I started taking the pill again about 3 months ago. Every time I get put on any medication I research the hell out of it. And what I found was very interesting. My doc originally prescribed Ovcon-35 which is recommended as a “less androgenic properties” pill. For those of you who aren’t cyberchodriacs, that means that it will help more with the acne and body hair. For those of you who suffer from PCOS and have issues with hair loss, these types of pills will help with that too. Luckily, that is one side effect I’ve been spared *knock on wood*.
Basically, some BCPs are better at controlling the side effects of PCOS. I found this interesting article here:
Barbara Reed did an excellent review in Fitzpatrick’s Journal Sept/Oct 94 on “The Pill”… She listed these as the best BCP for Acne, Alopecia [hair loss], and Hirsuitism [excess hair]: Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, Brevicon, Modicon, Ovcon-35, and Demulen-35.
After reading that, I had my doctor switch me to Ortho-Cept (since it was rated higher in the article). I have noticed a marked improvement in the acne and the hair regrowth (after I shave, pluck or wax) is significantly slower. I'm pretty pleased with the results. Just thought I'd share in case anyone else was looking for help in this department.
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Hey, just wanted to post my thoughts here. I switched from Yasmin to Ortho Cyclen about six months ago and I swear the Ortho has slowed down extra hair growth - mainly on my chin and upper lip. Now it wasn't too heavy or course to begin with, but the growth was consistent for several years - I'd pluck every few days to manage the chin and I'd use Nair on my upper lip. But after about 5 - 6 mos. on Ortho, my face stopped breaking out (it broke out right when I switched, then faded) and the hair growth has slowed significantly - it now grows in lighter and thinner on my face.
I hated Yasmin - if this is possible - I gained weight, got bloated and it didn't help my hair or acne situation at all - and I got little dizzy spells on it. Probably from the small Spiro dose - but that dosage is SO SMALL - that's funny so many women go on it for the SPiro dose - but compared to the dose if you actually take the drug Spiro, it's nothing. Not enough for me to see results, anyway.
Hope this helps a bit.
Demulen was my first BCP and I loved it! I went back on it a couple times, in fact. It's definitely not high on the androgen side as every androgen mediated problem I have either disappeared or improved greatly when I was on it. I grew a cup size though
I'm glad you're doing well on your new BCP! Picking a BCP can be a harrowing experience.
I don't know about Ortho Tri Cyclen though... I honestly think they are paying off the 'right' people or something. I don't make that accusation lightly! Every woman I've known that's been on BCP for any length of time seems to get that one thrown at them at least once and not a one of them does well on it. Every single one of us had acne while on that pill, and I'm talking about a sample of a dozen or so young women... some who had never had a zit in their life! I couldn't believe when they got FDA approval for use for acne! To me that is as silly as Clomid being FDA approved for birth control. Perhaps we were just all oddballs. My PCOS friend and I had the worst time, especially with hirsutism issues, but the weight gain, mood swings, hair loss, and increased HS (for me) wasn't very fun either. Sounds kinda androgenic if you went by our symptoms.
Thanks for the info! I'm going to be picking a new BCP soon and need to know what's out there.
Dana
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I agree on Ortho Tri Cyclen regular...I was on it and had the worst acne ever in my whole life, as an adult. I also gained 6 sizes in 6 weeks. The regular is a very high, unopposed (for like 2/4 weeks) estrogen pill. Not necessarily good for us PCOSers!
The drug rep was buzzing the RE a few weeks ago and supposedly there's a lower-dose Yasmin coming out early next year! With like 20-something estrogen instead of 30-something that's in there now.
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Personally I have to disagree and agree with Keilygal. Ortho TriCyclen has worked wonders on me. Ive been on it for close to a year and I've lost weight. In addition, my facial hair has slowed down alot. I mean I still have facial hair but it grows back a slower rate. I use to have to Nair at least 2-3 times a week now I just do it on saturdays...and it doesn't grow in as thick neither...So I would have to say Ortho TriCyclen does have a positive affect on some of us PCOS women.
Better BCPs for hair/acne 
Ortho Cyclen for hair/acne 
Thanks! 
To me that is as silly as Clomid being FDA approved for birth control. Perhaps we were just all oddballs. My PCOS friend and I had the worst time, especially with hirsutism issues, but the weight gain, mood swings, hair loss, and increased HS (for me) wasn't very fun either. Sounds kinda androgenic if you went by our symptoms.
