| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken
and Dosage | | Date Added |
  | | | | F M | | | | |
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| 3 | Birth control | Breast tenderness, loss of appetite,sleepiness around late afternoon, fatigue | My doctor prescribed loestrin 24 for birth control and I am taking it for about a month now. I developed breast tenderness and somewhat loss of appetite since I have started this. I also noticed that I become extremely sleepy around 4 pm in the afternoon, taking a short nap for 20 minutes usually good enough to get going again (but difficult to do when you work 8-5). | F | 42 | 1 months
1 mg 1X D | | 8/26/2010
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3 | Prevent Pregnancy | LOW sex drive, "foggy"/dazed feeling, mood swings, anxiety | I started LoEstrin after having trouble with some of the other BCs I had tried before. My gyno recommended I try this because of the low levels of hormones. While taking this my anxiety has gotten a lot worse. I have absolutely no sex drive which doesn't make my boyfriend very happy. My mood swings are everywhere. I go from happy to annoyed in the drop of a hat. I feel foggy and dazed all the time like I can't get with it. I'm going to discontinue my use of this pill and I'm so glad that I found this site. My search will continue I guess.. | F | 21 | 4 months
1X D | | 8/25/2010
| 2 | migraines | paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, breast tenderness and vomiting at the beginning of the pack and some weight gain | i originally went off my other birth control because we believed it was the cause of my migraines but now im paranoid all the time, my anxiety level is all over the place, wicked bad mood swings and just all around dont feel like myself anymore but my dr. wants me to stay on for at least another month so we can figure out if it really is helping... so far one migraine but i dont want to have to deal with other side effects just because this pill is helping my migraines and i dont think i should suffer the first week of every month because my bc makes me sick | F | 20 | 2 months
1X D | | 8/25/2010
| 1 | birth control | A W F U L. I am 26, healthy with a great relationship and life. I started taking this two weeks ago on a weds night, the next day at the gym I was so light headed and dizzy that I almost passed out and had to walk out of my gym class. I have been feeling like I am in a haze or a cloud and cant think clearly or rationally. My sitting heart rate is so high and my anxiety has never been this bad. I feel emotional all the time and can barely leave my house or drive because how bad the anxiety gets. I feel bloated and can barely suck in my stomach, along with nausea. To say that I hate this is an understatement. | | F | 26 | 14 days
1/20 1X D | | 8/25/2010
| 3 | contraception | lots of nausea and breast tenderness. severe mood swings towards my menstruation, though it was no worse than my regular PMS symptoms. very little acne. breakthrough spotting. rash on my neck. weight fluctuation. | this is the first birth control pill i've ever tried. it's not horrible, and it beats my usual severe PMS symptoms. at first i woke up nauseous every day, but it subsided. i've had breast tenderness the entire time on it, however having fibrocystic breasts it's something i've always had, and it takes some of the edge off the usual soreness i experience. i had some spotting between periods coupled with cramps but it was very brief and light.
i feel as though i am still having some pms symptoms, though i just finished my first pack. i was extremely moody towards the end of my month, but i usually am. i'm hoping it lessens.
i had a rapid weight loss towards the end of the month as well. in literally 4 days i dropped about 8 lbs.
i will continue to take loestrin for awhile to see what my results will be. | F | 19 | 1 months
1X D | | 8/24/2010
| 1 | Regulate period, reduce migraines | Overly emotional, moody, anxious, cries constantly, severe depression, headaches. | This is the second time I have tried Loestrin. I have tried to stick with it longer regardless of the side effects to let my body get used to the hormones, but I can't take the severe depression anymore. I am normally a fairly happy person but I am so low right now. I cannot get out of bed. I have no energy to do necessary things except force myself to go to work everyday, which has been rough. I have been crying at work and having problems with friends and coworkers. It has controlled my period, although I do get light spotting but it has not reduced my migraines. I still get migraines the same amount each month. The depression and fatigue/hopelessness is the worst. I have to get off this today. I am thankful for this site. | F | 33 | 45 days
1X D | | 8/22/2010
| 1 | help with periods | headaches, bloating, acne, bleeding, uncontrolled eating, crazy mood swings, no energy, tried. | This is not for me. I've been on pills in the past & have not had problems like this. Side affects are so bad this is the last day I will be taking this pill. I have a headache from it right now!
| F | 35 | 3 weeks
1X D | | 8/20/2010
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| 1 | birth control | night sweats (resulting in a heat rash on my back), anxiety, depression (feel down or just not as happy or alive as I used to feel), headaches, tired, lack of appetite | if you have any of these symptoms, i suggest you stop taking this pill and switch to something else. i was told the side effects would go away after 3 cycles. unfortunately, they are just as bad a before. i'm stopping the pill today. before i had my baby, i was on ortho tri cyclen for many years without any problems. i've never had these issues before. it's very frustrating. | F | 36 | 120 days
1X D | | 8/17/2010
| 3 | prevent pregnancy; severe cramping | oily skin, more frequent breakouts on my face, missed periods | I started taking Loestrin to help cramping and to prevent pregnancy. A couple of months after I started taking it I missed my period. This had me thinking that I had somehow gotten pregnant, but all the pregnancy tests were negative. I've missed two more periods since then. I will be switching to a different birth control in a month or two. | F | 19 | 9 months
1X D | | 8/15/2010
| 5 | Birth Control | None so far.. Maybe slight weight loss? | I switched to Loestrin from Depo because I no longer had a period and I want to get pregnant within the next year but not quite yet. I was terrified to switch because I didn't have any side effects from Depo but so far I haven't noticed anything with Loestrin either. | F | 27 | 2 weeks
1X D | | 8/11/2010
| 1 | pregnancy prevention | depression, major mood swings, weight gain | I am soo glad to have found this web site. I have been on Loestrin 24 for 6 months. I thought I was going crazy. I will cry at the drop of a dime, get raging mad at my boyfriend, who has done nothing wrong!! He's even noticed that this isnt me. And I cant believe it has taking me so long to realize its the pill!! I have also gained about 10 lbs after just losing 50 :( I wouldnt recommed but wish you all the best!! | F | 26 | 6 months
6 months 1X D | | 8/9/2010
| 5 | to prevent pregnancy | For the first couple of weeks staring this pill, I experienced a little nausia, my breasts were swollen,a little acne, and a litle water weight retention, but u haved to give it time after i completed my first cycle of the pill these side affects went away, i experienced no mood swings at all, and i usually always get mood swings due to hormones, and it actual so far has improved my moods greatly, my periods are like clockwork every month short and light, i do have slight acne due to the pill, but i use face astringents that help greatly, and the pill is safe, and have had no spotting between periods, and i take it on time each day, im very happy with this pill! | I love this pill it has been the only pill so far that has not interfered with my moods, and that means a great deal to me every other pill has made me angry or deppressed... i recommend this pill highly.. | F | 23 | 2 months
20 1X D | | 8/3/2010
| 4 | Loestrin 24 FE | Some moodiness, but I think that's just me! | This pill has been great for me so far. I switched over from the generic Lutera brand which was the first bc pill I tried- it made me have vertigo everyday, and was horrible. Loestrin hasn't really made me gain weight at all. My periods are super short, if anything at all, which I love, and my cramps which were brutal before are there but nothing like they were. My acne has cleared too. I am pleased with Loestrin and would recommend it. | F | 20 | 7 months
1X D | | 7/27/2010
| 1 | Birth control, mood, facial clearup | This is the absolute worst drug I have ever been on...
1. Mood swings, are erratic, and they are not stabilizing, I am going into my fourth month.
2. I am prone to migrains related to hormones and .. my god, they are lasting now a week and a half plus. I am miserable and in constant pain.
3. Within a week I was getting frequent dizzy spellsand its reacting to my hypoglycemia and screwing with my blood sugar.
4. The breast tenderness... is just horrible.
5. I'm getting twice as many breakouts as I was.
6. horrible depression over the past two months, and I can say that I have never in my life suffered from depression. I cry myself to sleep.
7. insomnia accompanying depression.
