Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject: Dianette
Hi ladies,
I have been on Dianette for over 10 years on and off. I am an acne sufferer. Since using Dianette I have noticed that everytime I start a new course, my boobs grow at least a cup size and my hair is not prone to grease as much!
My sister has also been on Dianette and she has too reported the same.
But for those of you who have been ill-educated or uninformed this is where you need to read on.....
Dianette tablets contain two active ingredients, cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol. This combination of medicines is also known as co-cyprindiol. (NB. Co-cyprindiol tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Cyproterone acetate is a type of medicine called an anti-androgen. Androgens are male hormones and are produced by women as well as men. They are responsible for stimulating the growth of the skin, including the sebaceous glands that produce oil (sebum), and the hair that grows from the skin. However, if your body produces too much androgen, or if your skin is particularly sensitive to the effects of androgens, the sebaceous glands may produce too much sebum. This can cause the sebaceous glands to become blocked, resulting in infection, inflammation and acne spots. The androgens may also cause excessive growth of the hair on the face and body - a condition known as hirsutism. Both these problems are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Cyproterone acetate is used to prevent these actions of the androgens. It works by blocking the receptors in the body that the androgens normally work on. This means that the androgens can no longer affect the skin or the hair and acne and hirsutism can improve. Cyproterone acetate also decreases the production of androgens by the ovaries, so that there are less of these male hormones circulating.
You should notice that your skin becomes less greasy within a few weeks of treatment with this medicine, but it may take a few months of treatment before you see a definite improvement in your acne or excessive hair growth.
This medicine is also an effective combined oral contraceptive. Cyproterone acetate is a progestogen derivative, and the other ingredient, ethinylestradiol, is a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring female hormone, oestrogen. The medicine works as a contraceptive by preventing the ripening and release of eggs from the ovaries, as well as increasing the thickness of the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. It also changes the lining of the womb so that it is less suitable for any fertilised eggs to successfully implant in.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
This is unbelievable. I'd heard Dianette had been banned in America, and I was pretty apprehensive when I was first put on it 6 weeks ago, but I had no idea how serious some of the side affetcs are. My best friend got put on it about a year ago, and she said the 3 months she was on it were one of the worst she had ever experienced in her life. It has worked brilliantly for me upto about a week ago. My skin has cleared up dramaticly, I've gone up a bra size and I've put on a few pounds but I'm not too bothered because I'm naturally skinny anyway. But this past week has been hell. It's like I've had a personality transplant. I've been crying on and off all week, feel really really depressed and suicidal, and feel paranoid about absolutely everything to the point where I've nearly lost one of my best friends. After reading all this I've just made a doctors appointment for a weeks time to get put on a different pill because I'm not willing to put myself through this for the sake of nice skin.
Also, I forgot to put in the above post, are there other pills which have the same effects on oily skin as diannette? I went to my doctor about a year ago to get put on a pill for my skin but he refused to put me on diannette because he said the side effects and risks where bigger than the benefits for people with mild acne (true). But when I returned about 6 weeks ago to try and get put on a pill for my skin AND as a contraceptive, they happily perscribed me with diannette. I mentioned to her about mood swings, weight gain, depression, etc, but she just said to give it a go and see how it works.
My skin is no different, just a little bit shinier, and I started my first natural period in nearly 8 years today! Only a little bit more than 28 days after coming off dianette, i'm very pleased.
Shall let you know how I get on in the next couple of months, but do be encouraged to stop taking the strongest pill on the market.
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject: Dianette... Yasmin... now Cilest
With regards to my previous posts stressing about coming off Dianette after 10 years because of the dangers and then on to Yasmin for 6 months just there - being the worst nightmare of my life. I am now on Cilest as a last alternative before going back on Dianette. I very unwillingly said to my doctor I would give it a month or 2 as a last attempt and so far have been on it 5 weeks. Well my skin has cleared up dramatically have only had a couple of spots in a whole month compared to about 6 at a time on Yasmin!! I'm hoping this is going to work I'm going to give it 3 months to see if it does and if not not unfortunately I will have to go back on Dianette which I really dont wanna do coz of the dangers etc but cannot live with acne! Does anyone have experience of Cilest for skin and does it work???? Thanks x
Hi, i'm 16 years old and asian and i suffer from irregular, heavy and painfull periods. I also suffer from acne (since i was about 8/9) and dark, thick hairs on my chin, neck and around my breasts (since i was about 13ish). After researching the reasons why i suffer these issues and also by talking to close family members, i now know it's most probably PCOS. I researched possible ways to help these conditions and read that 'the pill' can help. So i decided to go and visit my doctor and asked her to put me on the pill and she recommended i try Dianette. However after reading the many possible side effects such as mood swings and hair thinning i am beginning to question whether or not it's worth trying. I'm worried about these side effects but i don't know what else to try. Please help!
BCP tend to mask pcos symptoms, they do not resolve them...once you get off them, the symptoms are likely to continue as before.
Obviously im not in the same position as you, but given another chance of trying to clear up my skin i would really give natural means a really good go. Another girl on another forum has had great success with pcos symptoms through overhauling her diet. See a naturopath, exercise more, change your diet and you could see marked changes.
Messing with your hormones (even when they seem to be a bit f#cked to begin with) is something you should really think through.
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:20 pm Post subject: Not all bad..
