Loestrin 24 Fe and hormones

My mom actually put me on Loestrin24 back when I was 17 because I had always had severe cramps that would keep me home from school 3 days in a row each month. (I loved it, she didn't.) They were horrible and my period lasted at least 7 days at a time. I had minor acne and break outs beforehand but noticed that once I got into the routine of taking Loestrin daily, my acne has fluctuated to absolutely unbearable and back to just fine in a matter of a few days. Also, I've been really "mean", apparently, since I started it (according to my fiance). I think my very worst complaint would have to be the vaginal dryness during sex and lack of sex drive. Before I was on the pill, I used to want to have sex every day! I don't know if those were teen-hormones playing their part, or what but since I've started taking Loestrin I've had zero sex drive and it really does feel like a chore. It has started to take its toll on my relationship. I cannot stay lubricated during sex at all and quite frankly, it's embarrassing as well as making me feel bad that my fiance thinks he cannot keep me excited. I am blaming Loestrin and am strongly considering telling my doctor to put me on something a little less harsh. I'm glad I'm not crazy and that a lot of other women are experiencing the same side effects as I am. (Oh, and on top of that, mind blowing migraines.)

I wanted to give you all an update to my post from Oct 23. I went to my OBGYN and gave her my complaints. She's switching me to Lo Ovral, which has a higher dosage of hormones than Loestrin. Apparently the low hormonal dosage in Loestrin is causing the excessive bleeding.

Honestly, I don't know how I feel about putting more hormones into my body...

I'm 43 years old and had a baby 5 months ago. I decided to go back on the pill and have been doing a lot of research about the "right" pill. My gyno recommended Loestrin 24 FE because of the low hormones/less effects. I was scared to death to start this pill based on all of the horrible reviews I've been reading. So, I thought I'd report on my experience so far... It's been two weeks and so far so good. I haven't noticed anything dramatic so far. I will give it more time and see how it goes. Hopefully it continues working well. I have a feeling this pill is better for women in their 40's who are peri-menopausal. Maybe the estrogen is too low for the younger women, I don't know. I'll continue to post comments as I stay on the pill. I value these reviews, but remember, everyone's body is different. So far this is working for me but again, it's only 2 weeks. Hope you find thi helpful.

I started on Yaz after having my first child last June. It was great, but now due to all the lawsuits I'm a little nervous about trying it again, plus it's pretty pricey even with health insurance. So, after I ran out of samples of that, I decided I wanted to take the shot. With the shot, I bled for almost 6 months and I decided I wasn't doing that either. It wasn't spotting, it was bleeding. So, the dr. gave me some loestrin samples to help regulate my period until the shot was up, it worked then. I don't know if the hormones aren't strong enough in this pill or what the deal is, but I spot constantly, I have periods before I'm supposed to, I cry ALL THE TIME, I honestly have no desire for life half the time. I work in a nursing home, and my residents are very needy on the unit i work, and there are times that I have to walk away from them for a few minutes just to gain my composure. I also have a 15 month old and its definitely affecting his and I's relationship. I'm getting ready to start my 3rd pack without the shot being a factor, and I honestly don't know if I will continue to take it. I would much rather risk getting pregnant or having an allergic reaction to the condoms!

I think everyone reacts differently to every pill. I also think it takes your body a while to adjust to the new hormones. I did have some irritating side affects:

-I was a raging bitch for a couple days.
-I started to black out when I would drink.
-Boobs were tender
-ACNE

I got over everything after the first pack, except the acne. I gave up after the 2nd pack because I had such awful acne. I tried very hard to give my body a chance to adjust to it..but I couldn't handle the acne anymore. I would literally cry because of it. Im 23 years old, never had acne in my life, and I looked like a 14 year old boy starting puberty. I mean I would get the occasional pimple the week before my period before, but these WERE monster pimples and I would wake up with one EVERY morning. Ive been off the pill for a week now and Ive noticed a HUGE difference. Although I'm no longer raising a farm of whiteheads, I still have ugly scars from the past 2 months :(

I think no one should post within the first 3 months of starting the pill... it's not a miracle drug or magic. Your body has to adjust to the hormones and you're not going to find a pill that doesn't cause side effects within the first 3 months. I am about to start my 4th pack and I am curious to know if anyone else has experienced heavy weight gain that they can NOT lose =/

after reading all of these posts it has made me feel ten times better. I have also had almost every symptom listed. I started taking this pill four months ago for the first time and for almost the entire first month I had spotting then when it was time for me to get my period it never came at all, although I did have cramping throughout. I have never been a very emotional person and since being on this pill I have cried almost every day and has had almost no patience for anything. Recently I have started having terrible nausea if I drink any alcohol at all. I have also had bloating and upper abdominal pain. My boyfriend has noticed a complete change in my personality since I have been on this pill. Although he is completely supportive and knows that it is just all the hormones I have realized that it is not worth feeling like this and I am going to have to change pills. I am constantly paranoid that I am pregnant because I never get my period and if I do it is so light I forget I even have it. If anyone has switched and has any recommendations for a better method please let me know.

I'm on my second week of Loestrin. I started on the first day of my period, I had two heavy days and 3 days of light spotting....only requiring a panty liner. I have had a bit of hormonal acne crop up, which I was prepared for, as my skin doesn't like change of any kind. I'm sure this will even out over the next couple of months as my body adjusts to the hormones in Loestrin. Several years ago I was on ortho-cyclen and when I first started on that bcp I had similar skin issues, so I'll give it a couple of months before becoming concerned. Other than the breakouts I have had no negative side effects so far. That said...I think judging a pill that switches up your hormone levels prior to being on it longer than 2 months is a bit premature. I realize that I have to be patient and wait out some side effects as my body adjusts.

I know this is long, but I could really use your help, so I would appreciate you taking the time to read through to the end. (thanks :-) )

First, I want to thank everyone posting. I needed to read this stuff because I'm absolutely terrified of what's happening to me. I'm on the second week of my very first pack of Loestrin- my very first birth control pill EVER. I didn't want to start, but my OBGYN encouraged me to, once I told her I had 8 day long episodes of clots, cramping, vomiting and just sheer misery once a month. She said this would help if I'm sure to take it as recommended.