Among other things, these are the most prevalent. This is the worst thing I have ever been on. I am switching to Ortho Low as soon as this package runs out, I can't take this anymore. I work doubles at work and I have come close to collapsing twice.
on the bright side, I'm not pregnant. | Please, don't take it. | F | 22 | 90 days
Usual 1X D | | 7/14/2010
| 4 | Cysts and painfull irregular period | Headaches the first 3 days or so and some mild mood swings | This is the first birth control pill I have been put on since I'm only 16 but I've been on it for about a week and the only thing I noticed was I would go from being super happy to pissed in a matter of minutes. I also had bad headaches the first 3 days but nothing that I couldn't handle. So fat I'm extremely pleased with this pill but I'm also on te generic version.. Junel fe. I would reccomened rhis pill to anyone I overall feel like myself, my sex drive hasn't decreased of anything it has improved and my boobs seen to be getting bigger which is a plus for me! :) LOVE this pill so far! | F | 16 |
1X D | | 7/8/2010
| 2 | heavy periods, mood regulater | breast tenderness, fatigue, depression, mood swings | I took this birth control for 2 years and felt great. It regulated my moods and kept me from becoming pregnant. Just recently since working out and eating healtier I have noticed a change in my moods. Over analyzing, pointless arguments with my boyfriend, bad anxiety, sleepless nights. I thought it was depression but it was Loestrin that made me feel this way. If it works for you, great but this is no longer a product that works for me. | F | 24 | 2 years
1X D | | 6/27/2010
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| 2 | Birth Control | Extreme Breast Tenderness,Mood Swings,Bloating | After reading all of these posts, I am seeing everything more clear. I switched from the Nuva Ring to Microgestin 1/20 FE.I have had horrible breast tenderness up to two weeks before my period?!?! I noticed my face has gotten some what oilier, I feel as if I have gained 5 lbs. Mood swings are swinging away, short tempered and I seem to anger more easily. I think after my last pill on July 2nd, I will be dicontinuing this pills. When I was on Loestrin and not this generic I was fine. Maybe it's the just the generic? What pills have you switched to from Microgestin? | F | 30 | 1.5 months
1X D | | 6/23/2010
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| 3 | To prevent pregnancy | some side effects i experienced were the fact that i gained weight, roughly about 10 pounds. I also began to breakout on my face and i began to experience that my whole body was itching. Itching to the point where i left scratches on myself. | | F | 19 | 6 weeks
1X D | | 6/15/2010
| 1 | B.C. | Greasy Face & hair, Acne, Uncontrollable appetite, Mood swings | Horrible! Been on many pills over the years, and have tolerated most well with the exception of this one. Switched from Ortho Lo to this so that I'd be monophasic and could take 3 packs back to back to avoid terrible PMS every month. Within a week i was a huge grease ball. My hair was so greasy and I could blot the oil off my face with a paper towel. My appetite was out of control and by the end of the month I had nasty acne. Oh and I can't forget the mood swings. 2 months of this pill was all I could handle. My doc then switched me to Desogen and it is the best pill yet! | F | 30 | 2 months
1X D | | 6/15/2010
| 3 | Decrease menstrual flow | it did help to decrease my bleeding significantly and for the 1st time in years I am not anemic. But I am always depressed, crying, & feeling hopeless. No energy!!! | | F | 36 | 3 months
1mg/20mcq 1X D | | 6/9/2010
| 5 | contraception | Break-through bleeding the first couple of months and mild nausea | I am in my early 30's & have been on Loestrin for over 3 years. Not only has it prevented pregnancy but I only have 1 period about every three months and it only lasts a couple of days. I totally recommend this pill. | F | 33 | 3 years
1 pill 1X D | | 6/8/2010
| 1 | Birth Control | ITCHING!!! I have only used this for 3 days and have been in complete misery. I itch all over my body to the point where I want to scratch my skin off! I'm stopping taking this med NOW! | | F | 28 | 3 days
24 FE 1X D | | 6/1/2010
| 4 | birth control | I am happy, overall. I have two kids and have struggled with weight and hormone imbalance for at least 7 years. My biggest concern was being my age on a birth control and gaining weight.
I have actually LOST 16 lbs with little change to my diet and feel good. I do get headaches more often, but they are manageable and have light bleeding for a few days between cycles. | I recommend it. | F | 31 | 7 months
1X D | | 5/26/2010
| 2 | birth control | Severe energy loss. Very tired but way too anxious to even nap. Stopped using very quickly when I realized what was bringing me down. Also my face broke out pretty bad. Yup all within 2weeks this medication caused a lot of problems for me. | Take with caution especially if history of anxiety or depression. | F | 31 | 15 days
1mg/20mcg 1X D | | 5/25/2010
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| 2 | cysts, control hot flashes, hormone | Tightness in head, dizziness, anxiety | Doctor said it would have no effect on synthroid I take for thyroid issues, but that was totally wrong, had to up the synthroid dose. I have been having this tightness in my head, pressure in eye and ears, and I am now convinced it only started after taking these pills. I have recently started getting a feeling like on a roller coaster and dropping. I have had Ct scans of my brain, been to ENT doctor no sinus problem and TMJ doctor sees no major problems so I am going to a new doctor Thursday to try to get bio identical hormones and get off these pills. I am too afraid to just stop them since I have increased the synthroid going off these will make the syntroid dose too high and that could be really bad. Wish I could find a doctor that deals with both hormones Thyroid and Estrogen, etc.. Really tired of never feeling good. | F | 43 | 9 months
1/20 1X D | | 5/23/2010
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| 4 | PMDD, prevent pregnancy | breakthrough bleeding, loss of appetite, infrequent mood swings | When I was prescribed Loestrin, I was terrified. I read ALL of the negative reviews about this pill and was convinced I would gain a ton of weight and be an angry, moody mess. HERE IS HOPE AMONGST ALL OF THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS. Aside from the side effects I listed, Loestrin has been great. Instead of gaining weight, I've actually lost four pounds after being on the pill for a month, which, being a 19 year old girl, was my biggest concern. Yeah, the breakthrough bleeding is annoying, and I have had one or two nasty mood swings, but aside from that I feel normal, even better at times. Don't let the bad reviews scare you off. It effects everyone differently. | F | 19 | 1 months
1X D | | 5/16/2010
| 4 | shrink ovarian cyst | some breast tenderness at first, was hungry and tired at first also. | stick it out and the side effects will go away. I have lost some weight on this pill. | F | 27 | 4 months
20 1X D | | 5/13/2010
| 5 | prevent pregnancy and Bi-polar | I did experience side effects BUT they vanished after about a month and a half..maybe even 2 months. You just have to stick it out. I had slight acne, nausea, and head aches. | I honestly have noticed great changes in my moods since taking this birth control. I was on ortho-tricyclin low. It completely messed with my moods and made them 10 times worse. i was a walking nut case. No one wanted to be near me. After I started Loestrin with a combination of 300 mg of wellbutrin and 200 mg of Lamictal, I feel great and noticable changes have been expressed to me by several people. I would recommend this pill to any woman who suffers from major depression such as bi-polar, or women who have mood swings often. It is great because the dosage does not change weekly like other pills. It is constant. I have had a wonderful experience with Loestrin! | F | 24 | 3 months
1mg/20mcg 1X D | | 5/12/2010
| 2 | shorten my periods | I have felt like a ton of bricks, no motivation and dizziness.
