Monday, November 5, 2007

Loe.strin 24 fe

If you're thinking about it, don't do it.

I was on birth control pills years ago (Ortho Tri Cyclen, to be exact). I stopped using the pill in 2003, but had never had any trouble or side-effects other than slight weight gain. My periods were light, my cramps were almost non-existent, and the acne that was a hold-over from high school cleared up. All in all, it was a good experience. When Jimi and I talked over our birth control options, he had reservations about me going back to the pill because of the dramatic changes it puts your body through. I assured him it was no big deal. Boy, was I wrong.

I went to the doctor for my annual exam. I told her I wanted to go on the pill, and that I'd been happy with Ortho Tri Cyclen (OTC, for the sake of brevity) years before. She seemed hesitant. She explained the mood changes that are common with pills that give a changing dose of hormones, not to mention the ever-feared weight gain. She recommended Loestrin 24 Fe, singing praises that included a two-day period (NEVER on the weekend if you start the pack on Friday) and the fact that it has the lowest dose of hormones available. She sealed the deal when she told me it's what she uses - surely my doctor wouldn't prescribe this medication if she wasn't personally happy with it. I followed her instruction and began the first pack of pills that very day (despite already being 6 days into my cycle).

At first, my experience with this pill was no different than my experience with OTC. I took the pills at the same time each day. I forgot a dose, but took it as soon as it was remembered. In response to my request for help remembering to take them each day, Jimi velcroed the pack to the bathroom mirror. (It's the only place in the house that I'm guaranteed to look every day.) I started noticing a change about a week in: my dreams were becoming increasingly odd, my breasts were sore and tender, I felt bloated, my face began breaking out. Worse, though, were the mood swings. I'm generally a happy-go-lucky person - it takes a lot to get me down, and I rarely stay down long. Suddenly, though, I found myself sad. If I wasn't sad, I was anxious or angry. I was apologizing a lot for my behavior, and I cried almost once a day. Then came the bleeding. It started a week after my period had ended, 14 days into my cycle. That was 9 days ago. It's light, but constant - and more than enough to piss me off. My doctor warned me that there would be "breakthrough bleeding" (her words, obviously). She did not warn me that I would have a second period this month.

I'm lucky. Jimi is a very understanding man and, so far, has been able to brush off my insane mood swings and bitchiness and tears. He knows what's causing them, and hopes, along with me, that they're temporary. I promised him I'd give it a second month before I threw in the towel.

That was last night, though. This morning, exhausted after another night of creepy dreams and frustrated by another pair of stained panties, I googled Loestrin. First, I found their website. (Maybe now is a good time, in the interest of full disclosure, to let you know that I hate our current healthcare system in this country. I loathe pharmaceutical companies and feel that they are much more interested in making money than curing disease. I don't have a lot of faith in doctors, because I worry that they live in the pockets of those pharmaceutical companies.) So, I found the Loestrin website. I read the FAQ, and felt my spirits drops when I came to "These side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, may decrease or subside within the first 3 months of use.". You're shitting me, right? 3 months? Something told me there was more. (And oh, there was, but not yet.)

After reading the FAQ, I began perusing the rest of the site. I found a coupon for $35 off my first month's prescription and printed it out, thinking that saving $35 is always a good thing. The verbiage on the certificate grated my nerves a bit:

To the Pharmacist: Please submit this claim to Therapy First. The patient pay amount will be reduced by up to $35.00 and you will receive this in your next reimbursement from Therapy First plus a handling fee. (NEXT reimbursement? Apparently, this is rather common. And how much IS that handling fee?)

But I've already admitted to hating pharmaceutical companies, so that really should be taken with a grain of salt. It was Cammie's Story that pissed me off. Are these scientists working on providing me with the best, most-effective medication, or are they public-relations and advertising professionals just trying to move a product? My vote is not with the former.

I needed more impartial information. Back to google. I found Medications.com, and their page on patient reviews of Loestrin 24 Fe. Mood swings, depression, breast tenderness, bleeding, acne, weight gain, nightmares, insomnia, reduced sex drive, headaches - all things I've experienced since beginning this pill, all things other women are experiencing. It's nice to know I'm not crazy. It scares me when I read tales of other women experiencing these symptoms for months. I'm not interested.

I called my doctor, but of course, she's out today. I left a detailed message that included my symptoms as the reasons why I need a prescription for a different medication. I will not accept a reduced enjoyment of life in exchange for something as simple as birth control. At this point, condoms almost seem romantic.

150 comments:

  1. Don't mean to sound like a mean person here, but yes, those side effects are normal for the first 3 months no matter what pill you take. The problem is that most women will quit it before the 3 months are over because of something like spotting (which by the way really isn't that big of a deal in the long run). If you want the pill to work, you take it for 3 months, if it evens out and does what it is supposed to do - good, you found one. If you still have problems, that's when you switch to another pill. Mood swings are bad, but the idea is that they are supposively better than when you have PMS. Don't jump to conclusions too quickly about this. Of course their website lists those side effects... if you look at any other website for a pill, it lists the same thing.
    Lastly, don't go telling other people not to take this pill just because you had a bad reaction. The pill is different for everyone. Yaz has a bad reputation online as the worst pill in the world, when really its just the complainers who are the ones that talk about it online, and therefore no one realizes that in the age group 18-24, it's the most popular form of the pill.
    I just think you are taking things a bit too far. Your information on Loestrin only helps other girls who take it and feel the same side effects so that they know they are not alone... it shouldn't discourage anyone from taking it.

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    1. I tool this pill for years without issues
      It varies by the individual and does take time to get used to any medication. I'm switching off this pill after 7+ years of taking it because my hormones are changing as I get older (I'm 25)
      Things change over time, everyone has a different experience, do your own research and make an educated opinion. Personally lo watering isn't the devil I was very happy with it for a very long time.. but to each his own..

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    2. I'm 46 yrs old and was given Lo lestrin FE to help with menapause symptms. I've always taken Ortho try cyclin in the past with no problems, I have had nothing but horrible side effects with the Lo lestrin FE. it's actually a releif to know i'm not alone with some of the more bizzare side effects like disturbing dreams, heart racing, dizzy, swelling in my legs/knees headache, you name it i have it. thought i was going crazy! angry at everything! this was only two weeks into taking the pill. i think we as women have to look closly at our individule hormone levels. one thing i have learned going through menapause is just how much our hormones effect our thoughts, and bodies when they are not balanced. Which is most likely why this pill works well for some women and not for others. i believe my doctors intentions of giving me a low does of hormones to help with my menopause has made my already unbalanced levels even more unbalanced. i also think some doctors push certain drugs becasue of the drug reps who like to had out free samples. my two months supply was free. I will not be continuing this pill, our bodies will let us know when something is not right, and this pill is deffinetly not right for me. Thank you ladies for expressing your expieriences with this pill, nice to know it's not just me, and for those of you who have no side effects, Wonderfull! keep taking it, like i said we are all different and when it comes to how hormones effect us it's different for everone.

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  2. I don't recommend it at all! I have been takin it a month and ever since I have had severe pelvic pain so bad I can't walk, I am moody I tell everyone off, my face is breaking out, I have been bleeding and I cry for no reason at all. I cry so hard I get sick! I am not hungry at all and I am depressed! this pill in my opinion sucks!!!

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  3. I have been taking loestrin for 4 months now and i never had any problems with it, even before i took it i was on ortho trycyclin and never had problems with it either, loestrin has made my periods much shorter and lighter, I LOVE LOESTRIN 24 FE

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  4. I do not think it is irresponsible to tell people not to take this pill. She is just voicing her opinion and trying to save others from the discomfort she experienced, how on earth is that irresponsible?

    I too believe that Loestrin24 Fe should not be on the market. I am a 40 year old woman, not a teenager or a 'complainer' (how insensitive!) who is impatient and can't wait 3 months for side effects to balance out.

    Nightmares, extreme depression, bloating, digestive problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, and acne, all of which I experienced during my first 6 days on this pill are simply not acceptable side effects.

    In 20 years of being on a variety BCPs, I have never experienced anything so extreme. I have had a little nausea and bloating at the start of other pills, but nothing like this.

    I too, have told all my girlfriends to stay away from this pill.

    I stopped after a week. 2 days without a pill and I am still feeling the negative effects. I hope it will be out of my system shortly. Losing 10 days of my life, seems sacrifice enough.

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  5. I started taking Loestrin a month ago and I'm completely happy with it. It just effects people different. Its not the product that determines how it effects you, its your body. I'm not having any mood swins, I haven't gained weight, and my period right now is very very light. So don't put down Loestrin or your doctor so harshly, because many girls have to try different pills because of bad side effects. Theres no way to tell how it will effect you, so its really nobodys fault for your problem. Just try taking a different pill. Loestrin may not be for you, but it is definatly for some other people (like me.)

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  6. i just got prescribed with loestrin 24 fe. i havent taken it yet because im supposed to wait till i start my next period, thats waht my gyno told me. i just hope that i dont have the horrible side effects that i am reading about. i hope im one of the lucky ones and its a great pill. although the fact that a period only last for 3 days or not even having one kind of scares me because that just doesnt seem right and im sure that will complicate something in the future.

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  7. I can totally sympathize with your situation. I have been on the pill for years. I was on Ortho TriCyclen for years and never 'seemed' to have a problem with it. I chalked up the mood swings and PMS to just being 'normal.' I attempted the Depro Provera shot and not only bled for months on end, but felt severely depressed, so I went back to the pill. Then I moved abroad where the Ortho wasn't available so I decided to give my body a rest and for the first time in a long time I felt elated. I had sad moments but they had reasons, not just out of nowhere. The problem was that I didn't get my period for 4 months and when I did I was in bed vomiting and with a fever. After that I went back on the pill and was given a pill with level hormone doses and I found this was slightly better than the varying levels. Yet a few months into it I fell into a serious depression and became suicidal. It was months before I attributed it to the pill (never had such severe problems before) and switched. I was good for almost a year. I came off it again b/c I didn't have insurance (was back in the states) and for that month I felt great... now four months later I have tried two which have made me feel miserable - most recently the Loestrin. Its related to the levels of Progestin and Estrogen (duh). But higher levels of Progestin in your system will lower your serontonin levels causing anxiety/depression. The higher level estrogen will balance that out.
    Just want you to know you aren't alone. I have been fighting an on/off depression for about 6 years and I have yet to find what works for me without having to face miserable periods (when off the pill). :-)

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  8. i started taking loestrin two months ago.

    the first month was great, i didn't have any pms.

    but then i had an eternal period from hell that lasted 10 days and i still had cramps.
    not as bad, but they were still there.

    then i began to go insane.
    i am deeply affected by stuff that never used to bother me before.

    and i definitely BURST into tears while having sex the other day.
    which, i will say, is completely uncharacteristic of my behavior.

    i started taking loestrin because of my horrendous cramps while i was on my period...
    but i'm beginning to wonder if it was worth it?
    i don't want to risk my sanity.
    so i didn't take my pill tonight.

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  9. I'm a 45 yr. old woman and I started taking Loestrin 24 Wed. March 26, 2008. My dr. prescibed it because my periods were coming more frequently (possible premenopausal), I have fibroids and of course the birth control benefit. I haven't been on the pill for over 4 yrs and so, I was willing to try it again because of the benefits associated with Loestrin 24. It's 6 a.m. Saturday Morning April 4 and I woke up to get some Tylenol because of once again the same headache I had on the 2nd. This thing hasn't gone away and NEITHER has my BITCHY mood. I noticed On the 1st how moody I had become over the past week. I just thought it was PMS. Well, I've never experienced PMS like this. I do remember taking Seasonale and I was a BEAR!!! My husband mentioned that I was moody like this because of PMS, but then he said "It's those pills". I thought he was being a smart ass! I was so enraged with him last night, that I could have thrown a lamp at him. Before he came home I was watching a movie (The Devil Wears Prada) and starting crying for no reason. It's not a sad movie...I was awaken this morning by a vivid dream of me cursing out a co-worker and a mushroom bomb going off in the area. The day before I dreamt my brother was in the hospital and died. This is too much. I do NOT feel like myself at all. The only feeling that comes close to this would have been while taking Seasonale. I'm going to call the dr. on call this weekend and have them call me back, because I want OFF of this med. I want myself back!

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  10. Amen, sister.

    An hour and a half ago I took 2 prescription-strength Motrin and am feeling ZERO relief from these excruciating cramps that have plagued me both times I've had my period since being on Loestrin24 Fe. Yes, 2 periods in 6 months. I think I am only having it now b/c I quit the pills four weeks ago. After countless pregnancy tests (not having a period is stressful), mood swings, lack of sex drive...I'm giving up on these. I should've done it a long time ago.

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  11. I don't usually leave comments on blogs, but I figured I would go ahead. I have been playing the birth control game for about a year now trying to find one that works for me. I was originally on Ortho-Tricyclen for about a year and finally decided I had to get off of it because I felt like I was going crazy. It was terrible the first month I was on it (as in happy one second, could feel my blood pressure rising I was so angry the next because someone put the magazine in the wrong spot) then it evened out and then just started getting worse. I couldn't sleep, was having anxiety attacks, having horrible mood swings with PMS...it was AWFUL. So I switched to Yaz because it is supposed to help with mood swings and I have a friend who had the same problems with Ortho-tricyclen and loved Yaz. Unfortunately it gave me chest pains and irregular heart palpitations. So I switched over to Loestrin 24 fe. It's only been about 4 months now, but so far so good. My boyfriend (who is extremely sweet and understanding and has stuck around even through all of the crazy psycho episodes due to hormones) and I were actually just commenting on how I haven't had a meltdown since I started Loestrin. I feel great, I haven't had any break through bleeding or other symptoms described, and my periods are very light and short. All in all...as I started off...finding the right birth control for some people is just a very annoying game of trial and error. So, I wouldn't count out the product all together if you haven't tried it. If you have and it makes you crazy, all I can say is I've been there...I feel your pain...good luck with the next pill.