So I took the first one the Sunday after my period started, at 8:45am and have taken it religiously since. I have not changed my diet or routine. I exercise and eat fairly well. And there are no particularly stressful factors in my life. I am also quitting smoking- just down to 2-3 a day instead of 10 or 15.

Now that I've been doing this for 2 weeks, I think I would rather suffer what I had before. At least it was predictable! I have been bleeding for 5 days now. And this is NOT my time to be on my period. I'm sad and tired. I have back pain and on-and-off cramps. I have nearly no sex-drive. My boyfriend and I had sex at least 4 times a week and I masturbated on the nights we didn't. And although he is INCREDIBLY supportive, I can tell he feels lost and helpless around me. I don't want him to touch me, hold me, or even breathe on me! Normally, we are very affectionate and I am active and fun. Now, I just want to be left alone. I feel fat, unwanted, dirty, depressed...the list goes on.

I feel as though there is something seriously wrong with my body, because I shouldn't look or the feel the way I do or bleed like I am. I called the doctor and she said that I should give it till the end of the month. But 1 month is a long time to live with a depressed quality of life. 1 month is a long time to cry yourself to sleep with alcohol and Motrin.

I feel angry that the best the medical society can do is give us something that is trial and error, fully aware that it may hurt us, though temporarily, and make the lives of the people around us miserable. I am concerned the even my doc is in the pocket of some pharmaceutical company to give me a drug that she said would help and has only hurt.

Or maybe I'm just paranoid...

Anyone have any encouraging reasons why I should continue this? My sister, who was on Ortho for a while and DIDN'T like it, suggests that I stick out a little longer and I trust her opinion, but would like more. I'm open to suggestions or comments. (Especially if you know a way to stop my period so I spend less days of the month on it than I am on...)
Thanks :-)

I have been on loestrin for 4 months now. The first three months i did have a lot of spotting (which almost seemed like a regular period) my gyno said this was normal. After the three months the spotting stopped and my regular periods are very light and only last about 3 days. My only side effects are minor mood swings right before my period (which is normal for me anyway) and slight breast tenderness. I haven't gained any weight due to the pill and my skin is about the same as it was before i was on it. I would suggest for those that have been on the pill for less than 3 months to wait and keep taking it until after the 3 months time. I have found it is a lot different after 3 months. It's such a low dose of hormones that once your body has regulated to it, your a totally normal person again.

I just started my second week on Loestrin 24 Fe and so far it has been terrible! I have had the worst mood swings and have been crying about nothing for the past week. My friends say it is just my hormones, but I feel terrible taking it out on people that i care about the most. I am going to continue trying it out for at least a month, but from the sounds of everyone who posted recently, there have been nothing but negative side effects from this pill.

Hello! I am 19 years old...been on birth control since I was 14 to regulate my periods. I just started Loestrin about a week and a half ago. I started on a Thursday and by the following Tuesday I was crying for no reason!! My hormones are so out of whack! I broke up with my boyfriend because of it (we are back together) because I thought it was him even though he hasn't done anything wrong. I stopped taking them yesterday. Today I still cried. I think it will take a few days before the depression goes away. But I am never taking Loestrin again! I have a friend that was on it and she was depressed for a while!! I cry for no reason, I have been SO nauseated and I have had headaches! This is ridiculous!! I have taken plenty of birth control pills and NONE OF THEM have made me feel this way! My suggestion... NEVER TAKE THE PILLS. I missed taking the pills by an hour ONE day and the next day I was spotting. How ridiculous is that?!?! So.. I would suggest not to take them.

I've been taking Loestrin 24 fe for about 3 years now. It has reacted pretty well with me. I switched to this pill a while back because it has a lower dosage of estrogen than other bcp's (I don't like the idea of taking ANY hormones....but at least this one has one of the lowest dosages).

I used to have horrible cramps, but don't anymore. My periods are very light....barely there at all. The only bad thing is that I think it does lower sex drive. I haven't really noticed myself getting mood swings.

I don't really like the idea of taking a birth control pill in the first place...I don't like the fact that I'm taking hormones and messing with my body's chemistry and ovulation.....but since I don't want to get pregnant, this is the lesser evil. It has been good to me so far.

I recently started taking Loestrin 24 Fe on Tuesday. I have been on it for four days and I'm not the biggest fan. I already have anxiety to begin with, and taking this pill makes me feel like I'm going crazy. I have a panic attack as soon as I step out of my house. I've also noticed I am really irritable and get bad headaches. I feel like I'm having a different side effect everyday though. Yesterday was pretty weird. As I was lying in bed, it felt like my left arm just gave out. The skin got tingly and tight and it hurt to make a muscle. I started sweating really badly and my heart rate increased. I got a drink of water and was able to calm myself down. I'd like to talk to my doctor about switching to another pill but I'm thinking that maybe this is just the hormones releasing? I don't have health insurance either, so that's also keeping me from trying to switch pills. I haven't gotten my period in over a year and I'm 19 years old. If anyone has any insight on this, I'd really appreciate it.

I went absolutely insane on this pill after 10 weeks. I'm a pretty confident person and I had NIGHTMARE anxiety attacks and nausea completely out of nowhere. Lost weight, and was just generally shaking all the time. This would lead to crying and feeling completely out of control and like I wanted to jump off my balcony. I went on this pill to relieve horrible cramps associated with my period but I would seriously rather have horrendous cramps two days out of the month than feel like I am losing my mind.

If you are at all sensitive to hormones (and isn't that most of us?) PLEASE do not take this pill.

Hi I have been on Loestrin for one month and I think I am going to stop them. I am 44. I was on Desogen for 8 years and did well,but as I got older, I noticed that during my period, I felt like I was falling off a cliff. The hormone high down to my probably low hormone self.
I had no trouble during my month on loestrin, except, I have had no period. NONE. It is weird. I am a heavy bleeder and nothing. Just a few drops. I also have had a massive headache for the last four days. I am not sure what this pill is all about. I have read all of your comments and so now I know that not getting a period is rather normal for this pill, but I think it is strange. I wouldn't mind a short one for a few days, but none? Not sure what to do or how going off pills completely will effect my hormones?