I missed only 2 pills one in each week and I am spotting, but it feels like a regular period, I have broken out on my face and while this was something that was not very often, it has become a problem. I would not consider waiting two months for my body to get used to it only because in two weeks, my vision has begun to blur, my skin is itchy and I am sad for no reason at all. It causes depression and it may be that my body needs to get used to the hormone, but I just want to stop taking it all together. | I have not been on birth control in a few years, and would love for my periods to be shorter and lighter it is not worth it. I have always hated taking pills, but I wanted to give this one a try, even though they say it is low dose, it has a huge impact, especially on the activities of daily living... | F | 30 | 2 weeks
25 1X D | | 5/11/2010
| 1 | birth control/regulate periods | severe anxiety, moody, migraines, irregular periods | first of all, i would like to thank everyone for their input. when i started taking this pill everything was just fine, a few months later, i was struck with major depression/anxiety. i went through hell at my college and switched majors, while attending group sessions to deal with my anxiety. i woke up every morning wanting to kill myself. i was prescribed antidepressants to help cope. for the past year everything has been fine, but my boyfriend and family members have noticed that i am still edgy and very moody. i have also gained about 15 lbs since being on this pill, even with exercising 5-6 times a week and with a healthy diet. i am beginning to think that some people are just not meant to be on birth control. i am going to stop taking this drug to see if it alleviates my anxiety problems. currently there is NOTHING in my life that would cause such anxiety. i hope this will help others reconsider the BCs they are taking. also, one reason i went on the pill was to regulate my period. YEAH RIGHT. the first year i was on this pill i though i was pregnant (which probably did not help with my anxiety haha). for some reason my body just did not like the structure of when my period was supposed to be. when not on the pill i do have irregular BUT consistent periods. | F | 21 | 1.5 years
1X D | | 5/7/2010
| 5 | Birth Control | Small breakthrough bleeding once monthly in the middle of cycle. Nothing out of the normal with most birth controls. Small amount of weight gain (5 lbs). Again, nothing out of the norm. | I LOVED being on Loestrin FE 24! I have only recently stopped taking it due to trying to become pregnant. I never felt depressed, I never had any tenderness, gained about 5 lbs of weight, but nothing out of the ordinary, and my sex drive was never lowered. GREAT pill! | F | 26 | 2 years
1/20 1X D | | 5/5/2010
| 2 | Shorten Periods | Headaches, heavy bleeding, breast tenderness | Stopping pill. Hate it so much, gives me a headache. Makes my breasts feel tender. First month, I had heavy breakthrough bleeding after two weeks. Period lasted 3 days. Just finished active pills today, and I've been bleeding since Saturday. Not taking anymore pills. Rather have my 8 day periods than this. | F | 24 | 2 months
1/24 1X D | | 5/4/2010
| 3 | pregnancy prevention | breast tenderness, depression, bleeding, clear skin, bigger boobs, weight gain of about 5lbs | Although I haven't been taking this pill for very long, I have felt a variety of side effects. Some good and some horrible. I have never been as depressed as I have felt in the last couple of days. Having clearer skin is not worth the sacrifice for my quality of life. I know that each woman has different tolerances to the extra hormones, and for me, it is not a good match. I might start it back up once school starts again in the fall, but as of now, I am giving my poor body a break. | F | 19 | 15 days
1X D | | 4/26/2010
| 2 | birth control, cysts on ovaries | crying, moodiness, anxiety, sore breasts | When I first started taking it, my breasts were really sore. That is not as bad anymore. But since I have a started taking it, I have been extremely moody. I will find myself crying for no reason. (This is really noticeable during the 3rd week of the month). I tried to take the pill longer to see if it would get better. It has not! I find myself getting mad at things my boyfriend is doing that actually makes me attracted to him. My sister has even commented on the change in me and how it is "like clock work" ever third week, when I just start crying for no reason. I feel anxious and obsessive. I sometimes feel like I am in a fog, and everything kind of feels surreal. I used to be on Yasmin, with no negative effects, taking that for about 3-4 years. I hope it is the birth control because I am not used to feel like this-it is really awful! I can't wait to get off of this medication. It is not worth it! | F | 26 | 4 months
1.5/30 1X D | | 4/26/2010
| 3 | PCOS | Major depression, moodiness | As far as what it is supposed to do (manage my period) it does a great job. I am completely satisfied with that. But like I said, I'm pretty sure my recent depression is due to it. | F | 21 | 4 months
1X D | | 4/25/2010
| 5 | pregnancy prevention | None | I'm surprised that so many people have reported having such negative side effects while taking this drug. I wonder if people are settling for the generic version - which in my opinion is a total waste of time. I've been taking Loestrin for years and it's been the best thing for me EVER! I've tried them all - Yasmin, YAZ, Depovera, and Ortho to name a few. I think the worst for me was the initial adjustment where I was a little jittery, but after that I was fine. Never gained a pound. All I can say is good luck finding that magical pill that works for you ladies. | F | 31 | 5 years
1/20 1X D | | 4/22/2010
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| 5 | Endometriosis & adenomyosis | Bloating, breast tenderness at first; few lbs weight gain but dr. says its water and would come off easily. At first, more irritable, but now improved mood and sleep. Cured back pain from endometriosis overnight. | Best med I've ever taken - has anti-depressant quality and cured me of endo symptoms, which were ruining life. I had to take Ambien to sleep but now I sleep and have balanced mood. Give it a couple of months before you decide. It has been great benefit to me and I don't even need it for birth control. | F | 49 | 4 months
1/20 1X D | | 4/20/2010
| 1 | birth control, hormone regulation | intense headaches, fatigue, Chronic severe anxiety, numbness, hair loss, in a "fog", chest pain, shortness of breath, the list goes on!! | Was on Microgestin for 6 years before switching to another BC that didn't work. Switched back to this since I had no prior problems. WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! Within 1 week my headaches were awful. on day 7 I got the worst headache of my life accompanied by numbness & nausea. Thought I was having a stroke at age 21! The doctors did multiple tests for tumors, stroke, blood clots in my lung, and found nothing. They diagnosed me w/ chronic severe anxiety. I quit after 2 weeks & I'm still not better 1 month later. I still feel dazed and suffer from anxiety. I graduate from college in 2 weeks & might not be able to go my own ceremony b/c of this anxiety! I'm also a powerlifter and I have lost a lot of strength because I feel so weak all the time, and I wasn't able to train regularly. Still have numbness in arms, legs, face, and even throat! WATCH OUT! Would appreciate any feedback for how long it took someone to feel normal after going off it. | F | 22 | 2 weeks
1X D | | 4/20/2010
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| 5 | contraceptive | weight gain and not having a period | I started taking this pill when I started to experience terrible side effects from Yasmin/Ocella. This got rid of the breast tenderness, mood swing...I mean HUGE mood swings, irritability, and lots of bloating. I have experienced a 3-4 lbs weight gain on this Loestrin, and it basically came overnight. I have NO period at all. Overall, I will take the few pounds over what I was feeling on the Yasmin. | F | 31 | 2 months
1X D | | 4/16/2010
| 2 | regulate periods, ovarian cyst? | Could i be having side effects already?? my face has broken out horribly and i have TWO cystic zits on my chin...i haven't had these for YEARS and have not been on b/c since the 90's. Gyno put me on this for 3mos to see if it would help regulate my periods and "shrink" an ovarian cyst? anyone ever hear of that reason??? i'm wishing i had found this site before i ever started...i'm alse VERY irritable and emotional. | i want off of this poison! | F | 42 | 20 days
30mg 1X D | | 4/7/2010
| 1 | Help w/mood swings and cramping | Breast tenderness, occasional headaches, missed periods and BLOOD CLOT!!! | I started taking this pill when I was 21 to help with mood swings and cramping before and during periods. I was always very reluctant to take any kind of bcp because of the risk of severe side effects. I eventually started taking this one after talking with my gyno and friends of mine who have been on birth control pills for years with no problems. I figured that because of my age and being a nonsmoker I wouldn't experience any severe side effects, but I was wrong. At first this pill was amazing!!! I had shorter periods with little to no cramping, and I knew when my periods were going to start. Mood swings vanished (no irritability, sadness, fatigue, etc.). I was myself the entire month, and it felt great. After a couple months, I experienced breast tenderness, headaches (different type of pain than what I am used to) and missed periods, but these side effects didn't bother me. I was diagnosed with a very extensive blood clot on 9/30/09. I had a sharp pain in my right side off/on for a couple of weeks. I thought it was my appendix and went to see my dr who ordered a cat scan, and it turned out that my appendix was fine but there's a blood clot. I was told to stop taking this pill. I had to start on lovenox then switched over to coumadin for 3 months. Blood clot resolved in 12/09, but I can never go on birth control pills again which sucks... There is no history of blood clots in my family. With any bcp be careful because your life can depend on it!!! | F | 23 | 11 months