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  12. I just started taking Loestrin for perimenopause symptoms. I am 40 years old and I have my tubes tied and I haven't taked the pill for 20 years. It has helped me sleep sooo much better! I have almost always needed to take ambien to sleep but not now after starting the Loestrin. My breasts have been a little swollen but they aren't sore so I guess you would call that a perk? I don't have anything to complain about yet. As of now I need to take the pill for my perimemopause symptoms and I will continue to do so until I other problems occur. i think you should contiune to be active in your health care. We are women and we can be complicated can we not?

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  13. i've been on Loestrin for about 6 months now. The short periods are essential for my various racing (tri, running, cycling). That part is great and I don't know that I've noticed a change in moods or bizarre dreams. What I have noticed but not attributed to this pill is WEIGHT GAIN. I'm athletic and have actually significantly raised my training levels in the past 6 mo. I've been freaking out, however, because I've gained 10 lbs in the same time period. Some muscle conversion, but no change in body fat %. It doesn't make any sense (no change in diet which is healthy, limited and balanced). The only change is Loestrin. Pills have never changed my weight (though I haven't been on them in years until now). I chalked it up to turning 40 6 mo ago, but it just doesn't make sense... Is it this pill???

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  14. Like any new, committed relationship, the couple tries to do the “right thing” and be “responsible” and find the best method of BC possible. Well, here’s my story: I started a relationship with Jon about 6 months ago. I’m 26 and have never been on any form of BC besides using condoms. Well, I quickly came to the realization that Jon tends to have some stage fright and gets a little condom shy in bed (as do most men, I’m sure. I mean, who wants to wear a condom after they’ve had the real thing?! Honestly!) So, I made the promise that I would go on BC when I had my next visit to my gyno. My gyno was very good about pushing Loestrin24fe on me, saying it’s the best option for me considering I’m a “BC virgin” and it’s the lowest-dose drug on the market. But she never gave me other options. She did the routine explanation of the drug to me and warned of possible side effects and whatnot, then sent me on my way with 8 months’ worth of sample packs. I was stoked!! Free BC, shorter periods, little to no cramping, and no PMS….what more could a girl ask for?! So I started Day 1 on the Sunday after I got my period, as instructed. I took it as prescribed for about 2 weeks, missing a day or 2 in-between, but always following up with the doubled-up dose the day after. It is now almost 4 weeks later, and let me TELL YOU the side effects I have had. About 3 weeks ago (just about the same time I started Loestrin24fe), I lost my job and had taken a toll from a few other serious events that occurred in my life. Almost instantly, I became depressed and down on everything. Life, myself, work, the whole 9 yards. And this is coming from a person that is almost always happy. Always optimistic, usually smiling, and always trying to bring out the best in people. My relationship with Jon, which was at an all-time high, immediately took a turn for the worst. My period, which had started a few days before I started the pill, is STILL going strong, now almost a month later. “Breakthrough bleeding” my ass! My cramps? OMG!! Now, I’m usually a heavy bleeder and have pretty bad cramps for the first few days, but nothing that some ibuprofen and/or a heating pad can’t fix. Well, since going on Loestrin24fe, I have had cramps like you wouldn’t believe. I think I’d rather be in labor at this point than deal with these abdominal pains. My entire digestive system has gone to shit. Literally. Jon might think I’m cheating on him with my toilet!! I haven’t had a normal appetite, and I almost never feel like eating. I feel bloated when I haven’t eaten a thing. My mood has been the biggest change. I know that I’ve been going through some really hard times in my life right now, but I definitely don’t think Loestrin24fe has helped it. I mean, there are mornings where I don’t even want to get up, and nights where I wish I would fall asleep and never wake up. Insomnia has seen its best in my life over the past few weeks as well. Reading these posts really helped me realize that I’m not alone out there. It really is comforting to know that I’m not crazy and that there could be a reason to all of this madness. After reading THIS blog and discussing it over with Jon, we have decided that the best thing for me right now is to come off of Loestrin24fe. If it’s not the cause of some of these problems, then great. But if coming off of it makes me just the slightest bit a better, happier, healthier person, then it will all be well worth it. I couldn’t be happier to have any more of an understanding boyfriend than him. Thanks for the stories and advice. I hope that my story can be of some help or inspiration to some other girl out there going through the same thing.

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  15. I've been on the generic version of Loestrin Fe for 4 mos. now...I first started taking it a while back on advice from my Dr. to treat beginning endometriosis, bad cramps, and to counteract lots of family history of gyno cancer. So, there are many reasons why I've been trying to "stick it out," although it has NOT been fun.

    He originally put me on Loestrin, but I found I kept having breakthrough bleeding ... so he prescribed me Junel, the sneaky b'tard...but that's okay.

    So, I've been on it, and before I went on, my cravings, PMS, mood swings were already bad. So I figured, why not try BC again, it can't get any worse?

    Well, with this pill, the mood swings are still here - I've started taking large doses of 5-HTP and SAM-e (1200 mg) to manage it, which seems to help.

    The breakthrough bleeding on this Junel Fe persisted throughout the first 3 months, just as it had with Loestrin Fe. At one point, even though this is Junel Fe i.e. "with iron," my period was just never ending for like 3 weeks and I felt extremely weak, no energy, etc. I took iron supplements, ate a lot of iron and mineral rich foods, and called my Dr. who asked how bad the bleeding was and advised me to ride it out.

    The 3rd month was no breakthrough bleeding, mood swings the same, and the 4th month (now) I had some breakthrough bleeding which lasted 5-6 days but actually stopped.

    I still find (I think) I suffer from PMS (sometimes hard to tell as I have been battling binge eating disorder) and am going through it right now. Also the mood swings, headaches, etc. I have to say, weight gain on this pill hasn't been like the others - I am still able to lose and manage my weight as easily as I could before the pill. Also, even though I'm 33, I have always battled nasty, red, inflammed cystic acne - in recent years it has scaled back to the once or twice a month around my chin with hormonal swings. Now on the pill, since the second month or so I haven't seen any acne, just a few v. small white pimples around my nose/mouth. To me that's a huge deal and I'm thrilled about it. I can actually just wear SPF lotion, a bit of concealer and powder and I'm good.

    But, I'm tired of dealing with mood swings, breakthru bleeding, etc. and want it to stop.

    Tangent: I think the breakthrough bleeding is triggered by my not taking the pills EXACTLY the same time, to the minute, every day. I was able to for about a month or so and set my cell alarm function to remind me, etc. but sometimes I'm 15-30 minutes late.

    From all the research I've done (and all the research I've seen you fellow suffers do and worse garbage you've experienced) I think this pill tends to have common side effects across the board like breakthrough bleeding but additionally affects a good number of women as I see here in terms of the mood swings, bloating, etc. while it has no side effects or a positive effect on others.

    I wish there were a way to tell who it'll wreak havoc with but so far I don't think anyone knows.

    :(

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  16. I'm on my third pack of Loestrin 24. The first month I had spotting, and didn't get my period on the brown pills. The second month I spotted for over 2 weeks in the middle of my pack, the spotting went away for a week, and then I did get my period on the brown pills. I'm on the 3rd pack, second week and I am having slightly heavy breakthrough bleeding and cramps. Im 19 and have never been on BC. Is this normal? I hope this bleeding stops. I lost my appetite, ( i dont mind that). I lost weight, and my drive has increased. Any advice?

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  17. I'm an advertising student at UT. An unsatisfied customer will tell, on average, 12 people about their unsatisfying experience with a product, whereas a satisfied customer is likely to tell only 1-3about their good experience. What does this mean? It means that the unhappy Loestrin 24 FE people are much more likely to be seeking out these types of things online and are more likely to post comments and spread the word. To sum it up, all of the negative reviews you read are self-selected and only tell the negative half of the story. Just take it with a grain of salt. Best of luck.

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  18. ok i've never taken losestin but im looking it up because i want to take it. and the woman that are having trouble with it how old are you because women over 35 normally have trouble with birth control. And it is ok to talk about ur side effects but dont tell people not to take it. I took yaz and had the worst side possible side effects but my friends take it and they dont have any. it all just depends on your body so like i said u can warn people but dont tell them not to take it.

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  19. well to this blogger thank you for making me feel not so alone. okay so i'm 17 years old and have been taking this pill for almost exactly 8 months. and i HIGHLY recomend never taking this pill. the only good side effects besides doing it's job is my breasts grew and i never. repeat never have my period. although i do admit i don't always take it on time. i pms around 3 weeks out of every month. it seems as if i have to work extra hard to have a good day and stay in a good mood. this pill has taken a huge impact on my life and has made me a different person. it has done nothing but make the relationship with me and my boyfriend of 2 yrs extremely hard. since i cry over everything he does or says. i was never like this. i get angry about stupid little things. it's made me nearly bipolar. i cry nearly everyday. and alot of the time nothing is even wrong. it's rediculous. i have an apointment with my doctor this upcoming week to switch pills. i have heard high recomendations of YAZ. soo i'll see how that goes. i don't mean to discourage others but just warn them that it can have life altering side effects.

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  20. I think that this discussion of birth control and how much it sucks and the fact that its like midnight and I need to be in bed, but I'm researching friggin' birth control is a symptom of a CHAUVINISTIC SOCIETY.
    It goes to show that after, what, 30 years of women being on the pill that only slight progress has been made on oral contraceptives.
    I know, I know, I hear the horror stories about women in the 70s taking outrageous levels of hormones in their pill. But still: women still have to spend 3 months out of their lives to "see" if a birthcontrol MIGHT work for them?! Meanwhile they're puking, doubled-over in cramps, and randomly bleeding out the crotch?! (which really sucks, by the way if you play soccer and your uniform is WHITE).
    Yes, I am ecstatic over the recent birth controls that have come out over the market. I'm wishful that they are more pleasant than the older ones. Hopefully modern society will find a more pleasant and accomodating means of birth control without the hormonal rollercoster.
    Meanwhile, I'm going to try birthcontrol to get rid of my acne, but if it doesn't work on my skin, I'm goin' back to the condom!
    -THE FEMMINIST

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  21. I think that this discussion of birth control and how much it sucks and the fact that its like midnight and I need to be in bed, but I'm researching friggin' birth control is a symptom of a CHAUVINISTIC SOCIETY.
    It goes to show that after, what, 30 years of women being on the pill that only slight progress has been made on oral contraceptives.
    I know, I know, I hear the horror stories about women in the 70s taking outrageous levels of hormones in their pill. But still: women still have to spend 3 months out of their lives to "see" if a birthcontrol MIGHT work for them?! Meanwhile they're puking, doubled-over in cramps, and randomly bleeding out the crotch?! (which really sucks, by the way if you play soccer and your uniform is WHITE).
    Yes, I am ecstatic over the recent birth controls that have come out over the market. I'm wishful that they are more pleasant than the older ones. Hopefully modern society will find a more pleasant and accomodating means of birth control without the hormonal rollercoster.
    Meanwhile, I'm going to try birthcontrol to get rid of my acne, but if it doesn't work on my skin, I'm goin' back to the condom!
    -THE FEMMINIST

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  22. I have been on Loestrin 24 for around 6 months now and I am miserable. My doctor keeps telling me to give it some time but I wonder if she would say that if she got mad at her husband every time he said anything. Would she say that if she were bleeding 20 out of 30 days a month? Would she say that if she felt as if she were going to vomit all day? Would she say that if she had no desire to have sex with her husband? Would she say that if she thought she could not make it through the day without strangling someone at work for no reason at all? Would she say that if she woke up everyday with a horrible headache and never felt rested? These are my symptoms and I'm fed up. I have never been this moody, unhappy, depressed, and overall icky feeling. I'm calling her tomorrow and if she doesn't change my prescription, I'll find another doctor. It is unacceptable for women to put themselves through this for birth control. What are we doing to ourselves (crying as I type this)???? I haven't felt right since I started taking this stupid pill and I'm done.

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  23. I have been on Loestrin 24 for about a year and a half. Overall, I am pleased. My period (and any associated symptoms) has disappeared completely. I had some abnormal bleeding at first, that is all.

    I have been on a number of low-dose, monophase, continuous therapy type pills that are similar to Loestrin -- Mircette, Seasonale, Microgestin, Ortho-Lo. I took Ortho Tri Cyclin a long time ago, but it made my cycle go haywire.

    BUT...every one is different. Every body is different. Things happen in our lives that affect weight, mood, sleep, sex drive, skin, etc. As for me, I hesitate trace DIRECTLY any of these things to the Pill, in any of its forms. For example, I worry in general that years on hormonal birth control MIGHT have put a damper on my sex drive...but I will not go so far as to say that it is the fault of Loestrin! I am more inclined to think that it's a result of my job and associated stress levels.

    Different pills, different people, different reactions. But be REASONABLE. Rule out other causes. The Pill is not the cause of every physical and mental symptom you might encounter!