I started taking Loestrin 24 Fe two weeks ago today. I first accredited the bad period symptoms to just that, bad period symptoms, but after reading this, I realize it was the pill. I was paranoid and stressed out and cried three times, and for someone who's generally laid back and cries maybe twice a year, this was a little concerning. But, I'm willing to stay optimistic and chalk it up as being the first week on the pill to blame and not evidence of anything that will continue.
Yesterday, I had light spotting, but I assumed it was resultant from some rough sex my partner and I had had. Today when I wiped, there was a significant amount of dark blood and I've got cramps like I'm on my period. It's only been two weeks since my last one! I'm kinda freaked out and plan to call my doctor tomorrow morning to find out what's going on, but I'm assuming it's just an effect of the extra hormones that's got me jacked up. It's a little weird, though, since it resembles blood spotting I get halfway to late in my period week rather than the first day, because it's so dark.
Aside from the spotting, I've had a day where I had a horrible headache, but it was no worse or better than severe allergy migraines I've had in the past (it's fun being a severe allergy sufferer *snort, reassert glasses*.) I broke out along my jawline when I first started, but it was only slightly worse than what I normally get during my period. I haven't been bloated, but I do find that I have the munchies more often, so I'm working to control that to avoid weight gain. I have been a little moody and somewhat paranoid lately, but I think it's a combination of family stresses, finals, and basic worries that come with being in a new relationship.
It was mentioned earlier that the last four pills have iron in them, and it is important that you talk to your doctor or do a little diet research to determine whether or not it's even necessary because taking too much iron can be bad for you. They are there because during and around their periods, women generally are iron deficient, but if you are getting plenty of iron in your diet (especially if you take vitamins) you really don't need this extra dosage. That is, after all, what the Fe in the name is for, by the way. ;)
So, aside from seemingly having started a whole new period two weeks after my last one and having some mild mood swings and a single day of headaches, it hasn't been so bad. I had worse symptoms after taking ortho tri cyclen for three months. No pill is ever going to be completely symptom-free, so we must all keep that in mind.
I'll post when I find out more about this strange spotting deal.

My doctor started me on Loestrin about six months ago after I moved in with my boyfriend. I knew that my body would go through some changes because of the hormones in the pills, but I had no idea how drastic they would be. I've gained at least ten pounds and my stomach is always bloated. I've always been a size 6 and now I can barely get my jeans past my thighs. I also wasn't prepared for the anxiety, depression and drastic mood swings I continuously experience. I notice I have a lot less patience and a much shorter fuse than I use to, and I hate it. It sucks because I feel fat and dumpy all the time, but I don't know of any other pill where I wouldn't have side effects.

i hope you can help me. my daughter is almost 17 and started on yaz for severe cramps, heavy bleeding, and pmdd. within 2 weeks, the boyfriend that she hated to be apart from, annoyed her. he was all she thought about before.
about a week later, she said that everyone was bothering her and she needed a break from everyone. she stayed in her room in the evenings-not like her. she even broke up with her boyfriend. she said she wasn't upset with him, just not interested. she got back with him 2 days later. her gyn switched her to loestrin. after 2 days, she seemed to be doing better, but only for 3 days. i don't know if it's the hormones or if she's going through something. she is normally an upbeat, optimistic person. i don't know what to do. she was very serious and happy with this boy 3 weeks ago. i don't know if she could be depressed because she doesn't feel the same about him or she doesn't feel the same about him because of the pills. any opinions or suggestions?

I've been on Loestrin 24 Fe for 11 months. I switched last year due to complications with Yasmin, which had such a high dosage of hormones my body spazzed out and I suffered from yeast infections about 4-6 times a year for 4 years. Not fun. So, my gyno decided to put me on Loestrin because of its lower hormones. The first month I skipped my period, which I did my first time with Yasmin so I wasn't too worried. My hair and skin became super oily, which I was told to be a slight reaction to the new pill but that my body would become more use to it over time. My hair would be so oily that I had to wash it 2 times a day and not use conditioner. I looked horrible with acne and oily face! Finally this has calmed down, but I do tend to get oilier than I use to before this pill.

After skipping the first months period, my cycle was awesome for 3 months....then, I skipped another one! This was with no missed pills, too. I took a pregnancy test (or three) and they all came back negative. So, happy with the results I carried on with the pill and things were fine for another couple of months. I have now missed a total of 5 periods with the last two being back to back. I still have the usual "period" symptoms; nausea, severe migraines, bloating, cramps from hell, etc.

I've been going out of my mind lately, too. Like crying lots and snapping at people. I've always been a bit moody, but this is just ridiculous. My husband is accusing me of cheating since I have NO sex drive and my moods have led to some massive arguments. (Mind you all, he's no angel in the mood department either....maybe he's on the pill, too?) There has been some weight gain, about 10 pounds, but I can seem to get it to come back off despite working out and dieting.

I'm going to see my gyno in May and will most certainly talk to her about these problems. I just thought I was going out of my mind! I will still be going to buy a preggers test to assure myself until then, but this time I might not buy them in bulk and take them all in one night....maybe.

Thank you all for sharing your troubles with Loestrin 24, thus helping alleviate my stress levels just a smidgeon. I do hope that everyone on here eventually finds the bc pill that suits them!

I've been on Loestrin for about 4 years and have not really had any problems until about 6 months ago when I moved to a new city, gained some weight, and started to get unbearable breast pain/sensitivity. My gyno put me on 5 days of a pill to rid my body of water retention and my breast sensitivity was gone. But it returned after this short treatment. He is now suggesting that I take a month off of birth control and see if that fixes the problem. If so, he wants me to try the Nuvaring, but those side effects scare me. Anyone had the same problem?