20 1X D | | 4/6/2010
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| 3 | contraceptive | Fatigue, occasional moodiness, yeast infections, some anxiety, lower sex drive, vaginal dryness. | Most of the time Loestrin works fine for me. It is the first and only birth control I have been on and compared to most people, I don't have many side effects. However, some months my PMS is much worse than normal but other months it is okay. I have noticed that recently my moodiness has been a lot worse (about one year after starting the pill) but it is difficult to determine if stress from school is contributing more to that than I think. I am more anxious and tired most of the time and my sex drive has decreased. I do have constant yeast infections that can be attributed to Loestrin, which may be a determining factor in making me switch pills. However, I basically never have a period, which really makes up for some of the minor side effects. Also, I had no weight gain at all and actually unintentionally lost about 10 pounds while on this pill. I know a lot of people are dissatisfied with Loestrin but I would suggest trying it out for yourself, at least for a couple months to see if you can handle it. My gyno did tell me that not many people she sees are able to handle it, but those who can are all very satisfied. | F | 24 | 1.5 years
1X D | | 4/4/2010
| 1 | birth control | Huge weight gain, depression/anxiety, crying all the time followed by anger/panic, NO sex drive | For the past year and few months I have been taking Microgestin Fe 1/20. I have gained 40 POUNDS in less than a year despite diet and regular exercise. I have never, ever gained this amount of weight in a year. I cry almost every night, and until now I just attributed it to my acute anxiety getting magically worse after 19 years. I feel guilty all the time because I have almost completely lost my sex drive. I started getting concerned when I missed 4 periods, and googled it to see if this was a normal side effect. Wow, I had no idea this many women were having the same problems and that some of mine may be linked to this pill. I am calling my doctor this weekend. | F | 20 | 1 years
1X D | | 4/3/2010
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| 2 | regulate monthly periods | awful breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, bad cramping, headaches, | When i started taking this pill the side effects didnt seem to bother me because i knew my body was getting use to the hormones, but it seemed that after the first month they got worse, especially the breast tenderness. I stopped taking the pill at the beginning of the 3rd pill pack due to the awful pain in my breasts. Ive been off the pill for a month now and the pain in my breast comes and goes especially around the time when im about to start and through my period. Im hoping this goes away as soon as my body clears from the hormones, before taking this pill i had no problems with breast tenderness. Im going to see to my doctor anyway for reassurance. | F | 29 | 2 months
1X D | | 3/31/2010
| 2 | Birth control | Dizziness, breast tenderness that would not go away, extreme fatigue, weight gain, loss of mental clarity, some moodiness, loss of sex drive. | After being on the Depo shot for 15 years (with little to no side effects), I decided to get off the shot and try something else. Dr recommended this because it was low dose of estrogen and progestin. I did not like this birth control. Immediately had problems, but stayed on it for two months to "give it a chance". I always felt like I was in a fog while on this BC. Extreme fatigue and dizziness started right away, then I gained 5 pounds, and had continual breast tenderness the whole time I was on it. | F | 39 | 2 months
1X D | | 3/30/2010
| 1 | endometriosis | Weight gain +8-10 lbs despite diet/exercise; increased appetite;
Bloating/gas; can’t concentrate/focus/forgetful; difficulty getting to sleep/staying asleep; extreme fatigue despite at least 7 hours of sleep per night; no energy, night sweats, anxiety, acne, irritability/irrationality/mood swings/felt crazy/hopeless/depression/didn't want to be around anyone; rapid heart beat at night; difficulty breathing/feels like weight on chest; left arm tingly; painful cramps (sharp pains) during last period
| I've been taking the generic version, Microgestin. I had read the comments on this website before I began taking it and was a little worried, but the first few months I felt ok. Looking back on it I realize I did have symptoms of side effects from the beginning, but attributed them to stress and/or colds. Over the past few months the intensity of the symptoms have greatly increased, to the point I felt like I was going crazy and was considering going to get treatment for depression. Today I finally put it all together and realized it's this pill. I wish I had kept a journal of symptoms from the time I began taking it so I could have made the connection sooner! There were times I felt better & realize those were the weeks I wasn't taking the active pills. I'm stopping these pills today & will come back to update on how long it takes me to feel normal again. | F | 33 | 7 months
20 1X D | | 3/30/2010
| 1 | Heavy Periods | Went to my Gyno because my periods were so heavy. She put me on Loestrin and at age 52, not a good choice. Not only did I gain weight, cried all the time, I started not to be able to catch my breath. My husband took me to the emergency room, and I was diagnosed with BI-Laterial Pulmonary Embolisim. Blood clots in both lungs. Was within mins, doc said it could have killed me, and I was in Hospital for 9 days, off work for 3 weeks, and been on cumiden (blood thinner), for 6 mo. Scared my family to death, and no one, especially that age, should be put on a birth control pill, especially Loestrin! | | F | 52 | 28 days
1X D | | 3/28/2010
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| 1 | breast pain & emotional around per. | Breast pain got much, much worse, but my doc said to tough it out and it did go away after about three months. See right post for more... | At three months, I began to have joint pain, depression and anxiety, lots of fatigue. I had to drop some summer classes because I couldn't write. Then in January of this year (9 months in), I had more diffuse bone and joint pain, sweating, spider veins and petechiae all over my body and my vagina is dry like the Sahara. I saw a rheumatologist who can't give me an answer about how sick I've been feeling, but he recommended I go off the birth control for a while, which I'm doing. I'm also seeing a hematologist to rule out the more serious stuff. If this all was from the pill, I'm never, ever going on birth control again. | | 24 | 1 years
1/20 1X D | | 3/26/2010
| 5 | Preventing Pregnancy | | I have been taking this pill for 6 years and never experienced weight gain or any problems. I know all medicines affect everyone differently, but based on my experience I was surprised to see how many people had problems with Loestrin. | F | 33 | 6 years
1X D | | 3/24/2010
| 1 | Reduce Bleeding & Fibrod tumors | Severe Chest pain, inability to raise arm, headaches, constant bleeding throughout the month, mood swings & weight gain | Taking Loestrin off & on for the first 2 months (because I kept forgeting to take the pills)then during the thrid month I took daily for 22 days. During the this time is when I experienced the greatest severity of symptoms. Headaches, irritability and bloating were present initially. After 22 consistent days of taking the medication I began to get really bad chest pain and could not sleep. I had trouble breathing and felt like I had a huge weight sitting on my chest. I immediately stop taking the pills and noticed a change for the better. There is no medication worth risking a heart attack. | F | 44 | 3 months
1X D | | 3/21/2010
| 1 | birth control | Severe depression, loss of sex drive, dizziness, severe tiredness, very low blood pressure | Never will take Loestrin again. I was not myself. Tired, dizzy. Did not want to move and talk. Horrible experience. | F | 34 | 3 months
1X D | | 3/18/2010
| 1 | regulate hormones | Copious amounts of vaginal bleeing in week three, very bad pelvic cramps, bloating, mood swings, feeling week and anxious, weight gain | I would recommend the FDA research and comment on the use of this drug for perimenopausal women over age of 35 as the side effects seemed down right dangerous | F | 46 | 24 days
1mg/20mcg 1X D | | 3/13/2010
| 2 | Contraceptive | bad acne (some of it slightly cystic), weight gain, irregular flow | I was switched to Loestrin24Fe after a horrid run with Yaz. The first two months I had no issue, beside some irregular flow (one period was barely any flow, the next was extremely heavy) for those first two months. I've heard it takes several months for a body to get use to a birth control. Well, on the 3rd month I started breaking out like mad. Face, neck, chest, back.. I started washing all areas with ache was every day and night and using 2 in one acne lotion and spot treatment was well as drinking tons of water and avoiding refined sugar and flour and greasy foods. Through this I have been able to keep breakouts on the face to a minimum but my chest and back are still awful. Most of the achne was a bit cystic and I got a full blown cyst on my neck despite constant care (but not over care). Then the 4th month I gained 10 lbs.
