Birth Control Pill Comparison Tool
Yasmin
35 µg EE Drospirenone21 days active / 7 days placebo
Yaz
20 µg EE Drospirenone21 days active / 7 days placebo
Seasonique
30 µg EE Norgestimate84 days active / 7 days placebo
Levlen
35 µg EE Levonorgestrel21 days active / 7 days placebo
Lo Loestrin Fe
10 µg EE Levonorgestrel21 days active / 7 days placebo
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
35 µg EE Norgestimate21 days active / 7 days placebo
Key Features
- Estrogen Dose:
- Progestin Type:
- Cycle Length:
Notable Benefits
Common Side Effects
Cost Estimate
Best For
Quick Takeaways
- Yasmin combines 35µg ethinyl estradiol with drospirenone, offering strong acne control but a higher clot risk than low‑dose pills.
- Yaz provides the same hormones at a lower estrogen dose (20µg), good for mild acne and lighter bleeding.
- Seasonique uses a 30‑day extended cycle, reducing periods to four per year.
- LoLoestrinFe is the lowest‑dose estrogen option (10µg) and works well for women sensitive to hormonal side effects.
- When choosing, weigh estrogen dose, progestin type, cycle length, side‑effect profile, and cost.
When you start looking at birth‑control pills, the sheer number of brands can feel overwhelming. Yasmin often pops up because it’s marketed for acne and fluid retention, but is it the right fit for you? This guide breaks down Yasmin’s key attributes, stacks them against the most common alternatives, and gives you a clear checklist for a conversation with your doctor.
What is Yasmin?
Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that contains ethinyl estradiol (35µg) and drospirenone (3mg). It received FDA approval in 2001 and is prescribed for pregnancy prevention, acne management, and treatment of pre‑menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The pill is taken in a 21‑day active‑tablet cycle followed by a 7‑day hormone‑free interval.
How does Yasmin work?
Yasmin prevents ovulation by suppressing the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis. The estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) stabilizes the uterine lining, while the progestin (drospirenone) thickens cervical mucus and inhibits sperm penetration. Drospirenone also has anti‑androgenic properties, which explains the acne‑reducing effect.
Key criteria to compare oral contraceptives
- Estrogen dose (µg EE) - higher doses may increase clot risk but can improve cycle control.
- Progestin type - anti‑androgenic (drospirenone, desogestrel) vs. androgenic (levonorgestrel) influences acne and weight changes.
- Cycle length - 21‑day, 28‑day, or extended/continuous cycles affect bleeding frequency.
- Non‑contraceptive benefits - acne, dysmenorrhea, PMDD, menstrual‑related migraines.
- Common side effects - breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, mood changes, weight gain.
- Contraindications & safety - smoking >15 cigarettes/day, hypertension, history of VTE, migraines with aura.
- Cost (AU$ per pack) - varies by brand and pharmacy tier.
Side‑by‑side comparison of Yasmin and popular alternatives
| Brand | Estrogen (µg EE) | Progestin | Typical Cycle | Notable Benefits | Common Side Effects | Approx. Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yasmin | 35 | Drospirenone | 21days active / 7days placebo | Strong acne control, reduces water retention | Breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness | ≈$35 per 28‑tablet pack |
| Yaz | 20 | Drospirenone | 21days active / 7days placebo | Acne improvement, lighter periods | Spotting, mood swings | ≈$30 per pack |
| Seasonique | 30 | Norgestimate | 84days active / 7days placebo (extended) | Only 4 periods per year, reduced dysmenorrhea | Irregular spotting, headache | ≈$28 per pack |
| Levlen | 35 | Levonorgestrel | 21days active / 7days placebo | Reliable cycle control, low cost | Weight gain, acne (androgenic) | ≈$22 per pack |
| Lo Loestrin Fe | 10 | Levonorgestrel | 21days active / 7days placebo | Minimal estrogen side effects, suitable for estrogen‑sensitive women | Breakthrough bleeding, less acne control | ≈$40 per pack |
| Ortho Tri‑Cyclen | 35 | Norgestimate | 21days active / 7days placebo | Regulates menstrual cycle, helps with acne | Nausea, breast tenderness | ≈$25 per pack |
Which pill fits which lifestyle?