I just started my second pack of Loestrin 24 Fe two days ago. I have not had any nausea, weight gain, unusual acne, loss of libido, or crazy mood swings. I have, however, had non-stop breakthrough bleeding. In the past month, there has only been one day where I was not bleeding. I take it at the same time every morning and have not missed a day. I'm really trying to be patient and give it a couple more months...but it has gotten very annoying. I got on the pill because I recently decided to become sexually active. Having my period 24/7, though, has kept me from actually wanting to start. I was on Ortho (the original) back in high school for regularity, and it made me gain 15 pounds and have intense mood swings. Beyond the btb, I love the lack of weird side effects....has anybody made it past the first 3 months to find more regularity with no side effects?

I just started my first pill of loestrin24fe and am very scared from some of the comments i read on this site like worse acne, no sex drive, hair loss, weight gain, etc. My gyno put me on this pill because of my endometriosis. But I have hormonal acne and I really don't want it to get worse.

I started Loestrin 24 on 12/23/08 that was may last period. I just started my 3 pack (I have 6 more) and after reading all these entries and seeing what you all are experiencing and comparing it to me. I am wondering what I should do. My story is comparable to some of yours. I am a SAHM to 2 children (2 yr and 9m) I was previously on BC before that, I started again after 3 yrs. I explained to my Doc that with previous pills, I hated mood swings, lack of sex drive, and being temper mental. He said that Loestrin 24 had the least about of chances for this to happen. So I agreed. I started it and since then I have had only 6 days of spotting (light only 1 "sighting" of blood per day). 3 of the days were a week after I started the pill. The other 3 were mid Jan. I called my doctor and the nurse did not seem to be bothered by it. "Its normal not to have a period on the pill". Based on what I have read "shorter and lighter period" are normal not missing one +. Now reading all these other stories, moody swings, not feeling like yourself, snapping at people for no reason, cry fits, temper mental, and lack of sex drive. It made me start thinking about my last 3 months. I will have to agree that it all seems to fit my situation and what has been going on with me. So here I am thinking, WHAT DO I DO? Do I continue and see what happens or do I stop? I know thats for me to decide, but reading "your" stories is very unnerving. Has anyone missed/skipped periods while being on Loestrin 24?

hi ladies, im 18 years old, and i started taking loestrin 24 almost a month ago. The first 2-3 weeks i felt no different as i usually would. No depression, No headaches, but i did experience strong emotions, like i wanted to cry more often over practically nothing.. for a few days, but that went away. Randomly i started spotting between the 2nd-3rd week, but it wasn't just light spotting. I bled for about 6 days. Having sex felt a little different. Once the bleeding was gone, now ive been spotting here and there for the past few days. My mom says that it might not be strong enough hormones for me, so if any of you are having this problem, ask your doctor because it may not be working as a contraceptive. I guess we will see how it goes!

I have been on Loestrin 24fe for the past three years. The first two years were great; no period since Dec 06, it's very rare that I have any spotting. Since June 2008, my health has gone down hill. I have had extreme weight gain (20 lbs), retaining fluid, fatigue,terrible migraines, memory has gotten poor, lack of concentration, depression has gotten worse, very very moody and will cry at the least little thing. I have also experience eye floaters and eye twitching. My dr. wants to change my BC to Yaz, but the horror stories are the same. At this point, I really don't know what to do. I have been on BC for 18 yrs total. When I first started taking Loestrin, it was wonderful.....up until last year. I am still taking it, not sure if I should switch to another type or totally go off of BC to give my body a rest.

I am so glad to know it is not just me! I've been on the pill since I was 16. Loestrin for almost two years now. I went on it originally to lessen the length of time I had my period. Each time I had spotting, I've been told it's normal and that it's just my body getting used to it. I found that if I took the pill an hour later then I took it the previous day that I'd start spotting. I felt like I was spotting ALL of the time! or like I was getting my period twice a month at least. I was told that it’s just my body and hormones adjusting.

Over this past summer I actually set timers on my phone and blackberry to take it at 11am every day out of fear of taking it 15 minutes late and starting spotting again. In October I skipped the brown pill week due to a vacation. I thought it was ok to do this. I started to feel depressed, tired all the time, like I was getting sick, I was anxious about my relationships, edgy and completely over emotional- I attributed that to stress at work and maybe just PMS, or again my hormones just adjusting. In November out of fear of getting my period when I shouldn't have it due to the time change, I actually switched the times of my alarms and started taking the pill at 10am. In December after finishing that pack, I actually switched it to noon with the start of my next pack. Then mid-month I started having a lot of spotting.. for over a week before I actually got my period. Again, I figured this was due to my switching times. Since then I haven't changed the times I take it, and I'm not due until Jan 26th and yet I started spotting again this weekend- and still am.

After reading these blogs I'm starting to wonder if EVERYTHING I've been experiencing is due to these pills. I had read an article last week that stated the low dose birth control pills cause a decrease in Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, B12, Magnesium. A Vitamin B6 depletion can inhibit the production of serotonin, which increases a woman's risk of becoming depressed. A magnesium deficiency is associated with insomnia, anxiety and depression. Since reading that article I've been taking a multi vitamin- Woman’s One a day brand, and have felt 200% better emotionally. The article also links taking pills and having an increased risk in cervical cancer and/ or dysplasia cells- Which I’ve had the cells, and had them removed about 6 years ago. I’m also wondering if my levels of Progesterone are low, and that’s why I’ve been spotting so much. These pills contain progestins, which block the action of natural progesterone. Low levels of progesterone are what make you start your period every month.

My appointment with my Dr. isn't until next month, but I will be sure to bring up that article and this blog and get my pills changed. I seriously can’t take this anymore.

I am 18 years old and have been on Loestrin 24 fe for over a year to regulate periods. I had not done much research before taking this and I wish I would've. At first everything was well besides the weight gain. My periods were short and I had no cramps. After a few months of being on this bc i was extremely moody and depressed. I was never like this before. I now find myself to be tired and exhausted even after a good nights rest. When I get to the brown pills in the end of the pack I get some type of period but not enough to call a flow or even to need a tampon. This is simply not the right bc for me. I'm glad i came across this site to see a lot of other people are experiencing the same side effects. I will be getting off of this nightmare in a pack just as soon as I get to an obgyn. Do the research before you start taking any type of bc.