Too much trouble for me. Looking for another pill or maybe an IUD. | F | 20 | 4 months
1X D | | 3/8/2010
| 4 | contraception and control periods | dizziness and nausea (although i think i was experiencing a lot before anyway), depression mainly during 7 day break, stomach bloating :( still got tummy pains altho not usually as bad.weight gain. | Everyone is different, this is only my experience of it. Even tho i have some of these bad side effects i LOVE loestrin purely because i used to be VERY heavy and now for the past 2 months iv had hardly anything (and btw no im not pregnant lol) its just a load off my mind and i find myself smiling about it :L If any of my symptoms got particulary bad then i'd stop but for now its working a treat (Y) and every morning i wake up and take the pill without fail, so easy and yet usually im so forgetful lol. Oh and iv had no change in my sex drive :) so its all hunkydory x | F | 16 | 4 months
20mg 1X D | | 3/7/2010
| 1 | BIRTH CONTROL | NUMBNESS IN LEFT ARM, DEPRESSION, HIVES, HEADACHES, CRY,THEN VERY ANGRY SLEEPLESSNESS | AFTER HAVING MY BABY MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON LOESTRIN I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT! I AM NOT MY CHEERFUL HAPPY SELF I CRY AT THE DROP OF A HAT I HAVE SHUT ALL MY FRIENDS OUT I AM MEAN TO EVERYBODY! THEN I GET SO ENRAGED MY POOR HUSBAND AND 16YR OLD DAUGHTER HEAR ME GO OFF OVER NOTHING I HAVE STOPPED TAKING IT AND WILL NEVER TAKE IT AGAIN NOR DO I RECOMMEND THIS PILL TO ANYONE! | F | 36 | 9 months
1X D | | 3/4/2010
| 1 | heavy periods, birth control | My doctor switched me to Loestrin from Yaz after all the negative Yaz press. I never had any problems with Yaz, it lightened my periods and curbed my PMS. I started taking Loestrin 10 days ago. I am hungry all of the time. I gained 4 pounds in 9 days! I am also very moody, paranoid, have had bad thoughts and had my first migrain-ever. I am exhausted, often going to bed before 9pm. I think I may have even had an allergic reaction as my lips became swollen and started to peel. I blamed this on the cold weather and use of heater but after ready the side effects, lip, tongue and facial swelling are a sign of serious allergic reaction. I immediately contacted my obgyn. The nurse stated that she thought I was having a reaction and should stop medication immediately. I have an appointment to see her this week. I found this site after I made the appointment and am shocked at all the side effect that were never discussed with me. In fact, I was told that this medication would be better than the | | F | 35 | 10 days
1X D | | 3/2/2010
| 1 | PCOS | Uncontrollable appetite (and I'm very health-conscious), itching and acne on back, neck and arms, chronic fatigue, loss of sex drive. | I went to this webpage because, after 5 years of being on YAZ (which I loved), I buckled to pressure of changing to a different brand. My GP suggested Loestrin. I am changing not only my medication, but my doctor also for suggesting this horrid pill. I should not have panicked when I listened to those obviously fictitious ads about YAZ, at least not for myself. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Mine was fine with YAZ; never once did I have a problem with it. I never gained weight, had great skin that didn't itch constantly, never had mood swings, didn't have a loss of sex drive, and my boobs even got a little bigger (which for me was fantastic). I'm now on some random pill I've never heard of--Kariva--so I'm gong to cross my fingers and see what happens. | F | 29 | 24 days
1X D | | 3/1/2010
| 1 | Birth control | Numbness in left arm, headaches, dizziness, nausea, severe depression, severe mood swings,extremely tired, weight gain terrible facial acne, insomnia. | I've been on loestrin for 2 months now and I figured that i just needed to let my body adjust to it. Now that i've read these reviews i'm wondering if i ever will. I gained 7 pounds in the past month even though i eat right and excercise. My acne is horrible, I just had a baby 3 months ago so i beleived the mood swings were baby blues but they are so intense i feel like im going insane. At times ill start crying and 2 seconds later i want to rip my husband's head off for no reason. The worst part is the numbness, it makes me feel like im going to have a heart attack, IM ONLY 20!! I don't understand how a doctor could prescribe something like this when there are so many terrible things it may cause and so many people that are dissatified with it. I'm in the process of trying to get mirena. I have to wait untill i get a period,and unfortunately I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT YET. If i don't by sunday i'm calling my obgyn and trying to get a new kind of birth control pill because i am trully unhappy with this one. | F | 20 | 2 days
1X D | | 2/26/2010
| 4 | birth control | light spotting for 2 weeks, hives. | I just finished my first pack and I was very pleased with it. I had started taking the generic Micogestin. That was a nightmare. I hated it. But I switched to the brand and I LOVE it.
Downside- had light bleeding for about 2 weeks. Then I got my period a day later when the bleeding stopped.
Upside- Period was extreamly light and lasted only 3 days. It did worry me at first, since it was so light and I wasn't dying in misery over cramps. I did have some cramps, but nothing that popping a midol didn't fix. During intercourse it hurt a bit because of dryness (used a condom)
I recommend this pill- but everyone is different. I've only been on it for a month but so far its great.
| F | 26 | 1 months
1/20 1X D | | 2/25/2010
| 1 | birth control | lack of sex drive, depression, mood swings, headaches, weight gain, soreness | I have 3 specialists, on top of a therapist and a pharmacologist, with my regular doctor, and I'm wondering if I get off this pill, like right now, maybe my problems will go away. My neurologist diagnosed me with headaches, I have IBS and severe depression with mood swings. I don't find sex appealing and sleep all day. I've been on this pill for over a year, and had a hunch that it may have something to do with my health, and after reading these comments, I had no idea that I could be affected this severely. Since being on the medication, I can't shake off the 20lbs I've gained, and I have a very physical job. Sex is not on my do to list, and sleep hours a day. Though terrified of how bad my periods are, it may be better than losing my fiance and my life. | F | 29 |
1X D | | 2/24/2010
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| 4 | birth control/more regular periods | REALLY light periods, vaginal dryness | I took this pill for 4 months and had no side effects except for slight vaginal dryness and very light periods. My sex drive was still there, but it was a little more painful because of the dryness. It completely got rid of my cramps, and any slight acne that I had (which wasn't much to begin with). I went off of it because I missed a couple periods and was worried I might be pregnant. I took pregnancy tests to make sure that I wasn't, but this scared me into getting on another pill. I had taken yaz once before and decided to switch to this pill, but my cramps came back double what they were before to the point where I had to stay home from school and my periods were very heavy and long. Even heavier and longer than they were before I got on the pill altogether. So I made the choice to switch back to microgestin because not having a period was way better than my other side effects. I'd rather buy a pregnancy test once a month than go through as many tampons as I was and missing school because of intense cramps. | F | 22 | 6 months
20mg 1X D | | 2/22/2010
| 3 | pregnancy prevention | depression, anger, anxiety, trouble sleeping, fatigue, hopelessness, chronic sinus infections & colds, hot flashes & sweating at night, dizziness, migraines | I was using Nuva Ring previously and that gave me yeast infections, so this time around I decided to give the pill another try. I thought this pill was great at first because it gave me light and short periods. However, this winter I have had about 4 colds, sinus infections, etc.... I am rarely sick, I might get one cold a winter and sometimes none at all. I was wondering what was wrong with my immune system until I started reading about the side effects and realized that sinus infections was one of them! I've also noticed that I am so inpatient and super quick to get flaming angry, which I never used to have a problem with! This sucks and I am now realizing that it may be due to the pill. I have also been struggling with fatigue and depression, and feelings of hopelessness on and off. I have been wondering all along if it may be connected to the pill and I truly believe that it is. I often wake up in the night and am in a pool of sweat, plus I wake up more than I ever used to. I cannot remember the last time I actually slept thru an entire night, it has been over 6 months probably. I am on the placebo pills right now and have discussed these side effects with my boyfriend and have decided that I'm going off this pill right away. | F | 33 | 9 months