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  24. i am almost 16 and my doctor prescribed loestrin24fe to me because my periods are 9-10 days and extremely heavy.. which is just a pain in the ass, and i figured, if there is something i can do about it then why not try it? i am supposed to start this sunday (tomorrow) because i went to the doctor this week. she never told me anything about starting right after you get your period though. she didn't give me much info on it, just said to start this sunday. i researched it because i am a regular high school student and i didn't want this to change my life or anything, like some of you women are saying it did, and after reading this, i am so scared to take it! does anyone know if there is a "right" or "wrong" time to start your first pack based on your cycle? p.s. i have never taken any other methods of bc before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. as far as I know the Sunday start pill should be started on the first Sunday of your period

      Delete
  25. I have been using Loestrin 24 for over a year now and have only good things to say about it! I didn't gain weight (I think BC is often a scapegoat for weight gain, personally), my breasts grew a cup size, and I feel fine. I recommend it to my friends, but you have it give it 3 months to really see if it's gonna work for you.

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  26. Hello everyone,
    I too have been going thru some major changes upon taking Loestrin Fe 24. I am on my 2 month and feeling worse everyday that passes by. I get very moody. I don't want to hear anything my husbands say, i tell him to leave me alone and when he leaves i start to cry out of nowhere, i feel angry all the time to the point that i lost it and chucked my blackberry out the window and then took out my rage by stepping on it. i am getting acne all over my body, my face feel itchy and irritated. i feel bloated and i have NOT stopped crying since last week.
    I dont think this pill should be recommended to anyone. I am usually up for anything. I wanna feel like myself again. Ive had it with this stupid pill and from now on. i am just going to go back to the old method condoms.
    Its been two days since i stopped the pill and i feel better already.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I started taking Loestrin 24 3 months ago and have had no problems that are unbearable! The first month I had breakthrough bleeding that only lasted a couple days, then I got my period on the brown pills, but it only lasted about 5 days when it's normally 11 days long! The second month I had breakthrough bleeding but only for like 2 days....got my period on the brown pills, now only lasted 4 days. The third month i had NO breakthrough bleeding, I just started my period today (second brown pill) and it is barely even there. I don't even feel like I have my period, no cramps, moodiness, or anything! I have a feeling my period is only gonna last a couple of days...I wonder if this is ok. I'm going to call my gyno tomorrow and ask and make sure this is ok. I don't want to miss a period, because then I start panicking I'm pregnant...but at this rate, am I going to get my period next month?

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have been taking Loestrin 24Fe for the last year and 2 months. At the start of my first pack, it made me sick just thinkig of taking a pill (I'm not a pill taker at all!) In the beginning, I did have the same symptoms as the other women explained; moodiness, naseous, all of that, but I stuck with the pill. (I was previously on the Depo shot and it made my hair fall out, which is a side effect, but not noted on as one)After the 3 months, I started feeling a lot better. My moods calmed, I didn't feel sick to my stomach every day and my period lasted for 3 days at the most. I actually don't have a problem with this pill. Years ago I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen and it made me gain weight, increased acne, increased moodiness, and still a 7 day period! With the Loestrin 24FE, it's actually decreased my acne and I haven't gained any weight (I'm 5'4' 110 llbs, I'd like to gain some weight!). The only time my face breaks out is the week prior to my period. The only problem I do have with this pill is that some months, I may not get a period at all. Mind you, the period I'm speaking of, I can use a pantyliner and be just fine, that's how light it is! However, not to have a period at times kind of makes me nervous.

    All in all, if you can make it through the first few months, I think you may enjoy this pill. I've had the same symptoms with starting other pills as well. I don't believe there is a pill out there that will not give you these symptoms; since the pill is basically faking your body into thinking it's pregnant. There's going to be some symptoms with every pill, it just depends on the woman. That's why there are so many pills on the market, so that if you don't like one pill, you can switch to another pill. Good luck ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  29. So I finished week 2 of my first month of Le24 today. I am 15 years old. I wanted to start taking BCPs because of my extremely heavy and long periods. I started taking it on the 3rd day of my period because my doctor told me that it was best. Well, ever since then I've been bleeding like crazy. It will start to let up and as soon as I think this "breakthrough" bleeding is gone, it comes right back. I am starting to get moody also. I had a major breakdown this morning over something that I usually wouldn't make a big deal out of. The beginning of this week I felt really wierd cramps that weren't like the ones I usually get on my period. But so far I haven't felt particularly sick to my stomache, and my breasts haven't felt sore. I'm not one of those "complainer" people, but so far I'm not to impressed with Le24. But at this point I'm willing to wait it out 3 or 4 months because that's when it seems to let up for some people. Even though some of these reviews that I've read have had people at month 7 still complaining. Oh well, good luck to everyone who has to go through all of this shit with me!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi there. Randomly found your blog while googling side effects of this pill. I'm at about 1.5 months into taking the pill and have never had mood swings like this in my life, though my periods are less and my skin isn't breaking out, which were problems I had on OrthoTricyclen. I guess its just different for every woman and her specific body. Good luck to you!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I was on OTC for a year and it was horrible! I hated everything and everyone for the week before and during my period. I just finished my 3rd pack of Loestrin 24 and I'm so incredibly happy with it. My mood swings are gone, my cramps are gone, my heavy periods are gone, and my sex drive is back. My husband and I couldn't be in the same room together when I was on OTC now I almost forget that my period is coming because I have no side effects at all. I love it! Its too bad it didn't work the same for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? you have no issues on Loestrin 24 FE? That is so incredibly wonderful to hear, as I want to start taking this!

      Delete
  32. hmmm i've been on Lutera (generic for levlite/alesse) for about 4 years, and i never realized that THIS could be the cause of my cystic acne (which i did not have before taking it, but never made the connection) and complete lack of sex drive.

    i talked to my doctor and she switched me to Loestrin (i will begin my first pack on sunday) i printed the cupon and got the first pack for free (it was $35 minus the $35 cupon=$0) and upon bringing my receipt back to the doctors office, they gave me an additional 6 packs for free, and the lady at the desk said you are allowed to use the cupon up to 6 time. i hope i have a positive experience with this pill. i notice those that do well on the Ortho brands tend to react badly to the low dose brands...

    ReplyDelete
  33. Kat wrote...
    I have been fortunate that I have only had one of the side effects mentioned (acne: 1 to 2 bumps just before my cycle). I have been on LOESTRIN 24 FE for 4 months now and can truely say I enjoy not having to deal with the heavy bleeding and cramping that I use to experience. I hope that it gets better for all that are having side effects. Good Luck!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I was put on Loestrin 24 to help control my hormones during my periods as I was already having anxiety attacks especially around ovulation time. Therefore I do not know whether to attribute the symptoms I have had to BC or to Anxiety disorder. I can say though that my 2 problems are the anxiety dreams and zombie like feelings.Breast tenderness is also a factor. I am on my second month, but have had to stop for this month, because I I forgot to take it a few times. I am giving it a break to see if the symptoms persist. I will post in a week and perhaps again in 2 weeks to let you know how I do. Of course, by no means am I telling anyone else what to do but all those who say they quit have not followed up with how they are doing now.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I've been on Loestrin for about a week now and so far i haven't had any bad side effects. My skin appears to be clearer. I don't know if it's my cleanser or the pill but im happy. I really wanted to go on Yaz but my gyno wouldn't listen to me. Maybe because i'm not old enough?(i'm 17) I don't know. But hopefully my body will react really well to this pill. Good luck ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I've been on Loestrin for about a month and a half now and I think i'm done with it... I've thrown up once a week for the past 3 weeks. I've been nauseaus just about everyday, having a lot of stomach problems (and I'm person who rarely ever has stomach problems) and just start crying for no reason at all. These are not reasonable side effects to me...

    ReplyDelete
  37. I went on loestrin to make my period regular . Instead, i have been bleeding ever day for the past 2 weeks. So far it is making me really angry. Sometimes i find myself happy, and 10 min later i am in the worst mood. I also cant have sex because my period will go away for about an hour and come back. I think I am done with birth control

    ReplyDelete
  38. i dunno, I say that if u have had such a BAD experience with this pill, tell ur freakin ob/gyn to prescribe u another pill, bitchin about it doesnt help, at least i dont think. Any other pill is gonna do the same damn thing to alot of other people, cause ya know everyone is different... if u hate birth control and hate the side effects and bitch non stop for 3 measly months, then QUIT HAVING SEX easy as that... ya know when i was on my first 3 months of this pill, ya i was crabby and moody, but i tried to keep my freakin trap shut and not have a shit fit to everybody in the damn world, sooner or later the people that are bitchin are gonna start blaming freakin birth control for shootings and people getting killed from road rage....PATHETIC!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I use the same pill and am starting my 6 month.
    I had the same issues, I wanted to jump off a cliff.

    But now things are great, and I couldn't be happier.

    I say you should try sticking to it.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I have been on Ortho Novum 777 for about 20 years. I told my doctor my periods weren't short like they used to be, they used to last like 4 or 5 days, now sometimes 7-9, so he prescribed Loestrin 24, gave me 3 sample packs and a prescription. I'm supposed to start in 3 weeks after this pack of my old pills are gone, but after all I've read on the internet PLUS all the side effects listed on the pamphlet with the pills, I'm not even going to risk trying these pills. I'm going to tell my doctor, just keep me on OrthoNovum, because I've never had any bad side effects from that pill. I have enough things to deal with, I don't need all these bad side effect and I don't want to just try and maybe I won't have them. I tried Seasonale for 6 months about 4 years ago and I bled constantly!! I mean constantly, like 3 weeks out of every month. I've just read way too many bad things on the internet about this Loestrin 24.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have been on a variety of different hormonal birth control and I can tell you that I've had unpleasant side effects with each one within the first few months. I've taken OTC, Yasmin, Loestrin, Nuva-Ring and now Loestrin 24.

    I broke out in hives taking OTC and had to stop mid-month, Yasmin and the ring both completely killed my sex drive.

    I actually really liked Loestrin and when I decided to go back on the pill after a year-long hiatus, I didn't hesitate when my Doc suggested Loestrin 24.

    What everyone should realize about low-dose birth control pills is the importance of taking the pill at the same time everyday. You WILL experience breakthrough bleeding if you forget to take a pill. Obviously this will also increase the liklihood of experiencing other symptoms as well.

    I had no breakthrough bleeding with Loestrin and practically non-existent periods if I took the pill at the same time everyday (give or take an hour or two). If I forgot to take a pill and didn't remember until the next morning, I could count on some spotting within the next couple days.

    I've only been taking Loestrin 24 for 2 weeks, but so far I've had no side effects other than a little acne. Since I had such a good experience with Loestrin, I feel pretty confident that Loestrin 24 will work out just fine.

    Long story short, and to repeat what many others have said - Be reasonable, we are all different and respond differently to different types of medication. Don't let the experiences of others stop you from trying something that may be perfect for you.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I've been taking Loestrin24Fe for 22 days now. I have been blogging my experiences at: http://troublewithendo.blogspot.com/
    I was surprised and disappointed at the spotting yesterday as I have made it a point to take the pill within an hour of normal medication time every day. No missed pills, no late pills.
    Also, my breasts have been tender for about a week.
    I keep experiencing this funky taste in my mouth.
    And today I am sad. Crying kind of sad. FOR NO APPARENT REASON!
    That just sucks.
    I am planning to stick things out. I am supposed to take it continuously and not have any period. I hate being so apprehensive.

    ReplyDelete
  43. i've been taking loestrin about 2 months and just started my 3rd month a few days ago, I've had shortness of breath for the whole time which makes me super moody, i have an appoiment with my doc the 16, i want to stop taking it before but i dont know if it safe, any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
  44. I have never posted a comment online before, but I felt absolutely compelled to do so after reading all of this info. My doctor just switched me from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to Loestrin 24 (my only side effect from the OTCL was a bit of breakthrough bleeding from time to time; other than that, no additional side effects). I'm on my first week of the Loestrin 24, and I actually feel like a completely different person - and not in a good way. I'm 30 years old, healthy, and a very upbeat, energetic, and happy person. For the first time in my life (and I can't believe a BCP would alter me this much after only a week of pills), I feel sadder than ever before. I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping, I'm having very disturbing dreams, and I just feel overwhelmed by sadness and irritability. Now, you must know I have an advanced degree in counseling and currently work in that capacity, so you can imagine how alarmed I was when my mood was altered this much. It's as if I'm displaying symptoms of clinical depression and that my entire emotional self has done a complete 180-degree turnaround. I've been on several different BCPs over the last 13 years, and I actually went completely off all BCPs for about 18 months a few years ago, only to end up in the ER with ruptured ovarian cysts (PAINFUL). So, my doctor put me back on the pill to get rid of all the existing cysts, and my previous pill was a good form of birth control, but I need to get off Loestrin 24 asap.

    It was sort of out of desperation that I started looking around for info on the side effects of Loestrin 24, and I want you all to know how much your info helped me. I feel normal, and I talked with my doctor's office today, and I'm going to stop this particular pill immediately. As several of you mentioned, these awful emotional side effects are just not worth it (to me or to those around me). I understand BCPs work differently for everyone, and everyone's body chemistry is a bit different, so I don't feel as if I'm in a position to tell others not to take Loestrin 24, but I do think I'm in a position to let others know that if you experience these horrible emotional side effects, as many of us have on this blog site, do NOT ignore them, and talk to your health care provider right away. There are MANY BCPs out there - I've been on several different versions over the years and have certainly experienced an adjustment each time I've switched, but nothing this alarming and serious. Take care of yourselves, ladies, and thanks for all the good advice and info about this particular medication.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I've been on both OrthoTriCyclin Lo and Seasonale which both gave me crazy mood swings, three week long periods, and morning sickness for months and months. I started on LoEstrin and everything is PERFECT. The pills have different types of progestins and different amounts of both progestins and estrogens. These things work differently in different bodies... if you tell your doctor what kind of symptoms you are having he/she can more easily switch you to a drug that works better for your body.

