Both Ortho Tri Cyclen and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo are birth control pills. The medicines prevent unintended pregnancy. Using female hormones both medicines actually prevent ovulation, which results in averting conception. There are many similarities between the two drugs but there is also some substantive difference between Ortho Tri Cyclen and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo.
Both are Birth Control Pills
Ortho Tri Cyclen has norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. The medicine manages to alter the uterine lining and mucus in the female cervix. The changes prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus, hence preventing conception or averting pregnancy. While primarily it is a birth control pill, it has also been approved by the Federal Drug Administration as secondary treatment for acne. Women aged fifteen and above, those who have regular periods, can use the drug.
Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo also has norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is also a medicine that changes the uterine lining and mucus in the cervix of a woman which prevents the sperms from reaching the uterus and hence preventing pregnancy. It has also been observed to have some effects as a treatment for acne but the FDA has not approved it yet. Right now, both medications are widely prescribed as birth control pills.
Difference Between Ortho Tri Cyclen and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo
Lo has less estrogen. Tri Cyclen has been known to impact the mood of women. Many women have heavier breakouts and menstrual cycles after taking Tri Cyclen. Lo doesn’t have such side effects. However, many women don’t find much difference between Ortho Tri Cyclen and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, either in effect or side effects. It must be noted that both are equally effective in preventing pregnancy so there is no difference in their primary purposes.
It has been observed that women who have a history of moodiness, swollen breasts and premenstrual syndrome tend to choose Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo. With higher estrogen levels, Ortho Tri Cyclen can aggravate the existing conditions.
Although Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo has not been approved by the FDA to be used as a secondary treatment for acne, those who take it as a birth control pill have experienced better and clearer skin over a period of time. This is not fully substantiated and may not be the case for every woman. Hormonal secretions are different from one woman to another so the exact impact, positive and negative side effects will vary for both the drugs.