I am a 31 year old mother of a beautiful 13 month old daughter. From the age of 15 to age 23 I was on a birth control pill (I do not remember which one...I think it was Ortho Tri-Cyclen.). When I decided to stop taking the pill at age 23, I noticed a HUGE change in my personality. I felt much better/happier and had an increased sex drive. Going forward, I decided not to take hormones if I could help it.

Prior to the birth of my daughter, we tried the diaphram with spermicide and I had a reaction to the spermicide. My boyfriend would lose his erection any time we tried condoms. I did try the NuvaRing (hormones) and HATED that; it made me feel like my head was going to explode. I ended up pregnant, had my daughter and, after the birth of my daughter, tried the copper IUD. My body rejected that and it was a bad experience. I felt like I had no other choice, but to try the birth control pill again. I approached it with a positive attitude and was hopeful.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH LOESTRIN 24:

Dear women and concerned spouses,

Today is the sixth day I have been on Loestrin 24. I started taking YAZ and had diarrhea so bad that I had to switch after day two of taking the YAZ product. On day three, I started Loestrin 24 and (like I said previously) have been on it for almost a week. I went from being energetic, happy and sensual to the polar opposite.

The signs of depression and anxiety were almost immediate, but I was trying to give it a chance. It is not worth it to me any longer, as I have been upset with my boyfriend and crying almost every day. You might think it is coincidence, but it is not. I know my body and my mind; this behavior is not me. I have not been reacting rationally and I have been extremely emotional. I am an emotional person to some degree, but this is REDICULOUS. I have a constant feeling of irrational fear in our relationship and severe anxiety. I am aware enough to recognize that these feelings are not natural and that something is wrong and the problem is NOT with me.

The first day I took Loestrin 24, I had the shakes and felt very cold. Anxiety accomodated these physical effects. The second day of taking the YAZ product, I noticed a cramp in my right leg. By the time I was into my second day of Loestrin 24, I felt an aching in both my legs and lower back pain...both of which have NOT gone away. My periond stopped by the second day on YAZ, but started again with the first pill of Loestrin 24. This may be due to a change in pills, but it has not stopped since.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sadness and unusual behavior, or even a relapse in depression, the birth control pill may have something to do with it. I have been doing quite a bit of research on all birth control pills and the effects of depression that they have on women. I am speaking from experience and, so far, Loestrin 24 has been the worst at causing me symptoms of fear, depression, anxiety and just an overall helpless feeling. These leg cramps have me fearing blood clots, as well. Some of the other women on here have noted these leg and back pains, as well.

If I could find a non-hormonal solution to birth control (other than abstinence) I would use it.

Some women do fine on the pill and, obviously, some do not. I say, "Give it a try!", but listen to your body and that little voice in your head telling you that something might be wrong...it is usually right.

Hello everyone.
I started taking this pill in September...for the first month I was a nut case. I had terrible mood swings, crying and getting mad for no reason at all and severe depression. Everyone around me hated me...I hated myself.I knew this was not me. My symptoms were so bad my boyfriend didn't want to be around me and eventually broke up with me because he couldn't handle what the pills were doing to me. 3 months later (now) I a feeling wonderful and back to who I know I am...feeling normal again. If anyone feels like these pills are making them crazy...stick it out if you can. Periods are short...sometimes even 2 days for me. My face is clearer than ever and hardly have any cramps before of during my period. But remember...everyones body is different and responds to new hormones differently. Things will get better if you are weary about it.

I'm glad i found this website. I started the pill 2 and a half weeks ago and I've noticed some changes in me. First i've gained weight and i want to eat almost everything in site. On day one, 2 hours after taking the first pill i felt different and I thought is was just the hormones. Then I noticed my sex drive went crazy. Every time I had some time alone with my boyfriend all I wanted to do was have sex with him. Is this normal?

Ahhh, Loestrin 24 E....where do I begin?? Well, first off I have to say that I started taking this
with a completely open mind. I didn't read the box for side effects and I didn't search the web
to read all the blogs. I just started taking the pills on the first day of my period as instructed.
I knew from taking birth control previously in my life that I am putting hormones in my body and that
my body might react to them but, I didn't think that much about it. I started feeling 'funny' about
the 2nd day into the pill but, I just thought that it was the extra hormones that were in my body that
had not been put there for YEARS!!! About the 4th day on the pill my husband really started to
notice a change in me. I was moody. I would go from happy to sad in a second flat. He told me that
I was doing it and I just got mad at him for saying it. Then I would be mad for being mad. I could
not get happy-these feelings didn't end. I had a HARD time getting over ANYTHING!!! I also had a
major sex drive before I started the pill, then it dropped. It was so weird. I went from wanting and
having sex up to 3 times a day to not wanting my husband to put his hands on me at all. It was not
good for us. About day 8 or so I still was not admitting that the pills were making me not me. By
this time I was in a MAJOR depression. Nothing made me happy, my husband would try and try to get
me anything and everything to make me happy and nothing would work. I hate to admit this but, I
didn't even want to see my son. And he and my husband our both my life!!! I live for them and love
them more than anything and want nothing more to spend all the time in the world with them so when
I started feeling like I didn't want either one of them around and that if I died or killed myself
that no one would notice I knew that there was a problem. I hurt my body was in constant pain.
It didn't matter what way I would sit or how much I would stretch I still hurt. I would fall asleep
(well really pass out) at 8:30-I just was sooo tired. It was worse than being prego. I was bi-polar
like crazy!! I could not concentrate on anything. I had major anxiety!! My breasts were super tender
and blew up the week before my period. They hurt so bad. My back hurt like crazy. I have NEVER had
zits before but, since I have been on this my face has broken out a number of times and I have back acne!!
I HAVE NEVER HAD THAT!! I was so sad for no reason at all. I am not a person who cries and I would cry over
ANYTHING!! I got nausea BAD!! I have had headaches. I gained weight quick!!! The list could go on and on!!!
It was pretty hard to get it off. I didn't admit it to myself or my husband
until about day 11. I finally called the doctor and told her to get me off the pill. She has put
me on ocella and I started it 3 days ago. I was still bleeding until yesterday. I had a light period
but, it isn't work the crazy bit** that I was in the mean time. I am so happy to be off Loestrin 24 E
and would not give this pill to ANYONE. My sister-in-law had the same problems that I did. I am finally starting
to feel like myself again and I am loving it. Looking back on the way I acted it was like an out of
body experience. I hope this helps others!!!