    ReplyDelete
  46. From a female medical student-

    You do not realize the harm you are doing by posting something like this on the internet. Young adult women with no previous BC experience read these commentaries and take them as fact. This is not about your discomfort,which I empathize with, but rather your ability to scare off young women (read the above comments) with fear mongering as opposed to factual information.

    Fact: birth control affects everyone differently.
    Fact: YOU WILL NOT react the exact same way as another woman. Half of these posts say "oh yeah, me too but mine was a little different."
    Fact: Birth control is not a societal ill and was invented for other reasons. Risks of certain types of cancer are decreased with hormone therapy, read your medical information ladies!!
    Fact: The pain of cysts, endometriosis, and other uterine issues like fibroids can be lessened with proper (read functional) hormone therapy.
    Fact: Some are lucky to try a pill and have it work - some have to try many.

    Life sucks. Be careful what you allow the public to access because you are providing uninformed fear to young women. Talk to your doctors ladies; they really have your best interests at heart.

    And if your doctor sucks, dammit get a new one and stop complaining about their inefficiency.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can post whatever the hell we want. It's the internet. The truth is, doctors prescribe BC way more often than they should to girls who are 15 or 16 and too young to be taking something with all these hormones. If it is for something like cysts then fine, but I know from experience form having gone into my obgyn and complaining about my horrible period cramps, they are SO QUICK to prescribe BC. They don't even ask, they just say "oh, I'll send this BC to your pharmacy."

      I was on Loestrin24 Fe a little over 2 years ago for about 6 months. I don't remember having any major problems with it, but I went off it because I was sick of taking it and I just recently tried it again 3 weeks ago. Completely different story. After only a few days of taking the pill I was nauseous, could barely eat anything, and very depressed. I felt like no one cared about me and I would cry over nothing. I researched online and found that most sites tell you to "wait it out" for 3 MONTHS. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to spend 3 months of my life feeling nauseous, anxious and depressed. I stopped taking BC yesterday and I don't plan to start again any time soon.

      Sure, BC has potential benefits like you mentioned but if it ruins someones life by making them feel awful then it isnt worth it. Many of these negative posts are just women sharing their experiences.

      "Life sucks"? Maybe your life sucks, but the women posting on here about their experiences keep saying how they went from being a happy person to feeling depressed and down about life. Life doesn't suck, but birth control can make you FEEL that way.

      This is not "uninformed fear." You're an idiot. Have some sympathy for these women, who, like myself, have had awful experiences with BC.

      Delete
  47. Really people, I am 18 years old and I have been on Loestrin 24 FE for just over a month now. It has not been as bad as most of you are making it seem. So yea I have started spotting after a week of my period, and I have been moody a little more than usual but all of you have to remember that no matter what pill you take, those are going to be some of the common side effects because of the change in hormones. I know people who have taken many different pills and in the first three months these side effects are common, in my oppinion just a tad bit better than getting pregnant.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I am 24 and have been on Loestrin 24 Fe for 2 years, having taken a 6 month break after a year and a half during my husband's deployment to Iraq.

    During the first time I used the pill, I started having very strange dreams and mood swings. I thought it was just an effect of being freshly married. This is not a typical characteristic of my personality. After taking the pill for a year and a half I took a break. A deployment is the hardest time in a military couple's life... and I felt better than I had since we got married... not because my husband was gone but because of the lack of the pill.
    I started taking Loestrin 24fe about 6 months ago. The disturbing dreams are back, I lightly bled through the entire first pack, I've had mood swings worse than I've ever had before and, I am depressed again and anxious. I am thinking after two years of these feelings and this pill... I am going to take a breather to see if it truly is the pill or just a change in my character.

    This pill did wonders for my period! But, if it is the pill causing all these side effects it may be better to look into another pill.

    You truly have to find the one that works for you. Having gone through the depression and mood swings, I recommend not waiting 2 years to switch meds. And find the pill that best suits you - loestrin or not.

    ReplyDelete
  49. My, at the time, 16 year old daughter was presribed this pill for acne and heavy periods. Every month she was on it (total of 5) she became more and more depressed. She is normally happy, vibrant, funny and very upbeat. The doctor attributed these moods to the fact that we had recently moved. After five months of being on this pill my daughter became suicidally depressed and started hurting herself. The doctor said "Take her to a psychiatrist." I took her off this pill and she is 100% back to her normal funny self and takes minocylin for her skin which looks beautiful. DO NOT PUT YOUR CHILD ON THIS PILL!!!! THERE SAFETY IS NOT WORTH THE RISK!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Within 2 weeks of taking Loestrin Fe my body and mood has totally changed. I have gained about 7lbs, weight in my stomach and face, which I never gain. I feel like I"m going crazy, always tired, crying, weeping, snapping at those around me. Swollen breasts, and 'break through' bleeding which feels like a period. It's not worth it, I don't recognize myself physically or emotionally. I highly reccommend that anyone with a history or depression, or just a sensative body stay away from this pill. It amazes me how much damage it has done in such a short time.

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  51. Fe. Mood swings, depression, breast tenderness, bleeding, acne, weight gain, nightmares, insomnia, reduced sex drive, headaches -

    yes.. i've pretty much experienced it all. and i've been on this stuff for over a yr. now. i've been on 5 different birth controls and none of them work. i get my period 3 times a month. i hate this stuff. i tried to give it a chance... but yet again.. dissapointed. VERY.

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  52. wow.. I've been on Loestrin for 2 years, never had even an ounce of change in my body or mood and I went off of it (in hopes of getting pregnant)about 3 weeks ago - and I'm breaking out slightly, but that might be unrelated... but I've felt great throughout my 2 years experience on this pill.. and I was SHOCKED when I got online and saw all the negativity... I'm all about research, but when it comes to the pill apparently it really does depend on your BODY not the product... so stop putting this pill down because for some people, like me... this was a fantastic option...

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  53. sorry to hear about your experience. everyone is different and responds differently to various hormones. i took OTC and hated it. now i am on loestrin and i absolutely LOVE it. go figure.

    ReplyDelete
  54. i used to suffer from SEVERE and LONG periods. they cramps were so bad, that prescription painkillers wouldn't even help. my gyno told me to try loestrin b/c it's the lowest form of bc. so i tried it. and i was maybe nauseous for a week, but was able to see a dramatic difference. before the pill i was pmsy 24/7. i maybe had 3 days after my period where i was fine, and then pmsed for almost 3 weeks. the pill has definately helped. i attribute the pill to helping balance out my hormones. my only complaint after being on it for 2 yrs, but breasts are now tender a lot more. not just before my period, but like 2 weeks before. everyone needs to find a pill that works for them. bodies react differently. ive had friends who have tried 5 different pills before finding the one that worked for them. just keep looking!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm glad I found this. This BC sucks. Take it if it works for you, but it doesn't work for me. I am on this to control bleeding. I was bleeding all the time and this was supposed to cut the bleeding to a 3 day period. Not. I have breakthrough bleeding all the time. And major headaches, so bad that I feel like throwing up. I have anxiety, and weird dreams. I go to the gyno next week but I don't know if I can last that long.

    ReplyDelete
  56. THANK YOU for posting your experiences with Loestrin 24 Fe. THIS BLOG confirmed I was not alone!

    I coped with the increasingly problematic side effects of Loestrin 24 Fe until last Friday, July 17, 2009, when I experienced a TRANCE-LIKE, SUICIDE-DEPRESSED NIGHTMARE.

    DURATION:
    I took Loestrin 24 Fe for 9 weeks from May to July 2009.

    MOTIVE:
    Following a rushed surgery in Dec 2008 and 5 days in the hospital, my doctor advised I take Loestrin 24 Fe to minimize too many ovarian cysts from coming back. I am 32 years old, married, but with no children… yet.

    MY SIDE EFFECTS:
    I experienced nightmares, depression, a difficulty falling asleep and staying soundly asleep. I got about 2-4 nightmares per week during the 1st two weeks of each pack and woke up each time.

    MY NIGHTMARE TRENDS:
    They became worse with time: first people I knew hated me, then argued with me, then stole and broke my favorite things, then threw rocks at me.

    MY FIRST REPORT:
    On July 3, 2009, I reported my nightmare experiences to my doctor, who advised I stop the pill if another nightmare is experienced. The FDA never called me back. Warner Chilcott, the pharm co. who makes the drug, took an extensive report from me and gave me a case #. They denied having other nightmare reports.

    MY WORST EPISODE:
    On Friday, July 17, 2009, I experienced a TRANCE-LIKE, SUICIDE-DEPRESSED NIGHTMARE on the 6th day of the 3rd pack. I was on vacation and did not want to wake my 86-yr-old grandma. It took me over an hour to realize that I was in the trance-like state, which told me to "end it all!" Never in my life have I ever gotten that close to committing suicide! I knew my thoughts were a result of the nightmare, so I text messaged my husband and sister to "walk my way" out of the situation as a form of therapy. I was very paranoid and cried for hours in fear of falling back asleep.

    MY ACTIONS:
    I immediately stopped taking Loestrin 24 Fe. My sister, mom, and doctor's on-call nurse advised I stop taking the pill. I'm still waiting to hear from my own doctor (not surprised). On the 1st following night, I feared sleeping but only had a brief, silly nightmare. On the 2nd and 3rd nights, I slept soundly with no dreams. Truly and honestly, I feel safe again. I'm not overreacting - my experiences are real.

    WHAT I DISCOVERED:
    Women who have a tendency towards depression have a higher risk of negative side effects from Loestrin 24 Fe.

    MY HISTORY:
    Since I was a teenager, I have been a fighter of depression-related tendencies but fight them off naturally through positive actions in my life. I have a good life with a great husband and family and knew my suicide nightmare was uncharacteristic of me. I am also a vivid, happy dreamer with a lot of details and colors about people and situations in my life. I write many of them down in my Dreams Journal next to my bed so I can laugh at them later. (When you get as many dreams as I do, you find them funny).

    MY SECOND REPORT:
    I will report the July 17th trance-like suicide nightmare experience this week to all three parties again. I will also report my experiences to other blog sites on the Internet. Hopefully, other women can read what I experienced and know they are not alone.

    MY ADVICE:
    Ladies, if you naturally have a tendency towards DEPRESSION or NIGHTMARES or are suffering from these side effects from having taken this pill, please consider ending Loestrin 24 Fe!

    You've got one body and one mind, right? If you don't take proper care of yourself, who will????

    I hope my story helps you!
    Beth
    Elementary school teacher
    Chicagoland, IL

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am 18 years old and was prescribed OTC and took it for a year and a few months, but stopped since my sex drive was gone, and I'd have my period for months at a time. I am now starting my 3rd month of LoEstrin & I had a little acne at first, and spotting (I wasn't always taking it the same time everyday) and the first month I hated it, now I love it. I'm getting my sex drive back and my period is so light I don't even think I have it. Someone stated above that people with previous depression are likely to have bad side effects, but I completely disagree, since I was 7 years old I have had severe depression and being on the pill has resulted in me not even needing to take my anti-depressants anymore. I think it solely depends on your body and your lifestyle. Yes, I am experiencing side effects, headaches, spotting, fatigue, but trying out a couple different BC pills myself and my older sisters trying MANY different pills, I know these symptoms are common in every pill. ESPECIALLY LOSS OF SEX DRIVE. Loestrin is actually the best pill to help you gain a sex drive.

    If you're about to start the pill, do not be scared by what others are saying, I was. But let me tell you, it's all common, maybe not to the extreme of some people, which may even be exaggerations, but don't let them make decisions for you. Loestrin may be the BEST pill for you.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have been taking birth control pills for 3 years now. & for the past 4 months I started taking yaz. Well last period I had was from July 8 through the 19th!! 11 days. In the middle of those 11 days I switched to Loestrin 24. Now on July 24 I started break through period & on July 25 it turned into a full blown period again with heavy heavy cramps. What should I do?

    ReplyDelete
  59. i would have to say this pill is honestly more trouble then its worth. i took it because i had bad cramps ten day periods and this pill made me have a period every week, i was in such a bad mood its almost like it was a chore to be in a good mood. i found myself going off on everyone for litle things that normally never upset me. i was crying to my boyfriend every other day because i was depressed and stressed.also that pill makes you want to eat everything in sight. and then i switched to zovia and ever since then it has been perfect im always in a good mood. period is always on schedule appetite is back to normal its amazing

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  60. I am a younger woman who has been on the pill for a little over a month. I had started the pill mainly because I had been getting my period two times a month, but also because I am sexually active. The doctor first put me on Yaz, because it had supposedly been more mild in side effects. Yaz really wasn't the pill for me. About two days in I was a depressed girl who was crying over anything and everything. Lost kitten sign? Led to a ten minute crying jag. Sad part in the Sex and the City movie? about 30 minutes. I consulted my doctor and she decided to switch me to Loestrin. So far, I don't have any complaints except that I have had heavy spotting since I started the pill. But I'm willing to wait the three months to see how my period will be. Other than that, my sex drive isn't gone (not at all!), I'm fine psychologically, and besides the constant menstruation I have no problems with this pill. I'm far happier on Loestrin than when I was on Yaz, and I'm in the 18-24 group! :)

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  61. I'm about to take Loestrin today after being off the pill for 4 years. I'm 23 and I have a serious boyfriend of 3 years...I can't believe I have not relied on an oral contraceptive for this long! I really hate the way birth control makes me feel, that's why I have stayed away. I just wanted to say that your intentions to warn people about your side effects can be appreciated, but it is not right for you to tell women not to take it. I could have the same side effects as you, who knows, but I will never tell other people not to take it simply because they are not me. Each person is different. The only way to see if the shoe fits is to try it on. You seem intelligent enough to post a blog...but not too bright to think about situations other than your own.

