Hormonal imbalances are a main cause of acne in women. Birth control pills can help treat cases of acne in women. Of course, they are not used as a first line of defense against acne. Doctors may suggest the use of birth control pills to treat acne when the woman needs birth control in the first place or when she has some other problem like polycystic ovaries which may actually benefit from the use of birth control pills. Sometimes, doctors may recommend the use of birth control pills in cases when the woman has severe acne which does not respond to treatment. Birth controls pills which are FDA approved for the treatment of acne include YAZ, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Estrostep. Oral contraceptive pills contain progestin and estrogen. These hormones reduce the testosterone levels in the body. This androgen hormone is responsible for excess sebum production which in turn causes plugging of pores and bacterial infection, resulting in acne. Birth control pills may take two to six months to be effective in treatment of acne. Although, they are safe, there may be some side effects like nausea, headaches, irregular menstruation, depression and decreased libido. Some women may experience hyperpigmentation of the skin and frequent urination.