Yasmin shines for women who struggle with moderate to severe acne and experience bloating during their cycle. Its anti‑androgenic drospirenone counters excess oil, but the 35µg estrogen dose means you should be cautious if you smoke or have a history of blood clots.
Yaz offers the same drospirenone benefits with a gentler 20µg estrogen, making it a better choice for women who are sensitive to estrogen‑related side effects or who want lighter periods.
Seasonique is perfect for those who want to cut down on the number of periods per year. The 84‑day active phase means only four bleeds annually, which can be a relief for busy professionals or athletes.
LoLoestrinFe is the go‑to for estrogen‑sensitive users-think migraine sufferers or women with a high BMI-because the 10µg dose minimizes hormone‑related weight gain and mood swings.
Levlen remains a budget‑friendly, reliable option. Its androgenic levonorgestrel can worsen acne for some, so it’s best if you have clear skin and value cost over extra skin benefits.
Ortho Tri‑Cyclen balances a standard estrogen dose with a newer progestin (norgestimate) that tends to cause less acne than levonorgestrel but more than drospirenone.
Safety checklist - what you need to ask yourself
- Do I smoke? If yes, avoid pills with >35µg estrogen (Yasmin, Levlen).
- Do I have a personal or family history of deep‑vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism? Choose low‑estrogen options like Yaz or Lo Loestrin Fe.
- Am I prone to migraines with aura? All combined pills can aggravate this; discuss non‑hormonal options.
- Is acne a major concern? Drospirenone‑based pills (Yasmin, Yaz) generally outperform others.
- Do I want fewer periods? Consider extended‑cycle pills such as Seasonique.
Talking to your healthcare provider
Armed with the table above, ask your doctor these specific questions:
- Based on my blood pressure and smoking status, which estrogen dose is safest?
- Do I have any contraindications for drospirenone?
- Can we try a lower‑dose pill first and switch if acne persists?
- What are the costs with my private health cover or the PBS?
- If I miss a pill, what’s the correct backup plan?
Most clinicians will appreciate that you’ve done the homework-they’ll help you pick the most suitable brand and adjust if side effects appear.
How to switch safely
Switching from one combined pill to another is usually straightforward:
- Finish your current pack and start the new brand the day after the placebo pills.
- If you’re changing to a pill with a different estrogen dose, use a backup condom for the first 7days.
- Track any new spotting or mood changes for at least one cycle before deciding if it’s a bad fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Yasmin if I have a history of blood clots?
No. Yasmin’s 35µg estrogen dose puts you at a higher risk for venous thromboembolism. Women with a personal or strong family history of clotting should opt for a low‑estrogen pill like Yaz or LoLoestrinFe, or consider a non‑hormonal method.
Is Yaz just a lower‑dose version of Yasmin?
Essentially, yes. Both contain drospirenone, but Yaz uses 20µg ethinyl estradiol instead of 35µg. That lower estrogen reduces clot risk and often lessens breast tenderness, while still delivering acne‑fighting benefits.
Why does Seasonique only give four periods a year?
Seasonique follows an 84‑day active regimen followed by a 7‑day hormone‑free break. That means you get a bleed roughly every three months, cutting the number of periods from twelve to four.
Is Lo Loestrin Fe safe for women who are sensitive to weight gain?
Lo Loestrin Fe’s 10µg estrogen is the lowest among combined pills, which generally translates to fewer estrogen‑related weight changes. However, individual response varies, so monitor your weight for the first couple of months.
Can I take any of these pills while breastfeeding?
Combined pills, including Yasmin, are not recommended during the first six weeks postpartum for breastfeeding mothers because estrogen can reduce milk supply. Progestin‑only pills or the micronized progesterone pill are better choices during that time.