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  62. I'm 21 and have been having regular, 7 day periods with pretty gruesome cramps and backaches for 11 years. That sucks, true, but it was consistent. I would get crampy on Monday and know that by Thursday, I'd be bleeding. I was always prepared. And I always knew not to schedule anything fun during the first week of the month.
    I've never been on any BCPs before and my boyfriend and I have always had fine experiences with condoms. But back in April, we had a mishap and I had to take Plan B. I read that it should make me bleed about a week after taking it, so when it took longer than that, I panicked and went to my GYN. He told me that was normal and then we talked about BCPs and when he dangled "shorter periods" and "lighter cramps and bleeding" in front of me, I took that bait. He told me the first three months could be kinda rough but that things should level off after that.
    Since I was already bleeding, he told me to go ahead and take the first pill the next day. So I did. My periods are always the first week of the month, so when I finished having my Plan B period, my regular one came on. Normal. Then when that ended, I had 4-5 days off before I started bleeding again. I bled for 10 days then had 3 off then I bled for 14 days and had a week off. May, June and July were bloody months. And while my cramps were "lighter," they were constant. Before Loestrin, I'd cramp for 20-30 minutes straight, then they'd ease off for 30-45 minutes. With Loestrin, I'm just in mild pain ALL THE TIME. In June, when I went for my Pap smear (which I had to reschedule due to my erratic bleeding), my GYN assured me that it was normal.
    In August, I had my regular period during the first week of the month, then I had my pill period during the middle of the month when the brown pills dictated. So I thought, "Hey, just two periods this month! Progress!" How messed up is that? But then last Friday, I got back from class and was on the phone with my mom and I felt a cramp. And I was like WTF? So I went to the bathroom and surely enough, bleeding again. So I figured I'd just finish out this month's pack of pills and be done with it. But the bleeding that started last week was supposed to stop today and it hasn't. In fact, all week, I had pretty minor bleeding and cramps but this feels like one of my old, pre-Loestrin periods. So, after many expletives and much blood loss, bye-bye, Loestrin. You can suck it.
    Anybody know of the proper way to dispose of prescription medicine? I don't want to risk getting this bulls--- in the ground water...

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  63. I loved Loestrin at first. I'm on month 3 right now and a week before every period I am ridiculously tired and even dizzy while sitting at times. I thought it could be anemia so I started taking Iron, but I still feel the same. I've gained 5 lbs, I'm breaking out like a teenager and I have become very empathic and dreadful! I'm going to stop taking this when this month runs out. I was told by my doc to try for 3 months and I did... no difference. I'll be going back to Ortho Tricyclen Lo.

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  64. I have been taking Loestrin Fe 24 for about 7 months, SO far no problems and I love it. I am 21 and only had slight nauseaduring the forst couple months. Before the pill when I would get my period I would be sick the first day, blacking out, throwing up and horrible cramps.It has shortened my periods to about 3 days with no pain.I love it. Everyone is different so of course there will be different side affects, try it first before you judge it.

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  65. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
    I have been on Loestrin for two months and am seriously fearing losing my boyfriend, my friends and my mind.
    Crazy dreams - when I can sleep that is, inexplicable anger, crying and nausia.
    Just called my doc and am looking forward to becoming normal again.
    So happy to know I'm not alone.
    THANK YOU.

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  66. wow, this blog has been eye opening. i've been taking this bc for a month and a half now, and i'm starting to realize why i've been repeatedly telling everyone "i hate my life." I have been so bitchy, depressed, and moody lately. I'm pissed off at everyone, and I even keep telling my poor dog how much i hate him, seriously. i've also had some really odd dreams. i was sick to my stomach the whole first month of the pill, and i'm tired ALL THE TIME. i have terrible, terrible acne that makeup can't even cover. i won't be taking my pill tomorow, even though i know thats probably not good. i just can't stay on this any longer.

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  67. Girl, I am so glad you posted this - I was starting to think I was nuts! Going to call TODAY and request a different pill. Like you I had no side effects with the Ortho, (why they won't prescribe THAT to me is beyond me) but now I have bleeding 24-7, acne, and giant bitchy mood swings. Ick. Hope things get better for you!

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  68. I was on this earlier this summer from May to September. I have horrible cycles, fibroids and long periods. Two to three days out of every cycle, I'm afraid to do anything athletic (and I'm an aerial artist) and was afraid I'd ruin clothes. My fibroids had grown a bit, so I was spotting as well. I wasn't depressed, I just didn't know how bad my cycles would be from month to month and it sucked!

    Finally, one day in May, my cycle came early. This had never happened to me before, but I literally thought I was bleeding to death. I had inserted to biggest, supersized tampon you can get on the market...and it fell right out of me!! SCARY!

    So, my doc perscribed Loestrin. The first month was a bit rough, some breakthrough bleeding, a little weight gain (but I needed to gain a bit anyway) and some nausea (7 up and saltines seemed to cure that). Then for the next two months: HEAVEN! Short periods, good energy level, skin looked great.

    So, after the 3rd month, my doc wants to take me off because he's afraid my fibroids will grow. I went off it. My cycle came on time. For two days, I'm afraid to go out. For a while during that time, I go through super-sized tampons in 45 mins.

    He puts me back on the pill. The weight came back, no problem. However, 3 weeks into the pill, I had the WORST four days EVER. I bled so much ( about a tampon an hour or less. Again supersized). I bled so bad that I went to the ER to see if my hemoglobin level was still alright. My cramps were so bad, I got morphine. The next day, I go out and run errands w/ my mom. During my 1st errand, I cramp so bad, I want to double over and start crying. But I suck it up and finish my errands.

    But I started my new pill cycle on Sunday. My bleeding is almost gone. I'm a bit nauseous, but I'm hoping to get the effects I had last summer. If it doesn't take, I guess I'll have to schedule 2 days out of every month in which I don't go out at all or always be near a bathroom.

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  69. i am 48 and completely infertile. i am starting loestrin tomorrow to hopefully control the wacked out periods i've been having since may...i have a full blown period every 12 days now... i was on othro tri cyclen back in the 80's and loved it....i have no idea how loestrin will affect me....so we'll see. getting old sux!

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  70. Ok here goes. My daughter started Loesterin June 23 2009, over three months ago. She was put on it for severe cramps and possible endometriosis. She is 18 years old by the way. At first she experienced break thru bleeding and her cramps continued but she was told to "stick it out" and see. The beginning of September she started experiencing some depression. This was unusual because she is normally happy most of the time. Later in September her depression got worse and she started having anxiety. One Saturday it got so bad I called the Gyn on call and started questioning the birth control pill. He said it may be causing her to be depleted of her B vitamins and to continue the pill and take B complex. 2 days later she ended up in the E.R. hysterically crying and having a severe anxiety attack. In the meantime I'm watching her depression worsen to the point that she is losing weight (went from 135 to 109 pounds because she is so depressed she's not eating and she is NOT bullemic). She is near suicidal and at the point now of feeling hopeless. Finally I find out about a doctor in Pennsylvania who specializes in hormone restoration, and the thyroid and adrenals who helped a friend of mine. He advised us to immediately take her off the pill the day I see him (exactly a week ago) Her GYN agrees some people cannot tolerate this pill. (thanks for telling me!) The specialist ordered bloodwork that is currently being tested for hormone, thyroid, and other things. Also a saliva test was done. Meanwhile my daughter was admitted to they psychiatric ward to for severe depression and anxiety and as a suicide risk. Our hope is in this doctor in Pennsylvania to restore her body to normal. Meanwhile we're hoping her body is riding itself of the Loestrin and trying to get back to where it was. Ladies BEWARE of this pill. This specialist says some women who already have some hormoone problems once they take this pill it can cause SEVERE DEPRESSION. If the doctor had warned us we would have NEVER started this pill!!! Birth control pills are NOT natural to your body. BEWARE and be careful!!! Educate yourselfs. Our life has been turned upside down from all this and I don't want anyone to go thru the nightmare we are going thru. Know the side effects and realize this pill is NOT for everyone! These drug companies just want to make money and they brainwash these doctors. They don't want the "bad cases" to be known about. Please be careful and beware.
    October 14 2009

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  71. if your not getting pregnant, whats the problem? would u rather have a baby that you cant support? i would not tell someone not to use birth controle, everyones body if different so im happy u told us what happened to you but that shouldnt meean u dont reccommend it.

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    1. IT'S HER OWN BLOG SHE CAN MAKE ANY RECCOMENDATIONS SHE WANTS YOU MORONS!

      Sorry maybe that's just the loestrin talking. I stopped one week ago and i am still waiting for this anger and depression to go away but your blog made me feel much better knowing that this pill has had the same effects on others.

      THE PROBLEM is that it can make you suicidal and unwanted pregnancies are less of a concern if you're dead

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  72. I am 37 years old and have taken/tried a myriad of birth control options. I am currently takinng Loestrin 24 and I am VERY HAPPY with it. I do suffer from strange dreams, but I hadn't associated them with the pill until I read this article and the following comments. Other than that, I don't have any of the other side effects mentioned here. In fact, since I switched to Loestrin (from the horrible Nuvaring) most of my other PMS symptoms have disappeared. No mpre moodiness or depression, no more cramps (ever), and no more cravings. You would not believe the sugar cravings I had after the birth of my last baby two years ago. Oh, and in the interest of full disclosure, I am also taking 20mg of Fluoxetine (Prozac) daily. This has helped, too. It is true what many of the other posters are saying - medications work differntly on people. Loestrin may not be for you, but then again, it may be wonderful. The worst part is that the only way to know for sure is to try it.

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    1. you and all the other similar sounding "drop-ins" reminds me of soliciting drug agents!

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  73. I am 24 years old and had never been on the pill before. I always had reservations about them, but my periods were always random and I just recently started spotting between periods. Yesterday I had my annual gyno appointment, and my doctor strongly recommended that I try Loestrin. She proceeded to praise me as the prime candidate and explain that this pill will make me wonder why I hadn't done this sooner! My boyfriend was very pleased with my decision to try this pill out! Well, I should be getting my period soon ( I am actually late, as usual!) The nurse gave me a pregnancy test, which came back negative, so they suggested that I begin the starter pack of Loestrin that night! So, Last night at 4:45pm I took it, and by 7pm I was extremely irritated! Like I said, I should have been getting my period sometime soon, so it could have been natural PMS, but I have been feeling so strange and bitchy ever since. I had almost convinced myself that this could be just natural PMS, that the pill could not possibly affect me that quickly!.. but after reading some of your posts, I am scared I may regret this!

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  74. ...please where can I buy a unicorn?

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  75. I too had a bad experience with this pill. I had switched from a generic to loestrin because of my PMS symptoms and heavy bleeding. The first week was fine. But then it all went downhill. I continued to bleed through the second week. Not just spotting, but a full period for about 12 days. The headaches also started in week 2. I had a headache 5-6 out of 7 days. The week before my period they turned into migraines and I became nauseous and vomited. The headaches never stopped, just lessened in intensity after my period and flared up the week before. Then there was the dizziness. It would come and go randomly. I have never experienced that before and have no other explaination besides the pill. My dreams started to get really vivid and strange, borderline nightmares. I discontinued this pill at the advice of my doctor. He told me to stop taking them immediately because he was so concerned about the headaches/migraines.
    I know that everyone's experience is different, and you need to try on your own, but there seem to be a lot of us that have these similar symptoms. And I realize that they are listed on the warnings.
    So I urge you before you start any medicine to do your research and if something does not feel right, consult your doctor. Pills are not evil, you just need to be in tune with what is normal for you and alert someone when something changes.

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  76. It's really annoying how people keep saying how much they hate pharmaceutical companies, yet they always want to take drugs when they don't need to. You want birth control, use a condom! Without those pharmaceutical companies, you wouldn't have the option of taking a pill, and yes, they are out to make money. They are a business and not many people will work for free. It's not their job to save the world of disease. If you don't like it, then make it yourself!

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  77. Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

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  78. You need to understand something....everyone's has a different body that reacts differently from others. Some people will have certain side effects and others will not. I personally have been taking this pill for two years and I love it. I went from having 8 days of heavy bleeding to 2 days of very light bleeding. I felt sick for the first month and then I adjusted. If it's not for you...then try something else and leave the rest of us to enjoy it.

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  79. I inclination not approve on it. I over polite post. Expressly the title-deed attracted me to review the intact story.

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  80. Good dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you for your information.

