I went on Loestrin 24 Fe about 5-6 weeks ago to try and lighten and/or alter my cycle. I compete in sprint triathlons and had one coming up in September when I calculated that I would be on day 2 of my regular cycle (day two has been a ridiculously heavy day for me over the past year...I am 39 and possibly heading into menopause?). Doc said to start Loestrin either first Sunday after onset of my period or the first day of my period. I started on the Sunday, mid-ish cycle of my regular period. I never stopped bleeding. The bleeding did get lighter than a normal period for me, but I have been bleeding for almost 6 weeks now and the last three days have been severe. I am absolutely stopping this pill. I have read too many negatives about it and not only has it made me bleed more, I believe it has made me incredibly mean (usually a happy go lucky girl) and I am so tired and having trouble getting motivated to train, which I normally LOVE to do. Instead of helping me get through the triathlon, I am now thinking I have to back out because I am weak and can't sustain the stamina necessary to continue training at the appropriate level. And my husband and kids want their "nice" wife/mommy back. I've been really short tempered, bloated and lethargic. As I type this I realize and can't believe how much I have changed since I began taking it. Definitely not worth it especially since I wasn't using it for birth control (husband had a vasectomy 2 years ago!) Also, I have noticed a major drop in libido.
Does anyone have any information about how long it takes to return to normal after stopping this nasty drug?
Susan