1X D | | 2/22/2010
| 1 | Birth Control | EXTREME Mood swings, constant crying, depression | This is my 2nd and LAST month on this pill. I have done nothing but cry and feel depressed since I started. My mood swings are so bad it is effecting my work and home life. I'm not even going to finish the pack I have to stop now. I would not recommend this pill to anyone. It's the worst pill on the market! I can't wait to be myself again. | F | 39 | 2 months
1 1X D | | 2/22/2010
| 1 | birth control | numbness in arms, legs, hands, loss of vision temporarily, constant fatigue, unexplainable sobbing/moodiness/depression, severe acne with no previous history thereof, loss of menstrual cycle, no want to have intercourse, vaginal dryness | the absolute worst birth control pill EVER. I'm surprised that I am in one piece. It has taken a toll on my relationship with my boyfriend and my social life, as well as my schoolwork. Never in my life have I taken a drug that seems so bad for me. It is not worth the price at all. Not worth my time or any of my energy. I hate whoever put this on the market. | F | 20 | 2 months
1X D | | 2/18/2010
| 2 | Birth Control | Weight gain, increase in appetite, depression, fatigue and hoplessness. | I recently stopped taking Loestrin because I felt my body was not my own. I am outgoing and athletic. I run, bike and swim and usually can be found out with friends and family. For the past few months, I have found myself barely making it through the workday and just going home to hang out by myself. I googled the side effects and went to this link and was astonished as to what other women reported. I can truly relate to the some of the same complaints and I am very dissappointed that my doctor discarded my concerns. Although the effects differ in each woman, there are still some and only time can truly tell what will appear. My experience with this medication was very negative and I would advise any women to stop taking this if you feel any depression, weight gain, emotional mood swings and random numbness. Continuing to take this in hopes that it will get better is not realistic. It will only get worse. | F | 46 | 11 months
1X D | | 2/16/2010
| 2 | Birth Control | Switched from Tri Levlin to Loestrin24FE due to always feeling nauseated. I even take my pill before bed. Thought it was great for the first 6 months although I had spotting 2 weeks prior to menstrual cycle, which I never had before, but now I'm having some side effects that are concerning me. This month didn't even have a cycle, irritability, no sex drive lately, moodiness!!! I'm glad I found this site to see that I'm not the only one experiencing these side effects. I am going to stop the Loestrin24FE today and switch back to Tri Levlin. I rather put up w/ being a little nauseated than having the moodiness and no cycle!!! Not to mention I have experienced major weight gain and I'm a VERY active person and eat right!!! | | F | 38 | 1 years
Loestrin24 1X D | | 2/9/2010
| 4 | Birth control, irregular periods | So far, I love loestrin and Im surprised by all the negative comments, but birth control affects everyone differently and what may work for one may not work for the other. Before the pill, I had no acne whatsoever but would get a pimple every now and then but now nothing! Ive noticed my skin become so amazingly clear.. I love it! The first day I took the pill (9PM) I experienced extre
e nausea and ended up puking. I then decided to take it at 4PM everyday with a meal. The only side effect I have seen is swollen breast and they can be very tender at times. I have had an increase in apetite, and from that have gained a pound or two, nothing big. Although I must say Im pleased as I was a little underweight before due to a lot of stress in my life in the past month. Another thing is, I wouldnt say lack but definitely decrease in libido compared to before. Overall, Im happy with it and hope as time goes on things dont change. Would recommend this pill. Works for me! | | F | 18 | 15 days
20 1X D | | 2/8/2010
| 1 | | while taking microgestion: major mood swings and depression
1st couple of days off of microgestion: bloated, cramps, naesous and lloking 3 months pregnant | i started microgestion 2 weeks ago and last week i came off of it because of the side effects.i was crying at nothing. my boyfriend was getting worried because i never even act THAT emotional while PMSing. i also felt depressed ex: i was watching The Departed and at the end of it i got really depressed and called my bf crying... i started it while on my period so for me to be so emotional was not right. right now it has been 4 days off of it and i feel horrible. i was bleeding for 2 days when i got off by then my period had already ended so it just added an unnecessary two days, i have stomach cramps, i'm nausous and look like i am 3 months pregnant. this is sad... i was only on the pill for 5 days !!
never taking birth control again | F | 19 | 5 days
1X D | | 2/4/2010
| 1 | Contraception | I have taken Loestrin every day for 7 months and stopped taking it today due to all of the side effects I have experienced. I developed severe acne all over my face, chest, neck, and back which has been untreatable. My mood fluctuates erratically from very irritable to sad to angry. I feel constant fatigue, and experience terrible cramping, but have not had a period in 3 months. I panic every month when I don't have a period, and have to run to get a pregnancy test. I have gained 5 lbs, and completely lost interest in sex. I literally have not had the desire to have sex for 6 months.This pill is more trouble than it is worth. I have terrible side effects and no relief. | This pill is the worst I have tried; even worse than Yaz. Acne, irritablity, anger, sadness, loss of sex drive, weight gain, and cramps without getting a period. | F | 29 | 7 months
1 mg 1X D | | 2/4/2010
| 1 | birth control, acne | thrombosis, spots, weight gain, moodyness, anger | I came of it 2 months ago after taking it for 21 days. i had to finsih the cycle i put on nearly 2 stone. recently i thought i woudl try it again and becase i excercise more i thought the side effects wouldnt effect me. I was right i have put on no weight however im experiencing serious itching and my legs are blue, all my veins have come up and every night im in severe pain of my kidneys after reading the leaflet of the pill i discovered that thrombosis could be a side effect. | F | 17 | 17 days
30 1X D | | 2/4/2010
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| 3 | birth control, lighter periods | breakouts, spotting, nausea | I have been on Loestrin for almost one month now, just started the brown pills but have not gotten my period yet. I just switched from yaz because I was concerned about all of the health problems it has been linked to, and because it made my breasts very sore. On the up side, my breasts don't hurt as much on Loestrin. But on the down side, the first two to three weeks on it I was getting very nauseous. I was taking the pill at night but switched to the morning and it seemed to make the nausea go away. I also has some brownish spotting for a few weeks but that also subsided. In addition my face has been breaking out SO bad! Normally I break out a little bit around my period, but nothing terrible. But since starting loestrin I've got severe acne. I'm hoping after a few months I will adjust to the new hormone and it will go away. It's strange though because Yaz has the same dose of estrogen and it never made me breakout. If the breakouts don't stop though I'll definitely be switching to a new pill again, no way am I putting up with this! | F | 22 | 26 days
| | 2/1/2010
| 4 | Birth Control | Irregular spotting between periods, mild nausea if taken without food. | No serious side effects. The irregular spotting was a bit annoying, but easy to deal with. No weight gain, skin change, or mood changes. I found that taking it with food significantly decreased any nausea. | F | 27 | 60 days
| | 1/29/2010
| 2 | Cyst | | I'm not sure if its the pills or what. But ever since I been taking it I've been getting very angry and now its hitting me with crying a lot. I've argued with pretty much everyone around me and I get extremely angry when I'm outside and someone does something to me like push, etc. I'm usually nice and ignore people since I live in NYC. But I'm a littel scared and don't want to get in trouble cause of this anger thing... But after seeing all these comments. I'm going to call my gyno tomorrow.
=( | F | 19 | 2 months
| | 1/24/2010
| 2 | Cyst | Anger problems | I'm not sure if its the pills or what. But ever since I been taking it I've been getting very angry and now its hitting me with crying a lot. I've argued with pretty much everyone around me and I get extremely angry when I'm outside and someone does something to me like push, etc. I'm usually nice and ignore people since I live in NYC. But I'm a littel scared and don't want to get in trouble cause of this anger thing... But after seeing all these comments. I'm going to call my gyno tomorrow.
