Expert: Diane Cheryl - 2/6/2007

Question
Hello, I am a 16 year old girl on Yasmin with DRSP birth control pills. I just started them 10 days ago and have noticed a definite increase in acne on my chest and back, which is bothersome, because my acne was one of the main reasons I chose Yasmin as my pill. I know that any hormones will take some time to get used to, but I was wondering if there is a set window of time for these adjustments to take place. It has been 10 days... would I even be noticing any effects from the pills yet? Is my acne increase caused by something else?
Obviously you don't know for sure in my personal case, but do you have a ballpark estimate of when I should start to see some results? None of the other common side effects have occurred.... but I fear I am just freaking out over nothing and the pills haven't even had time to effect my body yet!  

Answer
Hi Adriana,
Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical doctor but I have done years of research on the subject. There is no set window for the hormones to adjust. The acne increase could be from the hormones in the pills. I don't ever recommend birth control pills or any kind of hormonal birth control. I recommend only condoms, Natural Family Planning and of course, abstinence. Here is an article about Yasmin that I hope will be helpful to you. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/yasmin_ad.htm
Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com so we can talk more.
Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com