Im 18 and I've been on Dianette for 3 years since i was 15. Originally it was for skin problems, however I now also use it for contraception. Going on Dianette was a last resort after trying other medications since the age of 13 to clear my skin up, none of which had any significant affect. Previously I had severely painful period pains which have reduced, however are still present. My skin has cleared up and given me so much more confidence. I have experienced any significant weight gain. My moods can be volatile however I account that to just finishing my A levels and the pressures of being a teenager. Some of my friends have been asked by their GPs to come of Dianette after there skin has cleared up. Despite this, mine hasn't adviced this yet. If I did stop taking it, I would change to a lower dosage as I'm to worried that my bad skin will return. Dianette is the strongest pill, that is why it is typically used to treat severe acne and subsequently there will always be side affects. Obviously the side affects discussed above worry me but I think the benefits on my case could outweigh them.
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject: Dianette
I just wanted to say to everyone out there who's been on dianette for about 2 years or more... GET OFF IT!
I was on Dianette, because I have severe acne, and also a form of OCD. If I get a spot, I pick it... and pick it and pick it. I am now quite badly scarred because of it. Dianette really cleared my skin up, but then recently I started getting migraines and feeling sick etc.
I went to the local GUM clinuc for a check up, and the woman was horrified to hear I'd been on Dianette for 5 years. It causes increased clotting and consequently strokes. I could have died.
I've only been off it a month, and my skin is horrendous again, but I'm working on it... any tips for combatting skin complaints without a death drug?
I was on Dianette for 10 years after having severe acne since I was 11. I tried Roaccutane which I had to come off of, at 14 having tried everything on the market I was put on Dianette. Over ten years no GP's ever told me how dangerous it was until lately. 6 months ago my GP informed me it was the strongest pill on the market and can cause liver problems and thrombosis and recommended I now try another pill as my skin may not flare up as much (I'm now 25). Nothing was mentioned regarding infertility etc as mentioned here which is really scary! I came off the Dianette and did some research and got referred to a dermatologist as my skin started to get worse again (after all these years of much improvement ) I asked my GP for Yasmin as I saw it all over the internet as the new wonder pill for skin, hair, nails etc. The first GP I saw would not give me it and gave me Marvelon which I had to come off of after 6 weeks because I had major headaches for first time in my life. The second GP gave me Yasmin and instantly my skin became the worst it has ever been in my life I have huge lumps on my face and even my back which has never happened!!! I am crying all the time and fighting with my boyfriend it really is the worst time of my life and I have nothing at all to be upset about!! I was advised by the dermatologist that Dianette will be "back in fashion" again soon and this is coming from a specialist! She advised me to stick with Yasmin for at least 6 months as its so good!!!! Thats 5 months and I'm definitely coming off of it at the end of this packet I cannot handle acne at this age and the moodswings beware anyone who is told to try this pill. I am researching but I cannot find any other pill that seems like it will help me Does anyone have any ideas what I can do next ???????
Am now trying my 5th pill which my GP has said can help skin although I am very doubtful!! Has anyone had any experience of Cilest improving skin? Have now been on it 5 days and am very nercous as to the side effects after my experience with other pills. If this doesnt work I am being referred back to the dermatologist in the hope of being put on Dianette on another attempt at Roaccutane, although this site has scared me senseless of Dianette, I dont know whats worse all these horror stories or acne at 25?!! Also trying Differin cream has anyone tried this either? x
I have just had to come off dianette because of many migraines and also I've had terrible aching in my legs every morning, not sure if this is to do with dianette or not. Anyway, my skin has gone terrible since I cam off it and having tried everything on the market, (including roaccutane twice) i am concerned as to what to do next to, but have done some research and have an idea. Cyroterone the chemical that help the acne in dianette can be prescribed alone for acne by taking it for the 1st 10 days of every cycle then a progesterone only pill can be taken apparently Norgeston doesn't have a lot of progestone in it and is one of the safer pills. I'm going to see my G.P tommorrow and make some suggestions so willlet you know if it works. Cilest by the way didn't work for me, infact dianette is the only pill that has over many years of trying others including Yasmin, I had terrible skin on that!! Hope this helps x
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:29 am Post subject: Re: dianette and babies
marie1111111 wrote:
i took dianette for around 7 years to clear my skin, and as a contrceptive pill, when i came off to try for a baby, no period,,, it took months and then finally,,, but they were not regular. long story short, but i have many problems no baby after 5 years of trying and they say i have a egg problem, my skin is crap , spots on my back and neck. i would not bother with it , its not worth it , :
Sorry to hear you have not had a baby, but I wouldn't be too quick to blame dianette. I've been on and off diane and dianette for 24 years and have had 3 babies in between the last one only 3 years ago at age 36 so I wouldn't say dianette nessaccarily has anything to do with your problem. Good luck your'll probably get pregnant when you've given up trying I know 2 people thats happened to! chin up
i have been off dianette for 2 weeks and my skin is so shiny/oily/greasy and horrible at the moment.
I've been off it 4 wks and I have the same problem but with spots, greasy hair and spots on my scalp, yuk, help!!!!
i actually have gone back on it already but i am going on holiday for a couple of weeks but when i come back im going to try and come off it again and stick with it!!!! i have been on it since i was 16 and im now 21 so i think time to come off it! i dont really know what to do though to make my skin not get spotty!
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