=( | F | 19 | 2 months
| | 1/24/2010
| 1 | Prevent pregnancy | Tender breast, no period, tiredness, headaches, moodiness | I started this BC at the beginning of nov. I had a regular period at the end of nov & skipped my period in December. I took 3 pregnancy test & all negative. I started my period for this month yesterday & I am off of it today. I switched from Yaz to start taking this but I am calling my doctor this week & switching back to Yaz. I feel bloated all the time! I don't like not having a period bc it makes me think I may be pregnant! | F | 21 | 2 months
| | 1/24/2010
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| 2 | Contraception | Spotting, no periods | | F | 18 | 3 months
| | 1/18/2010
| 1 | i had a never ending period | I gained 10 pounds in 3 months, which is dramatic considering I'm only 16 and have never gained weight in my life. I also have severe migranes to the point where I throw up. I'm not myself anymore and I cry for no reason. I feel depressed and am just sitting in my room for most of the time I'm home. I get massize mood swings too. | I would NOT recommend this pill. I feel like a different person now(not in a good way either). I started off on Yaz and got headaches on a daily basis but compared to Loestrin it's worth it. I'm switching back to Yaz after this month is over | F | 16 | 3 months
| | 1/10/2010
| 3 | Prevent pregnancy. | Cramps a few days before period. In consistant periods. No change in sex drive. My gyn recommended this to help lessen the strength of my period cramps which I experienced on yaz | I previously took Yasmin for about three years then switched to yaz for about two years and now am on this. For me, Cramps are not as bad as previous birth controls but I have had periods ranging from 5 to 7 days some months and only 2 days other months. For example, the past two months I have had somewhat heavy long periods, but this month my period seemed like a little spotting one day only so I am freaking out that I am pregnant. I have not taken a test yet and don't feel any different so I don't know if this is common for loestrin or not. Any advice from experienced users would be appreciated. | F | 21 | 7 months
| | 1/6/2010
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| 4 | birth control | nausea | I am taking Microgestin FE 120 for a month now. I took the first pill and then decided to just read up on it. I was scared out of my mind after reading reviews. I tried to calm myself down by saying that people usually only give reviews with a bad occurence. Raily do people seek out these sites to give a positive one. Nevertheless I was scared. I thought I was going to gain weight, be an emotional crazy person, suffer from bad eye sight, etc etc.
I was especially scared because I would take the pill at noon and at 5 pm everyday I would feel nauseous. I changed my time to 5pm, and hey problem solved. I am usually in bed by the time the nausea would start.
Other than that, no weight gain, no headaches, no lose of sexual interest, and no breast tenderness. Everyone is different and their bodies react differently.
I would say I am very satisfied with this birth control. | F | 27 | 1 months
| | 12/30/2009
| 3 | to prevent pregnancy, ovarian cyst | loss some of my sex drive and gained weight but its better than yaz which i was on for 9 months before i started loestrin. on yaz, i got yeast infections every month and i was an emotional mess. | | F | 19 | 3 months
| | 12/29/2009
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| 2 | birth control | irritability, spottiness,decreased sex drive, light-headedness, fatigue, bacterial vaginitis, depression | I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen from the age of 18-27. The last year I began getting horrible headaches so I stopped taking the pill. I recently started it again but tried loestrin, to stop the headaches. Between the spottiness, vaginal infections, and loss of sex drive I'm barely having sex anymore. Not quite worth it. | F | 27 | 2.5 months
| | 12/23/2009
| 3 | contraception | worked as contraceptive, super LOW sex drive, irritability, weight gain | To be fair, I did quit smoking right as I began taking Loestrin so I cannot blame all of my weight gain on the pill. When I first started taking Loestrin I went into a depression for a couple of months. I quit taking the pill last week when the almost non existent sex drive continued becoming a major issue between my husband and me. I have been off the pill 7 days and I can already see a major difference - so can he! We'll see if I can lose some of that weight now. No major adverse physical side effects that i can tell. | F | 30 | 2 years
| | 12/14/2009
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| 1 | Birth Control | Really bad breakout on forehead first few months. Pain in my chest. Really really bad anxiety, all the time. Headaches. | Made me have anxiety at about the same time every night. Had pain in my chest. Stopped taking it 3 days ago. Hopefully I feel better. I think I'm staying off birth control for awhile. | F | 20 | 4 months
| | 12/14/2009
| 1 | Lessen heavy periods | While this pill did succeed in allowing me to experience light periods, I developed a Retinal Occlusion in my eye...a blood clot. I will forever have impaired eyesight and am very lucky to be alive. Please read the insert where it states under severe side effects that blood clots are possible. By the way, I am a non-smoker and in my mid-30's. | Please, find an alternative to this pill. It's not worth the risk to your health and life. | F | 35 | 2 years
| | 12/12/2009
| 2 | Horrible period cramps and sex | The pill was not bad at first until I started having anxiety attacks and my breasts began to ache and never stopped. | I took it for 3 weeks then decided to give up on it because I didn't like the way I felt. Is it bad that I didn't finish the pack? I also have yet to start my period but it feels as if I have cramps from now and then plus my breasts ache horribly like they did on the pill. It's been 2 weeks since I've stopped the pill (I only took it for 3 weeks) and my question is could it have stopped my period? I already took 2 pregnancy tests last week and both were negative, should I take another? Or could it stop my period for this month? thank you! | F | 22 | 3 weeks
| | 12/11/2009
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| 5 | Contraception | Random, tiny tiny pimples in random places on my body. They're hardly noticeable and few and far between! For the first pack I would feel a little nauseated in the mornings right after I woke up, but it didn't happen again after having my period and starting the second pack. | On this pill I was able to protect myself from having babies when I didn't want them and was also delighted by having noticeably shorter, lighter periods! I didn't notice any skin benefits nor did I gain any weight. If anything I've lost a bit of weight since I started taking this pill. Maybe it's because I can carelessly have sex with my boyfriend whenever I want. | F | 19 | 6 months
| | 12/10/2009
| 1 | Contraception | Severe bloating, anxiety, IBS flare up, yeast infection, tiredness, tearful one minute then angry the next, resistance to contact lenses. | This pill is horrible! It is the 4th pill I've tried in the last year and I hate it! After changing from Yasmin; which gave me awful migranes constantly but with no other side effects. I have been taking it now continuously (tricycling because if I don't I get really bad migranes) and it was fine for the first 3 packets (some spotting in the first packet) but after I had a break with no period it's all gone downhill. I've been really bloated, feeling sick and had lots of stomach cramps. Along with massive anxiety attacks mainly due to worrying about being pregnant despite 3 negative pregnancy tests all well after when my period is due. I look 4 months pregnant by the end of everyday. I have gained 6Ibs due to huge sugar cravings. My contact lenses now annoy the hell out of me. My IBS has flared up; I think mainly due to all the anxiety to do with no periods and possibly being pregnant. I have been crying at the smallest things and getting annoyed really easily. I had a yeast infection for about a month when I started this pill then followed by cystitis for 2 weeks. Now that I have typed all this I'm beginning to wonder why I'm still on this pill! So I can guarantee I will be switching as soon as possible. | F | 23 | 4 months
| | 12/8/2009
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| 1 | | Acne, tiredness, hair loss, rashes on my hands and neck, headaches, missed periods, lack of sex drive, dryness, sadness, tender breasts. | The first three months of this pill were great. All the previous (5) pill brands had given me terrible headaches and mood swings, so my doctor decided to try me out with a lower dose. After three months I started to break out on my chin, but I figured I could deal with it once a month in return for a 2 day period and clear head, but from then it only got worse. It's now been six months and I'm constantly tired, have reoccuring headaches and the spots have spread from my chin to my whole face, huge, red and painful spots that linger for weeks at a time. It's getting me so down, but I thought I'd give my body the change to adjust, which is why I've waited so long. I'm now missing periods, suffering from incredibly sore breasts and a lack of sex drive and am truly worried about the amount of hair that I'm losing every day. I'm going to the doctor as soon as I possibly can to get this changed. I'm just worried that the side effects will take months to disappear now. I'm so miserable. | F | 22 | 6 months
