack of the generic version of Tri-Cyclen Lo. I'm on 'Tricira Lo.' At first, I was nervous that it wouldn't be the exact same, but I looked up the ingredients, and they're the exact same and same levels as the name brand. The first week, I had really bad hormonal acne along my jawline and slightly up my face, but after that initial week, my face has completely cleared up and looks better than it ever has! It's much less oily now, so it makes my makeup last all day! It has not given me headaches and has not affected my moods whatsoever, but I have noticed a slight decline in sex drive. Overall, I think this is a great birth control if you're looking for low hormone!"

• Meg...
• October 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill almost two years ago when I was sixteen and took it faithfully. I had a boyfriend from 15 to 18, and I never got pregnant, so that just shows how good it works. But on the hormonal side, I took it every night at 9:00 and didn't have to deal with nausea or anything like people say they get. It kind of helped my acne, and my periods were super light. The first day my cramps would hurt, but after I was good, and it only lasted like 3 days. Also, it can make your digestive system whack, so drink water. But, recently I have broken out a ton and been hormonal, so I decided it's time to switch! Wish me luck! (:"

• Vyl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2018

For Birth Control "Okay, so I started taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo when I was 15, and I can honestly say that it wasn’t one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Although it does not clear my acne up entirely, it does reduce it significantly, and it makes it less painful and red. The bad thing is that, if you aren’t able to take it for a month, your acne will reappear pretty bad. It happened to me last month (and a few times before), and it’s really hard to clear up your skin for a while. It might take a while until you see good results, so try to be patient."