I think that if you are having any question on if you should stop taking this drug then STOP taking it!! I am so glad that I did!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhh, Loestrin 24 E....where do I begin?? Well, first off I have to say that I started taking this
with a completely open mind. I didn't read the box for side effects and I didn't search the web
to read all the blogs. I just started taking the pills on the first day of my period as instructed.
I knew from taking birth control previously in my life that I am putting hormones in my body and that
my body might react to them but, I didn't think that much about it. I started feeling 'funny' about
the 2nd day into the pill but, I just thought that it was the extra hormones that were in my body that
had not been put there for YEARS!!! About the 4th day on the pill my husband really started to
notice a change in me. I was moody. I would go from happy to sad in a second flat. He told me that
I was doing it and I just got mad at him for saying it. Then I would be mad for being mad. I could
not get happy-these feelings didn't end. I had a HARD time getting over ANYTHING!!! I also had a
major sex drive before I started the pill, then it dropped. It was so weird. I went from wanting and
having sex up to 3 times a day to not wanting my husband to put his hands on me at all. It was not
good for us. About day 8 or so I still was not admitting that the pills were making me not me. By
this time I was in a MAJOR depression. Nothing made me happy, my husband would try and try to get
me anything and everything to make me happy and nothing would work. I hate to admit this but, I
didn't even want to see my son. And he and my husband our both my life!!! I live for them and love
them more than anything and want nothing more to spend all the time in the world with them so when
I started feeling like I didn't want either one of them around and that if I died or killed myself
that no one would notice I knew that there was a problem. I hurt my body was in constant pain.
It didn't matter what way I would sit or how much I would stretch I still hurt. I would fall asleep
(well really pass out) at 8:30-I just was sooo tired. It was worse than being prego. I was bi-polar
like crazy!! I could not concentrate on anything. I had major anxiety!! My breasts were super tender
and blew up the week before my period. They hurt so bad. My back hurt like crazy. I have NEVER had
zits before but, since I have been on this my face has broken out a number of times and I have back acne!!
I HAVE NEVER HAD THAT!! I was so sad for no reason at all. I am not a person who cries and I would cry over
ANYTHING!! I got nausea BAD!! I have had headaches. I gained weight quick!!! The list could go on and on!!!
It was pretty hard to get it off. I didn't admit it to myself or my husband
until about day 11. I finally called the doctor and told her to get me off the pill. She has put
me on ocella and I started it 3 days ago. I was still bleeding until yesterday. I had a light period
but, it isn't work the crazy bit** that I was in the mean time. I am so happy to be off Loestrin 24 E
and would not give this pill to ANYONE. My sister-in-law had the same problems that I did. I am finally starting
to feel like myself again and I am loving it. Looking back on the way I acted it was like an out of
body experience. I hope this helps others!!!

First few months on this pill went fine. On the 4th month I started with the spotting. By the time the 5th or 6th month rolled around I would have my period it would stop for a few days and then start again at mid cycle. I was getting two periods per month. This month I started spotting on day 15 and now 9 days later I'm still bleeding. I need to be on some form of birth control pill to control extremely heavy periods. Ok so I don't have the extreme bleeding anymore but I have my period all the time. I could live with spotting but this is full on break through bleeding. My doctor wants to try something new but I feel like a guinea pig. I just wish there was some pill that came with a guarantee. :(

I'm writing in behalf of my 15 year old daughter who is trying loestrin24fe to get some relief from her back pain and migraine headaches (which she inherited from me). She had a full period after just 10 days and has had a non-stop headache since starting this pill that won't stop even with her migraine medicine. I know it takes time for bodies to adjust, each is different and the doctor says give it 3 months- but she is considering just stopping because her headaches are so bad. I'm just not sure she can hold out for 2 and a half more months to give it a good try. Her acne is a lot worse too. Moody- yes, this was another thing we were hoping the pill would help with but hasn't. I'm sure this site is biased for people having problems since if it's working okay- why look up information on it? In any case, 30 years ago the lowest dose pill made me depressed, I barely made the 3 month mark before I stopped and I thought it would be different now. I have spent years before and after having kids using an IUD, and for me, that has always been the greatest birth control!

I started Loestrin over one month and a half ago. I was put on Loestrin as a way to regulate my hormones and hopefully get rid of a cyst on my ovary. I hate these pills. I have two weeks left to go but have decided to stop the pills. My period was regular before I started the pills 6 weeks ago, but in 6 weeks I have had periodic bleeding at least once a week. My cycle was late and lasted 8 days compared to the 4 it usually lasts. Last week when I had an episode of bleeding (lasted one day) my back was spasming and cramping like crazy. I have never had back spasms or cramps in my back before these pills. I also have lymphedema in my lower legs and it has been acting up like crazy. I am having headaches that last for days. My emotions are also being affected. I will never take these pills again and I will think twice before taking any other pills. I am hoping that after a couple of weeks my body will return to normal.