| | 12/6/2009
| 5 | good effects | No negative side effects, all positive, i lost weight =) | First off i would like to tell you my history with two other BC, First birth control i ever took was Yaz/Yasmin= mood swings, weight gain especially in breast. After taking that for a year i switched to the nuva ring, and i had no negative side effects except for low sex drive and dryness and was using that method for about 2 years. I recently have started taking Loestrin and let me tell you what i todl the doctor, i had told her how the nuva ring made me dry down there and not able to have a sex drive. and my doctor said i should try loestrin since it is suppose to have less symptoms than the rest, although it really depends on how your body chemicals react to loestrin's chemicals. So far, i havent had any bad side effects and ive only been on this method for 7 days, some good things is that i have lower appeotite and ive actually lost 2 1/2 pounds. i havent had any negative side effects so im super happy. I wonder if anyone else is in this position =) Also im curious is people who have had taken yaz/yasmin and experienced bad side effects like i did and if they switched to loestrin and notice no bad side effects. That would be interesting for all of us to know. I hope this helps!! | F | 20 | 7 days
| | 11/30/2009
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| 1 | Lessen period pain | Body aches, depression, crying jags, constant nausea | I was othro tri cyclen for years but it stopped helping my heavy periods. My doc switched me to loestrin 3 weeks ago. I have had constant nausea, headaches, and joint pain. I have decided to take myself off this horrid pill. I never had these problems with ortho tri cyclen | F | 26 | 3 weeks
| | 11/28/2009
| 1 | Dr recommended lower estrogren pill | After taking it for 3 days, I had horrible all over body itching and burning skin - but nothing visible to the eye. It was awful. Subsided about 2 after I stopped taking. I am posting this so other women know this is possible - as there was very little about itching posted online. It is listed on the meds as one of the unlikely but severe side effects. | My dr had been pushing me to try this pill for a few years. I was doing fine on Yasmin. I finally said sure, I will try a lower dose and this is what happened. I called his office 3 days in a row and did not get a call back! I wonder if he has some financial interest in this drug... I am no longer going back to his practice. | F | 45 | 3 days
| | 11/27/2009
| 4 | heavy periods, acne, birth control | I really haven't had too many side effects on this drug. Vaginal dryness and decreased lubrication, some negative effect on sex drive (but not as bad as some other pills). My biggest complaint is that I am having a LOT of trouble with hair loss but I'm not sure that I can totally blame this pill. I had pneumonia (and was sick for 2 months, went through multiple rounds of antibiotics and steroids) and then a job loss (talk about stress) around the time I started taking this medication. Both of those things could have been the cause. I'm still under a great deal of stress, so I could still be having hair loss effects from that. If it doesn't let up soon I'm going to get my hormones and thyroid tested. I do suspect there may be a connection since it's lasting this long. If that's the case, I may have to stop the drug. | I have taken a lot of birth control pills. This one has been one of the best for my acne, even though the androgen level is supposedly very high. I love the light periods...they are only 2-3 days and that's it. Although they don't seem to come until I'm almost done w/ the sugar pills. | F | 29 | 4 months
| | 11/25/2009
| 1 | control irregular periods | depression, acne, constant bleeding, anxiety. | To say I HATE this pill would be an understatement. It made me depressed, filled with anxiety, mad and unable to think clearly. It made me dizzy, something I did not feel prior to taking this medication. Then my OBGY said you need an EKG...please I was not suffering dizzy spells until this pill. I bled 3 weeks non stop and she told me to stick with it and it would improve, it did not. Now I am suffering from Bacterial Vaginosus (BV) which I believe was caused from this pill. BV is caused by an over growth of bad bacteria in the womb, i really think this was caused by the constant bleeding and this pill. I know i am not a doctor but I just blame it on this pill. I would advise NO ONE to try this pill from hell. | F | 47 | 3 months
| | 11/25/2009
| 2 | Acne, PMDD, irregular periods | Headaches, tiredness, dizziness, loss of appetite, migraines, sensitivity to light, loss of motivation and concetration, strange dreams, vocalization in sleep, heavy period | The first two months taking this pill were really beneficial. I had a regular period, though off-schedule, and a significant reduction in acne. My chest acne and most of my back had cleared up, which was a huge relief. The third month was also off-schedule, but when my period started, it lasted for nearly 12 days. I had cramps, which I had rarely had before, and as soon as I went on the placebos I felt terribly tired. I had mild headaches, slept for nearly 15 hours, and lost all motivation to do schoolwork or just about anything else. Standing and walking made me dizzy. Going back on the pill for the next cycle helped, but once again, my period was a week early and very heavy. The headaches were constant and almost migraine-like with sensitivity to light. I've had to take naps once to three times daily.
Also while on the third cycle's placebos, I began to vocalize in my sleep, waking myself and my boyfriend up. My dreams became nightmares, and I often woke up sweating. This same thing happened on my fourth cycle of the pills. This pill has caused me to fail a class, and is pushing me behind in my other classes due to my inability to concentrate and stay awake. Not worth taking... | F | 19 | 4 months
| | 11/18/2009
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| 2 | Heavy periods | Extreme bloating & weight gain, anxiety, chest/indigestion like pain, headaches & mood swings. | I have had light spotting about two times per month. I had been thinking my symptoms were due to stress, but after reading all of these comments I believe this medication to be the culprit. | F | 45 | 3 months
| | 11/17/2009
| 4 | birth control | weight loss, leg cramps, light/short periods | I love this birth control! I was rec'd it by my Gyno and switched from my other birth control. I think this pill is great. Less periods the better, is my opinion! Plus, I haven't gained a pound and I feel fine when I used to PMS very badly. | F | 28 | 5 months
| | 11/10/2009
| 5 | to control acne | none | My period is very light to begin with, only 2-3 days, sometimes only 2 days. After 1st 2 cycles, my period was only 1 day Saturday. Then I started the pill again on Sunday. The 3rd cycle I just spotted when I wiped myself, brown blood almost unnoticable. The 3rd and 4th cycle, I never even got my period. I don't know if I'm pregnant or if due to the fact that my period is so light to begin with, Loestrin made it disappear completely. | F | 45 | 5 months
| | 11/7/2009
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| 1 | Switched from Yaz | I have been taking this pill for about 3 months. I havn't had my period at all. I used to have 5 day periods now i have none. I freaked out and got a pregnancy test last month and it was neg. now a month later Im scared again. I don't like these pills. They make me extremely moody and emotional. They make me have high anxiety. Iv gained 10 pounds. I have extreme breast tenderness and bloating. I am going to the doctor monday to find out for sure if im pregnant and if im not im switching these damn pills. | | F | 21 | 3 months
| | 11/6/2009
| 2 | contraception, cramps | laziness, exhaustion, moodiness, anxiety, mild facial acne, mild depression, spotting | I am usually very active and could not even get up to go downstairs!! I also kept worrying about every little thing and dwelling on my problems excessively. I never have or have had any acne and got a little bit on my face. I also felt sad a lot of the time for no reason and felt a lack of control of my life. Also I was really horny all of the time (I know most people have the opposite, but it was a little frustrating!!) | F | 19 | 1 months
| | 10/31/2009
| 3 | birth control | Unexplained anxiety, mood swings, irritability, spotting | I have been of the pill for over 2 years and was very happy with that. Following unplanned pregnancy and termination I decide to go back on the pill. After some research I thought that Loestrin could work. First few month were OK apart from very irregular and very frequent short (1-3 days) light periods or rather spotting or weird (dark red/brown) discharge. Over a last month I have started experiencing mood swings, I am irritable and get upset about things I would normally laugh about but it didn’t click it could be the pill. Than I switched to Loestrin 30 in order to regulate the period and my mood and irritability got even worse. It’s like I am a different person-needy, teary and easily upset-that is not me! So after one week of taking the Loestrin 30 (higher dose than 20) I decided to stop completely. It has only been two days but the spotting stopped and I am starting to feel a bit better! Not sure I will ever go on a pill again-if so definitely not Loestrin. | F | 26 | 7 months
| | 10/30/2009
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