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  81. i have been on loestrin 24 for about 2 years now and i have never had a problem with it..even after a few months i dont even have periods at all. and ortho-tri cyclen i when i took it at the same time everyday and never missed a pill and now my 2 1/2 year old is laying here beside me because it didn't work!!! i highly recommend loestrin 24...most pills have side effects you have to give your body time to adjust

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  82. I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing

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  83. i am totally reasurred by this post and have to say i think its a totally good thing to promote .
    i have been taking loestrin for a month now and i dont recognise myself!
    i am normally so happy and see the good in everything , but since taking this pill i have been snapping at people , shouting , getting moody for no reason . i feel blessed that my fiance hasnt left me yet! im having a go at him for EVERYTHING i have no energy , im getting no enjoyment from life , no motivation , i used to go to the gym for 2 hours 6 days a week but havent had the motivation to make it for the last 2 weeks and when i finally dragged myself today i couldnt put the effort in and ended up with icky brown spotting, and severe pelvic pain.
    i didnt want to go to my docs cos shes already cheanged me once from microgynon for being sick. i need the pill to stop my periods cos i have really bad endimitriosis so i cant just stop and use condoms...
    i didnt want to go back unless i was sure it was this pill making me this way and not me just having a moody o for the last month .
    thanks for the article i will be back at my docs this week :)

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  84. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  85. Here is my opinion,
    Stop looking up reviews on BC. Its impossible to know if one thing will work for you like it did for another woman. We are ALL DIFFERENT! Sure, it helps to know how some women turned out on it, but you should make any sort of decisions on what she said. Besides, I notice that many women are saying "After 2 months I switched because of my breakouts and bloating and blah blah blah". Well, I hate to break it to you, but that is basically inevitable. Unfortunately, that is something that cannot really be avoided. ESPECIALLY if you are not giving your body time to adjust to a new synthetic horomone you are pumping into it. My doctor told me is takes 3-6 months to regulate.. which means you can have all the unfortunate side effects until then. Ladies, if you do not give you body time, you will NEVER adjust and NEVER be happy. For your breakouts, wear makeup! For your weight gain, go to the gym! (it will also help with your moods too!) I know it sucks, but you have to wait it out! Good luck everyone!

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  86. I have a copper IUD, but have been spotting so much, and have such long periods, it has gotten tiring. My OB/GYN put me on a sample pack of Loestrin 24 Fe for one month of therapy. She thought the extra estrogen in the lining of my uterus could help regulate me. I have spotted more this month than previously. I have also gained weight for the first time in my adult life other than during pregnancy. I have started my period, and I still have four white pills left. Does this make any sense at all? I was kind of hoping for less bleeding and a short period for a change. Oh, well.

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  87. I find it to be extremely mental that you are telling everyone that this pill is terrible and ineffective and blah blah. I just got prescribed Lo Estrin & I am going to take it regardless of how it reacted in your body, you are not me :). Keep that in mind eh? It did not work for you, so yes tell your story and warn the POSSIBLE side effects. It all depends on the individual's body. Don't talk bad about something that is extremely helpful for some, just because it did not work for you...

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  88. I just read your blog post about Loestrin 24. I noticed it was written in 2007, or 2008, but I was wondering if you stuck with it or if you stopped taking it. I was just prescribed it and I'm on the fence about actually taking it. I was on Yasmin for 4 years and my only problem was migrains. They gave me Yaz instead, and I took it for 3 months and the mood swings, break-through bleeding and side effects were too much. Now a year later, I'm considering taking this one. My sister has been on it for 5 years and no problems at all, so I'm hoping that since we have the same genes I will do as well. But just curious to see if you actually stayed on it.

    kelcykramer@yahoo.com

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  89. 3 years ago I was taking Yaz and developed a kidney infection so bad it went straight into my bloodstream & made my kidneys start slowing down. I stopped taking it because we were trying for another baby. 4 months ago, my youngest was 6 months old. I saw my ob/gyn for my pap & to be put on the pill. Unbeknownist to me I was pregnant, He put on Loestrin and I was already starting a weight loss pill prescribed by another doctor. Unfortunately, I lost that pregnancy in June because of the medications I was on. Ever since, I have had on & off bleeding with Loestrin. Everytime my husband and I are intimate, I ususally bleed afterwards. Last week I had heavy bleeding for 2 1/2 days (a week before my scheduled start), now I have swollen & very tender breasts, nightmares, VERY MOODY (have almost walked out on my husband & children twice now)& now see that Loestrin can cause you to have pregnancy symptoms. I have been faithful with taking it exact time everyday but now I'm freaking out that the bleeding last week was implantation bleeding & that I am pregnant. I tried calling my ob/gyn but never received a phone call back (happens everytime I call them).

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  90. I wish I'd read this ages ago. I've been on Loestrin 24 Fe for 6 months, and the side effects got WORSE over time. Rather than just being tired, I now have chronic muscle fatigue, and all because I was trying to follow the advice that I should wait to let my body adjust. 6 months in, and here's what's going on:

    -slight weight gain, bigger breasts (which I'm ok with)
    -very tender breasts
    -constant exhaustion and slight depression/mood swings
    -significant hair loss
    -no periods, which I guess is good, but was scary the first time because I thought I might be pregnant
    -headaches
    -profuse sweating both at night and during the day
    -inability to focus

    Feeling like a zombie isn't worth it. I was on Yaz, which gave me a constant fever, but was way more pleasant than this. NO ONE SHOULD TAKE THIS DRUG. It's not even worth the risk that you might feel this way. Doctors are pushing it to young women, but I think it's a terrible idea.

    Anyway, thank you for your post, even if I am 2+ years late to the party.

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  91. I just started this pill and I am on my 4th week now and started my period yesterday and have heavy bleeding and blood clots and awful cramps!! I am breaking out like crazy and I can't tell you the last time I had a pimple! Im extremely bloated have had headaches and mood swings out of this world! I cry get mad get happy get mad again its even affecting my 7 yr relationship! Yesterday I was driving my 2 month old and had to pull over cause I had a major panic attack I couldnt even breathe and my chest was tight!I am calling my daughter ASAP about this Im sorry but NO birth control should have these side effects in my opinion no woman should have to go thriugh this and wait it out 3 months? yeah right...thats just insane I felt better throughout my whole pregnancy than I do now!!

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  92. WOW! I wish I would have found this site a year ago. I have been on LoEstrin 24 for over a year and have had very bad side effects recently. Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, headaches all the time, bloating, swelling of feet and legs (water retention), moodiness and although it helped at first for acne and cramps now the acne is coming back bad and the cramps are unbearable. I went to my dr 2 days ago and she advised me to STOP taking the bcp. This was from my GP and not my OBGYN. It has been 2 days and I have already lost some "water weight" or so it seems and the dizziness and headaches are easing off. Here I have gone thru countless tests to find out why I have been having all these problems and I never once considered my bcp. I will NEVER go back!! I hope that doctors stop pushing this on patients as this was how I was roped into taking it... here are a bunch of free samples and you will have shorter lighter periods... yay me... but they don't tell you all the horrible things that you will have to put up with in return. NO ONE SHOULD TAKE THIS PILL!

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  93. I am 23 and I take Loestrin 24 Fe for Hormone Replacement Therapy because I do not nor have I ever produced my own hormones.
    The first month I was on it was fine... I didn't notice anything different except for the fact I had a period at the end... yay!
    Month 2 also went good... well until the end... I began having horrible headaches (I don't normally get headaches and in the off chance I do they are normally mild), constant nausea (not to the point of throwing up but right there on the edge for hours upon hours), fatigue like you would not believe I'm normally ready to go back to bed about 5 hours after waking up, and I have been constantly in a slightly agitated mood (which I think may actually be the result from the rest of the side effects)

    My personal advice is to try this medicine for yourself. No one can tell you how your body will react. Especially not me because I take it for something totally different then most people do. However if you have unbearable side effects then TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!!

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  94. well theres my story~ i started taking loestrin 24 through the advise of my obgyn. i have taken birth control with no problems when i was 16 for terrible cramps and heavy flows(mircette i believe).After having my 2 boys which are now 4 and 5 i decided to give it a try to regulate my period due to heavy flowing.the first few months i did have tender breast and slight moodiness but nothing bad. as time has come along though i have noticed i have gotten progressively worse fast i am now depressed and very moody,irritable tired and full of anxiety and have started experiencing panic attacks. let me tell you i am now 25 and have never experienced any kind of anxiety and panic. i have a very mellow life and dont work much hours to ever stress myself out. when i read all these reviews i would have to say i believe this could have been my problem. which the doctors dont tell you about. i went from 7 months ago feeling great to now where i am miserable and anxiety ridden all the time. i have stopped taking this 2 days ago so will see how i feel. i would never say not to advise this because i know every body is different but in my experience this was not a good medication did more harm then good to my body. good luck to whomever takes it could do wonders for you but unfortunatly not for me~

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  95. I have been taking this birth control for two months and When I first began taking it the only thing side effect I really experienced was breast tenderness and a little bit of growth in my breasts (which didn't really bother me because I have always had smaller breasts) But then I go this phlegmy chest cold that wouldnt go away (I didn't think it was related until I was reading the possible side effects which included respiratory infections of sinus infections) The cold has yet to go away. I constantly lash out at people or get very depressed and even isolate myself which is NOTHING like me at all. then I started to notice that I was gaining weight in places other than my breasts. Im naturally pretty lean and even when I gain weight normally its never enough to make my clothes not fit so well but recently I gained weight to the point that my clothes are ill-fitting. Its rather upsetting and I plan to discontinue use and would definitely not reccommend this pill to anyone hoping or a pleasant experience

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  96. I've been taking Loestrin 24FE since December 09 and I've never had more-than-uncomfortable side effects. I was 17 when I started taking the pill and Loestrin is the first and only one I've been prescribed. The first week I experienced nausea and vomiting, but then I changed the time I take my pills and it hasn't happened since. I never had breakthrough bleeding, but a few months ago I was spotting. I haven't gained any weight, I don't have crazy mood swings as much, and my periods last only a few days. I still have to take Aleve for cramps, but my flow used to be heavy and I haven't been as anxious about leaking since I've been on Loestrin. My cholesterol went up 30 points but that was around the beginning of last year and it should've gone back down. My skin cleared up months ago, and it may be just stress now, but my face has been breaking out. As you can tell from the many, many comments: birth control pills affect everyone differently. It might work wonders for one person, and feel like hell for another. If it doesn't work well for you then you can always just switch to a different one.

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  97. Hey I am really sorry to hear that it hasn't worked for you. I have been taking it for a year and a half for severe PMS. Since I started I haven't had a period and have had virtually no pain, especially considering before birth control I would go to the emergency room because my cramps were so bad. I have never had mood swings, headaches, weight gain, depression, breast tenderness, or break outs due to it either; just the relief I had been searching for nearly 10 years.

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  98. I have been taking Loestrin for 2 years. My breasts have grown a cup size and the shape of my body has changed. The only way I can maintain my weight is to eat a ridiculously low carb diet and no more than 1200 calories per day. I work out for 2 hours a day and this pill is killing my body. Unfortunately I am on it now and don't want to change to a different pill. I am 40 years old and risking pregnancy is just not an option. My doctor thinks I am nuts and is not inclined to believe that I could be experiencing side effects from this pill. IT is very frusterating.

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  99. I just started taking loestrin a week ago and I am a mess. I am 32 years old and have not been on the pill in over 5 years. I have very regular periods and have really found that I know myself and my natural mood swings. This past week has been one of the worst weeks of my life. I have been through a lot this past year; failed marriage and a miscarriage. Now I am in a very happy, wonderful relationship and have been extremely greatful. Having been through alot I have not been as emotional and depressed as I have this past week. I feel ugly, fat, I have acne all over my face and back - and I'm way to old for this! I have cried many times and felt that I was doomed over little things. The good thing is that I understand that this behavior is all related to the hormones, however I have no control over myself. The doctor told me to wait two months to let my body get used to it but there is no way way I could handle that. I think I would drive away everything that has been right in my life. Right now I am anxiously waiting for the hormones to leave my body. I wish that I would know what other options I have but I don't want to put my body through any other trauma. It has been helpful to know that other have been through the same emotions and wanted to share my story.

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  100. Whew, I thought I was the only one who had wacky dreams on this stuff!

    Other than that, I'd say the side effects aren't much worse than any other BCP I've been on, not that that's saying much. (Crabbiness, bloating and major breast tenderness has been the bane of every pill I've ever tried.) One very good side effect of the Loestrin in my case is that my skin has never looked better.

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  101. I am eighteen, and this is my first time ever taking birth control. I am almost through my first pack and I am experiencing an awful breakout. I have pimples on my forehead, my upper lip, and a few on my cheeks. I have been blessed with clear skin my whole life, and to have acne now definitely sucks. I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced breakouts from Loestrin 24Fe and if it went away? I have only had this breakout for about a week now, but it if doesn't go away I don't want to stay on the pill. Besides the breakout I haven't experienced any other side affects.

    -Caty

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  102. I was on Loestrin 24 for 8 months before these crazy symptoms starting happening. I got severely depressed, anxious, mood swings, weight loss, complete loss of appetite and everything seems tasteless. The worst were the nightmares. I had dreams that were so disturbing I thought I would need to see a shrink. It got so bad I started sleep walking! (which I have never, ever done before). I told my doctors they didn't believe it was the pill, and tried to put me on Lexapro (an anti anxiety. Against their suggestions I stopped taking Loestrin, and never took filled the Lexapro. And all the symptoms are gone and I feel normal again! Such a relief to see other people had these crazy symptoms, I thought I was going crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Me and my other half have been going through some rough times as well. He gets his feelings hurt and says that I dont want to have sex with him and thats really not the case, Because I love him more then anything. My issue is that sex hurts me everytime. Its like I get a hardcore cramping like I am about to start my period event though I am not and it lasts for a day or so and then the next time we go to have sex again it starts all over. This pain is killing me and and our relationship. I have no idea what to do???