I have been on this for a few years now and I am thinking about switching to something else or going off completely. I'm 34 and I have been the pill for 15 years. At first, Loestrin 24 was great - 3 day light period. But overtime, my period went to 4, to 5, to 6 days. Now it's 7 days of heavy bleeding as if I'm not taking anything at akk. I've gained weight, like 20 lbs, that I can't seem to lose. My fiance and I dance so I'm usually in shape. But over the last year, even dancing as much as we do isn't keeping the weight off. I'm emotional all of the time. I have a heart murmur, which my OBGYN admits is probably caused by the pill. One thing I can say is my acne is under control, which basically is the only reason (besides shorter periods) I am on it since my fiance has had a vasectomy. It's hard to know what to do when the doctor's really don't know either. It's all trial and error since every patients hormones are different. But, this 7 days of heavy bleeding is for the birds. I might as well not be on anything! We Are All Just Ginniepigs.
Indecisive in Indiana,

I didn't have a good experience with it. I was taking it to get my period started because it suddenly stopped. And then I got a really strange discoloration on my thigh that came after my calf hurt. I have had an ultra sound done to test for blood clots and have found none. I have been to up to 4 different doctors. ALL have said they 'don't know what it is'. Besides that, some have said it's hormones. Others have said its a skin problem. One said it's circulation problems. My OBGYN didn't really say anything. When I stopped the medicine, I was able to have my own periods, but then at that same time I developed multi-nodular goiter. And then my periods stopped again. My OBGYN told me to start on the pills again but I am scared because I don't know what's going to happen and my OBGYN just told me to start it again like everything was okay. I'm thinking of going to a different OBGYN. I just wanted to share my experience..

Tomorrow will be my last day of the first pack of Loestrin, but during my 3rd week I got a period. Is this NORMAL? I am not used to taking a daily medication and I forget to take it at the same time everyday, even though I normally try to take it when I wake up in the morning. I wear a panty liner because I have been spotting for the past few days, even after the "regular" period was over

I get very sick when I get my period, they are long and heavy, and I have digestion problems and intense stomach pains for at least 1-2 weeks before and the week of. These symptoms disappeared for a while when I was on Apri (desogen) but after a few months, they came back, and on top of it, I became severely depressed and had such bad stomach pains, I went to the emergency room (and you pretty much have to drag me to hospitals).

This last period was so bad though that I finally decided to take the sample pack of Loestrin that my doctor gave me a month or two ago. Just a day after I started taking it, my period ended and the pain and bloating was gone. This is day 6 and I'm fine so far. On Ortho Tri-Cyclen (my first pill) I had bad side effects the first few days and gained ten pounds in two weeks.

I'm glad these forums exist, because they helped me realize that all of the depression (including suicidal thoughts), stomach pain, hair loss, etc. etc. were side effects of desogen. All of those things that contributed to the worst summer of my life disappeared as soon as I stopped taking it.

On the other hand, I have to point out that there is no "good" pill or "bad" pill. The side effects will be different for everyone. Some women need more estrogen, some need less. Some need fluctuating amounts of hormones and some need the same dosage all month. Unfortunately the only way to figure out what is right for you is to try them, note your reactions, and research the differences between pills. I realized quickly that I needed a low, stable dose of estrogen, which led me to try Loestrin. Not saying things can't go wrong from here, but now I am aware that if I fall into some depression, anxiety, weight gain, or other weird side effects, it *may* be caused by the pill I'm taking.

Is the pill worth it? Again, answers will vary depending on your lifestyle. Are your periods manageable or do they cause you not to be able to get out of bed in the morning? Are they consistent or are you praying you're no pregnant every month? Are condoms working for you or aren't they, and is the 2% chance of still becoming pregnant worth the risk?

While I've had bad experiences with some pills, I'm just grateful for this BC option in general. Until they figure out how to make birth control pills for men (pshh.. that'll be the day) then it's up to us to research and maek the best decisions for ourselves.

I'm 22 years old and I've been taking Loestrin since the end of February. I haven't had any real severe side affects from it. It's my first time on birth control and I was very weary about getting on the pill all together. I do notice my period is different. Sometimes I'm really heavy for 5 or 6 days and sometimes I don't see any blood. I don't notice much nausea from it and I was really concerned about that before I starting taking it. I do notice my libido is down and I don't have much energy. I need to switch off of this pill because it's not in my price range. I'm trying to find a pill that was actually kind of similar to it. A pill that was low in hormones more particularly. Does anyone have any suggests?

I have been on loestrin for 2 months now. For the past month I have been an emotional wreck, and for the passed week I have had anxiety, heartburn and stomach cramps just below my ribcage. My lower back is killing me and my stomach is spasming. I just took my last birth control pill this morning and start the reminder pills tomorrow. I totally don't feel myself. I haven't got my period since i've been on it. My doctor put me on it because I was bleeding abnormally heavy for me two weeks after my period. I really want to not start a new pack, but i'm nervous that i will bleed heavily again. the anxiety is causing me no to sleep.................I hate this pill

First off, i think its important to remember that all bcp have these side-effects. its not that one pill is better or worse than another, its that everyone's body reacts differently and sometimes you will experience these side effects and sometimes you wont. all these horrible things women are listing about Loestrin, other women have said about other pills.

for example, when i first started taking a bcp, i was on ortho-lo. this one seemed fine at first (outside the three month adjustment time) then one breast started to swell and ache while the other was fine. it was just my body reacting to the combination of hormones in that particular pill. i know other women who have taken ortho-lo for years and have been fine with it. But i wasn't.

eventually i decided to try a new pill and a friend recommended i research Yasmin. i found many sights just like this one with women going on and on about how evil it was. for every good review, i read ten bad. but my doctor decided to try me on it anyway thinking i needed i higher level of hormones and the five months i was on it were horrible. severe weight gain, cramps (i never had them before), spotting, migraines, NO sex drive, etc. i went back to my doctor and she was surprised because both Yasmin and ortho-lo are supposed to be good drugs. bottom line is, they weren't good for me. she decided to switch me again, this time to a lower level of hormones, but with more active pills, trying to find the right balance for me.

now i read everyone saying horrible things about Loestrin but I have to tell you, i've been on it for a few months now and have never felt better. i didn't even have the months of 'adjusting' to a new pill. i think i may have finally found a combo pill that works for me.

all bcp pills have side effects and you can read horror stories everywhere about ALL kinds of pills. it DOESN'T mean the pill is horrible, or awful, or evil or the worst kind ever. it just means, that for whatever reason, its not right for you.

so if you are out there, reading comments like this on all these pills, please don't take all these comments to heart. read them, take heed, but don't dismiss a pill because it gets bad reviews. i've done my research and they ALL have bad reviews. You have to know that all pills have some side effects BUT each woman's body is different and just because some women experienced bad things on this pill, doesn't mean you will. we are all different after all. you can judge how you will react to something based on someone else's experience.

if you're looking to start taking bcp or looking to switch, be sure you know your own body, communicate with your doctor and know that somewhere you may be able to find a bcp that works for you. i'm lucky i found one in Loestrin.

