Over a period of seven years, I tried four different birth control pills (one of which was actually the patch). While all of them stopped my cystic acne, they all also gave me monthly migraines (which run in my family).
I've been off of BCP for eight months now to see what would happen--in terms of both my acne and my migraines. Well, as of late May, I started breaking out on my back, arms and shoulders (seeminlgy non-cystic--but large and painful and slow-healing). And I've now started developing cystic acne on my face (forehead, chin and under my chin). Meanwhile, my migraines are extremely rare.
So here's my issue: Can anyone recommend a BCP that is less likely to cause migraines (or at least not horrible ones) and still prevent cystic acne? I'm 29 and am at my wits end. I'm damned if a do, damned if I don't. Choose acne and more scarring, or migraines.
I suffer really bad with migranes while on any contraception pill that I tried to rid me of my cysts and boils which came every month and stayed until the new ones took their place. I had them everywhere! and I mean everywhere. They were very painful and would fill with puss and blood (sorry to much information) I had to come off the mini pill as the migranes were so bad that they would make the left side of my body go numb! I was so dispondent that I paid to go privately to see a dermatologist and he was a real life saver. He told me that the anti-biotics prescribed by my GP were not strong enough. He prescribed Trimethoprim 300mg twice a day. and Metformin 2000mg the Migranes and Acne have gone. My skin is in nice condition but if I stop taking the Trimethoprim they start to come back so unfortunately it is a long term solution. I personally think that it is worth the hassle as I was sick and tired of Zits that were embarrising and very painful. I have also lost some weight from the Metformin without dieting as an extra bonus. So for me this combination worked, but as with all medication you need to be monitored while taking.
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble trying to find the right rx! (and having to choose between horrible migraines and horrible acne) When trying to control hormones, it really is a matter of trial and error before you find the right one. I remember that one of the ones I tried made me so completely unbearable to be around, if you know what I mean. I couldn't even stand myself! SO frustrating!
I don't know which ones you've tried, but one that ended working for me was one that had a lower dose of hormones...I can't remember the name right now (I'm taking a break from bcp for the time being).
Good luck, and I hope you start feeling better soon.
I had the same problems with BCP's. My doctor took me off them completely and said I would be ill on whichever form of pill, patch, injection etc,. we tried because they all have a certain amount of Oestrogen (sorry not sure of spelling!) which is what I was reacting too and caused the migraines
I got put on long-term antibiotics for my acne and dieted and lost weight which brought back more regular periods and all is much better and I feel MUCH better for not being onthe BCP's at all.
Hope you find something that works for you. x
__________________ Age: 26
DX: May 2004
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Walking & Low Carbing to 146lbs - nearly there!
July 07 : 167lbs
Sept 07: 153lbs
Nov 07: 147lbs
May 08: 144lbs
July 08: 140lbs
Acne V. Migraines 
Migranes and Acne 