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  104. I'm on this pill, at the end of my first pack. today is actually my last brown pill. I HATE this pill. I have similar side effects, not serious bleeding, but after i started the pill while i was still on my period, i had spotting for about a week after the real bleeding ended. but i have been having crazy dreams, i've been super depressed lately, i've been crying for no reason at all, or for dumb things that usually wouldnt matter to me. Of course the day/time that i have a second to sit down and call the doc about this she's not in the office, but I will start the second pack and call when my doc is back in the office. I hate the way it makes me feel, and it's made sex painful. The reason i am even on loestrin is becasue my doc was singing it's praises, but i originally wanted seasonique, the doc told me that too many people requested it and had bad reactions. WEll here i am having bad reactions to loestrin. ugh. i just want to feel normal again, and be happy again and not hate my life.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I've been taking Loestrin 24 Fe for about 4 years and it's helped me so much. Before BC, I would have cramping so bad that I would stay home for days. Now I'm in college, and periods barely phase me. Three day periods tops! The first three months there were some breakthrough bleeding incidents but that all subsided and hasn't bothered me in years. I recommend it to everyone, but as I've read, it's hit or miss whether it works for you. Good luck!

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  106. I've just been released from the hospital because of Loestrin BC....Two blood clots in my lungs and one in my leg leg from the groin all the way to behind my knee.
    I've always been very healthy dont drink or smoke and all my blood work came back negative to a predisposition to clots. Was in the hospital for 7 days, out for two then rushed back to ER to stay another 9 days. Shots of blood thinner in my stomache twice a day and on a heparin drip. I would advise anyone on loestrin to consider looking on medicine.com at all the numerous young women who have almost lost their lives to this medication and some that will never function the same again as they have suffered strokes at the age of 19 and 20 yrs of age.....


    http://www.medications.com/loestrin-24-fe/37996

    ReplyDelete
  107. Also, please go to the FDA site and report your adverse reactions to this medication....

    http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/ucm053074.htm

    ReplyDelete
  108. I like loestrin 24. I've been taking it almost a year and basically forget I'm on BC. The only problem is I gained weight on it (but that is most birth controls) and I have vivid dreams (but those are cool so I don't mind! ^_^)

    ReplyDelete
  109. ive been on loestrin24 for 4 months and is still experiencing spotting between periods. I also have cramps btwn periods and the bc is too expensive. This product should be taken off the market.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I think it's great that you're sharing your experience so other people know what to expect, but I disagree with your recommendation. I have been on Loestrin 24 for at least 5 years now, and have never been happier with my prescription. I have to pay $50/month for it, but am afraid to give it up for a lower-priced pill because I fully believe in the product, and have heard horror stories from friends about cramps, mood swings, and low sex drives all as a result of the pills they take (for longer than the initial 3 months).

    I used to know when my period was coming because I'd get awful back cramps a day or two before the start of the cycle. I also had a regular to heavy period at times. After taking the pill for five years, I can say that I literally never get cramps anymore, my period is so light I barely get it (sometimes scary when you're sexually active) and I don't experience abnormal mood swings and have never gained weight from it - yes, I've gained or lost weight for other reasons, but I'm smart enough to know it's not due to my birth control.

    You can't expect miracles to occur because you're on a drug. If there's a warning that says expect side effects for the first three months, you should probably expect them for 0-5 months, depending your body's unique reaction. Every pill has people whose bodies react severely because everyone is different and some can tolerate medicine better than others. I would say stick with this one though - as a 5 year veteran I can promise you, you'll truly be happy with what you get from it. There's a reason so many doctors recommend it (besides evil drug companies - I totally agree with how horrible our prescription drug economy is).

    ReplyDelete
  111. Thanks for sharing, it sounds like some really mean people don't understand what blogging is all about. But I'm glad to read I'm not alone.

    ReplyDelete
  112. I just began Loestrin 24 Fe last Sunday (the day after I started my period) & was crying after I took the 11th dose today. I have had breast tenderness for about a week, sometimes feel down & depressed, had moments where I was in tears, and don't feel certain that I should even finish this pack, if I'm going to feel all this way. I did seem calmer when I began taking this pill, but knew something was not right.

    I worry about my boyfriend because of my side effects, and coincidentally, I began coming down the cold while starting the pill. I am very frustrated, & I'm currently taking 15 hours of school and recently traveled 3 weekends straight to attend friends' weddings & to see family. I'm still got a bad cough here and there & feel tired quite a bit. I have had symptoms of depression before, & I wonder if the pill is not helping with that.

    I have had terrible moods associated with before and during my periods, & get cramps starting before my period, and really bad on the first day, typically. I wanted to see ow I would do on Loestrin 24 Fe & now I'm doubting that I will stick to it at this point, & I had to force myself to go on this sample pack.

    Plus I worry about the cost & what to do if I get cut-off from my parent's insurance (will graduate college in May).

    So what are some thoughts? Should I stop now? or should I just finish up the sample pack of Loestrin 24 Fe then just not worry about it after that, meanwhile, cause i'm not in favor of taking bcp's. Glad I at least started trying it though.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Look, lets be real here. Everyones bodies are different, no one is the same. EVERY SINGLE BC method lists the SAME SIDE EFFECTS. Many people may love the patch and it works great while others loathe it. It is science. We need to deal with it. And honestly, BC will most definitely influence an older woman's behavior more than that of a younger woman. Especially if you were already premenopausal. I mean REALLY?! You add hormones to the mix, what do you think will happen? Lets just face reality and DEAL WITH IT haha seriously people. Please, accept it and learn to move on. We are adding hormones to our bodies and you think you will be able to just START TAKING IT without ANY side effects? It happens, but NOT for everyone. The human body MUST ADJUST to these changes, if you are NOT PATIENT ENOUGH TO WAIT 3 MEASLY MONTHS break that habit. Now. Because with EVERY treatment the body must adjust and let the medication take its time to do its job. If you are almost 50 years old, and you are wondering why you started a new BC and are moody? Please do some more research and learn more about your body and the changes it is ALREADY going through. Do not blame the medication.

    ReplyDelete
  114. First off I am 23 years old, exercise 5 days a week, and eat a very balanced diet. I started taking Loestrin 24 about 10 days ago. After two days I went from my happy-go-lucky self to extremely sad. After six days I began to have horrible nigtmares, cold sweats (literally soaking wet!), chest pressure, shortness of breath, and my fingers started turning blue at random times. I immediately discontinued use and STILL have symptoms. Not to mention I now have a never-ending heavy period. Of the there pills I've tried, this pill is the absolute worst! I am so exhausted that I cannot remember things like the drive from my house to the freeway. While I understand that ever pill effects every woman differently, I do not personally recommend Loestrin 24.

    ReplyDelete
  115. After 11 days of being on Loestrin, I came off because I was very fatigued and depressed, to where i was about to desert others. I did feel better within three days after getting off the pill and it took about a week for my breasts to return to normal size. My periods are now back to around 30 day intervals & I am much happier with having them just the way they are and would just rather take natural supplements for cramps. Aleve helps too with mine for they sometimes are severe on the day I start. I'm a cross-trainer myself and I'd just rather not take another bc pill and keep re-adjusting to my body as I do not have patience for this kind of thing. I know it can come with risks and I feel bad for all of you who have had any sort of problem with Loestrin.

    ReplyDelete
  116. This is my second month on loestrin 24 fe ,and im ok but i feel so depress and i cry for everything, i want attention, and i feel lonely. My acne is getting horrible( i get tease by family) and ive gained weight. Been offended by someone saying ive gotten more mean. :( worst cramps ever ,but yet short and other side effect nausea and some headaches,but im 19 so i have to make a smart decision, i was lucky to get on the pill with high bloop pressure anyways.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I've been taking this since May and loved it at first. I haven't had my period at all since June. On my second day of the brown iron pills I get a horrible migraine where I am not functionable for the whole day. I also noticed I get severe back pain during this time too. At first I thought it was because I stayed in bed all day but Today I wasn't in bed and my lower back is killing me. I am calling my doctor and seeing about changing.

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  118. I read all the reviews, all those who are depressed or cry all day....the reason for that is not Lorstrin24 Fe, that happens because some people live miserable lives and they try to blame it on Loestrin. I take these pills myself, they are good , but pricey.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Loestrin is unfortunately not for me. I've had "breakthru bleeding" for 4 weeks already my doctor gave me a pat in the back telling me to "deal with it" and did not want to help me.
    I found another Obgyn and they are giving me an appointment next week, the receptionist mentioned Loestrin has wreack havoc and they would be able to help me, not just rush me out the door with a "pat in the back" and no solution. She said the doctor will make sure to reassure me and explain about other pills.
    Yes I cried for no reason, did not get nausea. But "bleeding" for no reason.
    I don't think so. I'm 40 something.
    Back in my 20's I never ever had issues with my old BC.
    I feel for the ones that are going thru that horrible "breakthru bleeding"...that alone can get one depressed!!

    Great post and thanks for having the guts to put it out there! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's me again...This is just a quick update...
      I went to my new obgyn.
      She requested blood work and hormone test.
      She is wonderful and listens to me!!! WOW!

      My bleeding finally stopped 01/24/12. After I stopped taking the pill. Hallelujah!
      I had anxiety attacks, I know it was Loestrin all along.

      Next monday I have an appointment to discuss my options besides the pill.
      She has my ultrasound and blood work back.
      Keeping my fingers crossed.

      Thank you ladies for all your input, this is a blessed needed and wonderful post!!

      Love to all!!!

      Delete
  120. So a friend reffered me to this blog after a Fb post. I as taking Ortho tri cyclen for years before kids and between both but the lack of sex drive lately I was willing to try anything. So my ob prescribed me Loestrin 24 and I was bleeding every 2 weeks still into the 3rd packet. Also my moods have been crasy with bad thoughts,high anxiety and a racing heart or more notice heatbeat. I actually had went to the er because it was so bad an my thyriod levels were out of wack which started with testings from an endocrono,pcp and heart teste which have all came back normal so far. The only thing I could think that I changed was the pill and i stopped it 1 1/2weeks ago and started Ortho tri cyclen low I am still feeling the same way and I am not sure how long this will take to get out of my system but I am seriously considering stoppping the pill all together and hubby will just need to get snipped asap!!!

    ReplyDelete
  121. I'm 20 years old and I had been switched from yaz to Loestrin 24 about a year ago but had just given up on birth control all together for awhile. In December I felt it was time for me to get back onto Loestrin because I had had a good experience with it keeping my anxiety under control. I had my period for 2 days and it was VERY light at the end of December. Unfortunately with all the insurance changing from walgreens and it being christmas/new years time, I didnt get a chance to get a refill so I figured I'd wait until my next period to get the refill. Well at the end of January of 2012 I began to have VERY VERY HORRIBLE cramps with so much pain it would cause me to vomit. Then on January 31, 2012 I finally decided I would take a test because the cramping had stopped but no period came. What do you know 4 pregnancy test later and their all positive. Not exactly the plan I had being in college and working while pregnant but I heard there might have been some kind of recall on some of the pills because they were making unplanned pregnancies. All I know is, I was taking the pill everyday at 7 am and never missed a day and still got pregnant. Odd because I had never got pregnant before on any kind of birth control.

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  122. I need to go off this asap. Today I experienced leg crams, horrible anxiety and I can't think straight. On a normal basis (since taking Loestrin Fe) I experience mood swings, times when I just cry for no reason and feel SO sad, shaking and hunger after a big meal. I sleep much more too. My skin has been breaking out so bad too it's not helping my mood at all. I feel horrible on this and I've been on it for over a year. Anyone know of any good BC pills out there that don't make you think you might suffer a stroke any day now?

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  123. Hey Natalie
    i know it's been years since you posted this, but when you went off it did it get better quickly? I went off LoLo Estrin FE 2 months ago and still haven't had a period.. Did this happen to you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I remember correctly, it took a couple weeks for things to get back to normal, but not two months.

      Delete
  124. Natalie,

    Question... what birth control did you get on after you went off of Lo Loestrin Fe? I've had some anxiety issues since taking a different digestive system related medication in the summer, but after taking this BC for 3 months, my anxiety has been WAY worse. I'm just about to tell my GYN that I'm taking myself off of BC at all... But I thought I'd see what you went to after you got off of this, and how it worked out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't. We (Jimi and I) decided that hormonal birth control wasn't going to be a viable option for me. We weren't interested in condoms. I've never had a child, so an IUD was out. Basically, we just kept having sex and sorta figured if we got pregnant, well, that's what was supposed to happen. We were pretty secure in our relationship at that point, both with good jobs and health insurance, and we knew that we were in it for the long haul. We did eventually get pregnant, in August 2010, but I miscarried a week after the positive test. A year and a half after that, we're still not using birth control and still not pregnant or parents. Maybe it's not meant to be for us, and maybe we went on the crazy journey described in this post for no reason whatsoever. Or maybe we're just not doing it right. Anyhow, I know lots of women who've been greatly successful with natural family planning, both with planning and preventing pregnancy. The idea of completely altering my natural hormonal cycle has always sorta skeeved me out, and after this experience, I'd recommend anyone to try something less physiologically invasive first.