Much Luck.

I discontinued Loestrin 24 due to is causing 3 months of breakthrough bleeding lasting about 7-15 days along with having a period. I had severe acne from it, constipation, gallbladder attacks,pain in right side,anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, etc. I have PCOS and this is a combination of hormones that do not work properly. Since I have stopped using this medicine all of these side effects have gone away.

I am 24 and have taken several different kinds of birth control. I wanted to switch to something with the least amount of hormones or side effects but this stuff is horrible. I keep thinking I'm pregnant because my boobs are giant and constantly sore, I'm a total crazy bitch and I feel like I'm going to yack all the time. I'm definitely switching to something else. This stuff is ruining my body.

I think it is interesting the symptoms that you mention here. I have been on birth control pills since the age of 19. I am now 28. Over the past year I have had similar symptoms. I have been on so many different BCP's that is is hard to keep count. They don't seem to work the way they claim to. The last BCP I was on was orthotryciclen. While taking these I began to experience severe heart palpitations. So bad that they would wake me up at night. Because I wasn't sure if it was an anxiety attack or just being in my head I decided to ignore it. Four months passed by and it seemed to get increasingly worse. I had enough and decided to go to my PCP. She wasn't really much help either. Although I was tested for Mitral Valve Prolapse, which I was told affects younger women my age. There was nothing found. What I thought was interesting is I really felt that it was the birth control pills, but I couldn't find it as a side affect on the information that was provided in the box. The tech who was doing my echocardiogram began to tell me she also experienced the same feelings and found out it was her BCP. Once she confirmed what I thought was right, decided to stop taking them. After three months the symptoms began to disappear. I figured it was just the particular brand. I began to take loestrin 24. I started to feel the same symptoms again, just not as severe. I would feel my heart beat when I would like down in my back and my stomach. My heart rate would reach 90 to 100 sometimes. I know this is not normal. When I visited my gyno yesterday she told me it was impossible that it was a result of the BCP. Maybe it was just anxiety and or perhaps I should get checked out by a cardiologist. That is serious stuff when you are talking to a young person about getting there heart check out. I think if there are any other women out there who are experiencing any similar symptoms should speak up. So these doctors won't keep telling us it is all in our heads and help to take care of this problem.

I have now finished my fourth month on Loestrin 24Fe. Still no period. Prior to being on it, I was on Seasonale--now, sure it's great not getting your period for 3 months, but that is another side effect page! Since switching to LoE24, for the first 2 months I had CRAZY mood swings and 6 out of the 8 signs of peri-menopause (I'm only 37). I did find out that Seasonale has a higher dosage of hormones and LoE 24 has less.

When I first switched, I LOVED the Loestrin--it made me feel so much more alive and like me again from the Seasonale. After two weeks, I started the "yogurt-like" discharge that went on for two months--no, not a yeast infection or anything, just weird hormonal stuff according to my doctor. After the two months, the discharge and the major mood swings went away all of a sudden, I was just fine one day and those symptoms have gone. Still, no period...it's been four months and 6 pregnancy tests. Now, I'm still a little moody but I'm not sure if it is pill related or frustration at not knowing what is wrong.

A girlfriend of mine loved this pill, so I guess everyone is different.

I posted my situation on this site earlier this summer. I had been suffering from anxiety and depression plus loss of sex drive since being on this pill. I called my doctor and asked to switch to another pill and I feel so much better already. I had no period whatsoever while on LoE24 so I continued to use it inspite of the fact that I suspected the pill of doing these things to me. I just don't think it's normal to take a pill with 24 days of hormones that take away your period. It was obviously unhealthy for me and I'm glad I got rid of it. My mind just feels so much clearer and I feel like my old self again. After being on this pill for 14 months I'm finally free and clear of it and will never recommend it to anyone! If you're having depression or anxiety, don't let your doctor put you on antidepressants without first trying another pill.

I just started taking Loestrin, and so far it's made me sick to my stomach, cramp and generally feel like I'm on my period.
I started taking it right after a normal period and so far it's been ok except for the symptoms mentioned above. Surprise surprise, I started what seems to be like my normal period when it's the last two days (mostly brown rust color). I know that it might take a while for the hormones to regulate in my body, but I feel that this shouldn't be happening... Any suggestions? I'm planning to call my doctor tomorrow.

I am 18 years old and have been taking Loestrin 24 for about 7 months now. I started taking the pill because I was sexually active and was having extremely long and painful periods. The first few months of the pill were fine, I had some minor bloating. However, I was happy with the pill for the most part. The little acne I had cleared up and my periods were almost non-existent (12 hours of a light brown spotting at most).

Now, for the past three months I have been struggling with depression and anxiety. I could not figure out what was happening to me because I had never had emotional problems like this before. Given, I am prone to depression (both my mother and father have been diagnosed). Nevertheless, I am starting to wonder if the hormones in Loestrin 24 have triggered my depression symptoms and made them worse since they were NEVER a problem until I went on this pill. Previously, I was on Ortho Tricyclen Lo and did not have any emotional side effects whatsoever.

Also, I am pretty much fed up with this pill after today. A few days ago, I suddenly began having chest pains and a numbness/tingling on my left side (arms, legs, face). Feeling nervous, I went to the doctor today. They gave me an EKG which was normal (thank goodness). However, they have ordered me an MRI for tomorrow to see if I have suffered from a stroke! My doctor said that he thinks that then numbness pain is more likely caused my depression/anxiety. Depression and anxiety that I think were caused by this pill.

I can't stand these pills and I refuse to finish this pack. Enough is enough already! Has anybody else suffered symptoms similar to these and if so, what was your outcome?