      Delete
  125. I just started Loestrin (as my first ever birth control) a week ago and I've had the same side effects. I started it the day I got my period and everything was fine until I returned from a bike ride. I was lightheaded and it took me longer to recover than normal. That night I woke up nauseous from the oddest nightmare with abdominal pain that I couldn't figure out but I took some painkillers and went back to sleep. The next day I realized why I was in so much pain the night before (lets say that someone turned off the faucet then set it back to full force). The mood swings are ridiculous right now. I've been flipping out on people, crying in bathroom stalls, and rethinking all my life decisions. I started breaking out a few days ago and I thought it was because I was on my period until I realized that I normally only break out BEFORE I get my period. My period ended today, you know, only about 3 days more than average but that was the least of my worries. I've been retaining water like a sponge lately. I went to the gym today and I was just pouring sweat. I haven't checked if I gained weight but I feel like a water balloon when I look at myself in the mirror and it kills my self esteem and only fuels the never ending cycle of mood swings.

    But its only been a week so I'm going to try to stick it out for a little bit longer.

    ReplyDelete
  126. There are many thoughts and feelings here! Wow! Personally, I just started taking Loestrin after 8 years of doing Fertility awareness method (FAM) and might add, no pregnancies. For those of you who only take the pill for birth control, you should really read the book: Taking Charge of your Fertility. It's an amazing book and it is really the best way to prevent pregnancies and be in more touch with your body, also we found it to be a very caring and intimate experience (you get the best of both worlds, condoms for 1-2 weeks, sans for 2-3!).
    The only reason that I am on Loestrin is because of extremely painful periods that have not gone away no matter what kind of natural remedies I try! =( Those of you who want better birth control, but don't have underlying uterine problems, I seriously recommend looking into Fertility Awareness method!

    ReplyDelete
  127. I agree with those who says that everybody is going to react differently to meds. That is why i 'm glad to have blogs like these. I am 38 years old and only semi active. ( after chasing around 2 active children i only find time to walk as my exercise) I had never been on any birth control pill because i did not like the thought of altering my body's natural cycle, but because of heavy periods and extreme headaches and cramps i finally gave in to my doctors request to start me on a pill. I have taken Lo Loestrin Fe since august 2011. But had a child with major health issues, so i basically did not start taking it regularly until december 2011. In february 2012 i experienced "skipped heart beats" during the first few days of my cycle. This month, I did the same thing except they were so bad i called my OB and told her i was getting off of the lo loestrin fe. She guaranteed that it was not the pill and sent me to a cardiologist who could not find anything wrong with me. Today i had such a bad episode, that it seemed to become an anxiety attack. (I do have an order from the cardiologist to wear a halter monitor for 48 hours and i should be doing that next week) But, I can not think of any other reason for these symptoms except for the pill. After reading some of the blogs i have to admit that i have also been angrier then normal and very irritable when I am normally a very easy going happy person. I have also had some very bad vivid dreams and was not aware that that was a side effect. wow! I am even more convinced that all this has something to do with the pill. I will see my family doctor this week instead of my OB and I am thinking about requesting to see an endocrinologist to see if my hormones are just way out of sinc or if he can suggest something that can be done for me without having to use a birth control pill. Sadly the pill had helped on the other issues such as heavy period, headaches and cramps but my period was 8 days long. I was willing to take an 8 day period over the heavy 3 day period, but not if it means anxiety and heart irregularities.
    Thank for all of the honest imput. I don't feel alone and crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Wow, I LOVE Loestrin FE 24 - it is a life saver! I'm on my 5th cycle with the pill. I suffer from heavy bleeding, horrible cramps (vomit inducing), what my Doctor feels is Adenomyosis and very painful cysts. This is the first birth control I've been on that has made a very meaningful difference in quality of life - I'm 45 and have been on BC since 17 (off for 2 years recently - horrible!). Periods are very light and 2 days long, cramps still exist, but are much dimished and can be managed easily with Aleve. Cysts are entirely gone!! I had a little break-thru bleeding, about a week prior, the first 3 cycles, but that seems to have ended. My complexion looks fantastic and I am sleeping better than I have in years! Sex drive is better than ever. I did experience a weight gain of about 10 pounds, but absolutely no moodiness, no breast tenderness/swelling issues or any other issues/side affects. I wouldn't trade it for anything as the pain and heavy bleeding are completely under control!! This was the second birth control my doctor and I tried - the first one didn't work any where near as well. He had me complete 6 cycles (rather than 3) before changing to Loestrin 24 - next month will be 6 months on Loestrin and I have found my long term (until menopause) solution! The only other option was hysterecomy and we did not want to go there if we didn't have to.

    ReplyDelete
  129. I'm a first day bc begginer taking lo loestrin fe.So far, no bad side effects except for my period is on it's 6thday. I usually have 5day cycles. The main reason for me starting the pill was to shorten my 5day cycle, and to minimize my heavy flow. I hope that my period goes away today.

    ReplyDelete
  130. I just started taking this kind of birth control a couple of days ago and getting cramps, nauseous, having diarrhea and vomiting.........not sure if all those symptoms are from it or if maybe I have food poisoning (although don't know what from)or a stomach virus......My doc wants me to take this till I want to have a baby but aside for the above mentioned side effects, it's killing me. Finding it very hard to take it at the same time every evening- decided on that time b/c I get up at different times......don't think I can handle this for too much longer:(

    ReplyDelete
  131. I just started LoEstrin Fe after my boyfriend & I decided to move in together finally. We wanted to be extra 'safe' in not getting pregnant (even though both of us have negative thoughts about taking hormonal medications.) I usually dont even like taking Tylenol or pain medication b/c its not natural. But after researching IUD's (Ive never had a pregnancy so that was a no-go, and I didnt like the idea of copper being inside me), the patch, and a plethora of other 'options' I went to see my ob-gyn. Unfortunately, she wasnt in that day. And I met with a doctor I have never seen before. she first tried to talk me into an IUD, despite me insistance that I thought it was most appropriate for "women who have had children/child" she said that wasnt true. (but it is true. red flag number 1).

    I then told her, at 29, I havent been on birth control since my senior year of high school and it was Ortho Tri Cyclene low. As far as my memory of that experience, it was good enough for me to request that pill again this time. She immediately started bad mouthing OTC-lo, and telling me about this other pill LoEstrin Fe. Bc it has the 'lowest dose of hormone' etc blah blah blah.

    **fyi: Ive always had normal, healthy, on time periods, since I was 10 yrs old. YES, I was 10 when I started menstruating, sucks. I know.

    So I took the bait and the pills and headed home. My boyfriend who is 39, was not really happy. He would rather us use condoms and deal with a pregnancy if that happens b/c of his mistrust and disdain for man made drug. But he supported me anyway and I started the pill the Sunday after my period started.

    It's been 6 wks and IT SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I have zero energy. I got my period 4 days before the brown pills and it only lasted 3 days. No cramps. So I thought "wow, great." But a week later, I started spotting brown, for 4 days and then a full fledged period. WITH BAD CRAMPS. Ive been bleeding now for 6 days. With no sign of it stopping. :(

    My water retention is ridiculous. I have a pudge in my belly that wont go away. My boobs got HUGE. (and no, its not a welcome change, b/c I already have big boobs, and now they're just ridiculous.) Also, its been hard for me to hold my pee long enough to make it to the bathroom. (like an old lady) literally, peeing on myself on my way to the toilet.

    Two weeks ago, my bf and I were having sex and suddenly it started to hurt so badly, like I was cramping and giving birth (or what I can only imagine the pain of birth is like) to the point where I started to cry and we had to stop. My cramps had me doubled over. I ran to the bathroom and peed and then did number 2 out of nowhere. (and no, thats not normal.)

    My sex drive is down. Which is not normal, b/c this is the best sex of my life and my relationship/life with my man couldnt be better.

    I used to work out like crazy, and now, when I go, I barely have the energy to work out for 30 minutes.
    Insomnia, which I didnt realize came from the pill until doing my research. I cant sleep until like 3am then wake up around 5am or 7 if Im lucky.

    The worst is this constant period that Im on. This isnt "breakthru" bleeding, this is a full fledged period thats lasted a total of like 14 days out of like 22 days. No bueno.

    After me breaking down into tears about feeling fat and having low self esteem (also not normal, I usually have a rockin' bod and positive attitude about myself and life) my bf and I have talked and decided this pill is not for me or us.

    We are going to use condoms and practice knowing my fertility so that we can work around it naturally. If we get pregnant, we will take it as whats meant to be. We're getting married anyway, and feel that our health and overall well being is more important.

    Good luck. Do your research ladies.

    ReplyDelete
  132. I am in the 3rd week of taking Lo Loestrin Fe. Not happy. I went on it at age 51 due to periods that just wouldn't stop. Since age 48 I'd skip one here and there, then bleed for 2 mos. straight. I wanted to let my body go through menopause naturally, but became anemic a few months ago. Gyn. suggested Lo Loestrin Fe to regulate hormones. She said after 1 month (possibly 2-3), my periods would probably just stop. I've had bad abdominal and back cramps since the first day I started the pill. The bleeding I've had since May 1 has not stopped yet and my "real" period is supposed to start next week. I'm terribly moody, having nightmares, food cravings, weight gain, bloating, visual "spots" similar to when I had visual auras with migraines in the past, low energy, and disinterested in former interests. Called Dr. and she says, Oh, yes, that can happen...just ride it out for up to 3 mos. I don't think so. This is not good health care and I won't be treating my body this way. I've done research and have discovered she probably should've done blood work to see how close I am to menopause first. If close, we address the anemia and ride this out. If not close, we look at long term options while addressing the anemia.

    So here's my question...I'm thinking this pill obviously has too many hormones in it for me at this point in my life. What if...I cut these pills in half and took half the dose, since I'm not using it for birth control, just trying to stop the bleeding and encourage my ovaries to shut down once and for all. Anyone ever try that or have any thoughts on that? By cutting the pills in half, I'd be getting half the amount of hormones which might be better for me. What do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  133. I just did some more research and see that the blue pills all have the same amount of synthetic estrogen and progestin for each of the first 24 days. The two white pills that follow are just estrogen. So, since I'm already in a state of estrogen dominance, I also think I should skip the white pills. So...I'm thinking I'll cut the blue pills in half, skip the white pills, take the brown pills and simply have two "pill-less" days. Not using it for contraception, so thinking this may be a better dose of hormones for me. Otherwise, I'll look into the "minipill" or just a progestin only pill. Any thoughts? I know I'm messing with a pharmaceutical, but I think I may be able to do better than the cookie-cutter care I've been getting.

    ReplyDelete
  134. I was on loestrin and it prolonged my cycle;it usually lasts 5 days, but on the pill,it lasted 22 days. It was not heavy ,but it was beyond long. I hate to switch. I would not recommend it to anyone ever.

    ReplyDelete
  135. This is the worst pill I have ever tried, and I've been on quite a few. I decided to go back on the pill for perimenopausal symptoms. They don't want me to take Yaz, which I absolutely love. Yaz eliminates my PMS symptoms, shortens my period and no side effects for me. This one lengthens my period, worsens my acne, deepens my depression and gives me headaches. I'm not going to waste any more time trying out different pills. I'm not a lab rat. I want the Yaz.

    ReplyDelete
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  139. This information will help those suffering from Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, I was also a victim. I am excited to share this testimony, I was 3 years ago diagnosed of Adenomyosis and complicated Endometriosis. My medical condition was heart broken because it was causing my menstrual cramps,bloating before menstrual periods, lower abdominal pressure which result to heavy periods. I was subjected to different medications by my doctor for treatment such as Coenzyme Q10,ibuprofen, Danazol and many more. Despite my visit to several doctors my health wasn't getting better, all they could say was surgery. At the verge of giving up, I went to the internet to search for a treatment at least. But I found a cure instead. In the internet, I read a testimony of a lady who had Adenomyosis and Fibroid. She shared an e-mail address of the Doctor. Luckily everything seemed to be okay after I took the Herbal Medicine. I wish I could say that’s the end of it because I haven't had any symptoms since then.
    Do not expose yourself to more danger, use a herbal remedy that is safe and effective. If interested contact him: ronniemd70@gmail.com to find out more information and treatment.

    ReplyDelete
  140. I have large uterine fibroid and multiple fibroid all over my womb (womb measures 15cm). I had a uterine fibroid embolisation in April last year. Before this treatment my womb measured 23cm. I still suffer every month with period pain, large blood clots and heavy bleeding. I was wondering if i would ever be okay,i try medications on hospital,the fibriod stay remain the same,my husband how has been taking care of me before abandon me,because i was unable to get pregnant for him,i was praying to God to help me out,i was chatting on facebook i sure a link,of a testimony of a man,on how Dr Ebhota help him to cure her wife fibriod,with his herbal medication,for over 6 years,after dr Ebhota treatment her wife got conceive with in two months,that was how i make up my mind to contact him,when i contact him there was no respond for two days,i was waiting for his respond,the third day he respond to me,that was how i explain every thing to him,that was how we make am agreement on how to purchase the herb,the following week of it,he send the herb to me,he gave me instruction on how i am going to be drinking the herbal potion,for 21 day,after the herb got finish,i went to met my doctor in hospital,with the doctor report shows that the fibriod has finally reduces to 3cm,immediately i call Dr Ebhota with happiness and send the cope of the result test to him,after that he also send a fertility herb to me,i am so happy,i am 3 month pregnant now,for any one out there that is passing true this problem should call him,+2349035324155 or email ,drebhota123456@gmail.com,Dr Ebhota God we always empower you and bless you to do your good work to people

    ReplyDelete

Please don't make me cry.

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