December 8th
2008
1:09 AM
OH BOY... ok so i have been on Loestrin 24fe for a little over a year. haha. for the first 6 months.. everything was fabulous!! no mood swings.. no bloating .. weight LOSS... no acne.. it was the happy pill! also.. i had absolutely NO periods at all!! no spotting.. bleeding.. cramps. nothing! it was great. then.. just recently.. in the past 4-5 months.. i have been tired all of the time! it seems like no amount of sleep will satisfy!! i could sleep all day and still be tired! sex drive has definitely taken a nose dive.. and the bad part about that is my bf and i have a long distance relationship.. we only see each other every few months!! so when i am w/ him.. what do you think i wanna do?! but the sex drive just isn't there! recently.. i have started to have random spotty periods even on the white pills. and that makes me crazy paranoid that i am pregnant or something else is wrong.. even though i have taken my pill by alarm daily! mood swings.. OH man.. depression up and down. one day i seem fine and motivated to live.. the next.. i hate my life.. i am confused and all i want to do is lay alone in bed and eat chocolate. it sucks. i was so weird out and thought i was all alone in this.. but in reading this website.. i am so glad that i am NOT the only one in HELL with this whole birth control pill crap!
-- By cfurry | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 19th
2008
8:20 PM
so happy to have found this site! I have been taking loestrin 24 since mid July, making it almost five months on this medicine. IT IS HORRIBLE. to say the least. for almost a year and a half I was on NuvaRing, which surprisingly I liked, aside from the almost 20 lb weight gain and virtually no sex drive. Who needs birth control if you don't have a sex drive? So anyway, I switched to loestrin 24 in July. BIG MISTAKE. for the first few weeks of this pill I lost all appetite and hardly ate a thing. In the past few months I have been experiencing incredible anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, and depression. This pill is messing with my head! It almost cost me and my boyfriend of two years our relationship because of the way it makes me crazy. I experience increased heart rate, especially when I wake up and strange leg cramps. I have always been funny, outgoing, and upbeat about life until this pill. This past weekend I was a social recluse and just felt like being alone. I cry over the littlest things and am so irritable when someone says the slightest things. I have been overly mean to my mom, sister and boyfriend over the simplest things. Something is not right with this pill. I thought I was just losing my mind until I read all these other posts. Thank goodness I'm not alone. I had an appt. with my OBGYN today, told her all my symptoms, and she gave me a trial pack of Femcon FE. I am very wary to start them because I have read it has very similar side effects to Loestrin. Has anyone found a good birth control that actually makes them a happy, normal person?! Jeeze, I am ready to swear off hormonal birth control for good! Please let me know if anyone has any experience with switching from Loestrin to Femcon? I just want to be my old, happy self again!
-- By crazy4soup | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
November 19th
2008
2:32 PM
Loestrin is the first birth control pills i've ever tried and seriously its gotten me to a point that i'm too sad to even pick up the phone and make a doc appointment to change it. I hate it. I've clear skin one week the next i look like a pizza, sex is out of the question and its uncomfortable, i'm tired all the time, i gained weight and some days i literally want my husband to disappear cuz my mood swings are so bad... i get such bad migraines that makes me throw up. i got my period last month and this month i haven't gotten it.
i'm feeling more then depressed i want to cry all the time, i don't want to do anything, and i just don't wanna deal with it anymore, Loestrin is not the pill for me
-- By yoyododhi | Reply | Private Message me
November 19th
2008
7:17 AM
Hi everyone,
I started taking these pills about a month ago and am just about done with my first pack in a couple of days. Like many of you, I felt MISERABLE when I first started taking these. For the first 10-12 days, I had head aches everyday, along with mood swings, and really bad cramps. I almost stopped taking them. I even called my Doctor and she gave me the same old thing about my body needing time to adjust to them and that she wanted me to continue taking them for another 2 months. ( Total 3 months) before she considered switching me...
Well, after about the 12th day on the first pack I started feeling A LOT better! I was so relieved! Everything is back to "normal" for me and I have not had any more problems. I just hope that it STAYS! All I can say for everyone out there, is that I guess everyone is different. If you have only been on this for a few days/weeks and want to give up, just try to stick it out a little longer and maybe things will get better for you too! I know it is hard, but I am now glad that I did. I would have hated to get on another brand and have the same thing happen to me on that one!
I hope that if this is not the pill for you all, that you find something soon to relieve all your symptoms!
Good Luck!
November 9th
2008
2:51 AM
I have been on this pill for a little over a week. I started the pill exactly when I started my period and I am still having my period. Normally my period lasts 4 to 5 days MAX. But I'm getting nervous that it is day 9 and I am still bleeding. I have been extremely horrible headaches, back pain, and extreme fatigue. I was diagnosed with mono the other day but my symptoms also sound like what some people experience on this pill. I'm just not sure what's causing my horrible mood swings (I've cried myself to sleep every night for no reason...and I rarely cry over ANYTHING) and I've been very paranoid and bitchy towards my boyfriend. The first doctor I went to said I didn't have mono but I was diagnosed a couple days later by a different doctor. I'm starting to wonder which one is the correct diagnosis and whether my symptoms are actually from this pill. I don't want to completely throw it away yet because i'm not sure if it is actually the pill affecting me. But reading all these posts really scare me about it!
Most of my abdominal pains are around my pelvic area. I just don't understand why mono would target this area.
November 5th
2008
5:37 PM
This is my first month on this pill, and i started my period two weeks before i was suppose to start. I've had AWFUL mood swings, and there have been a couple of sleepless nights due to cramps. My periods usually last no more than a week, and I've been on it for close to two weeks, and might I add that it is VERY heavy. My face hardly ever breaks out ( knock on wood ) and now its broken out everywhere! Randomly throughout the day, I feel like i could just collapse at any given time. I got on the pill to regulate everything, not make it worse. Hopefully this is just my body getting use to it!
-- By eloid71692 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
November 3th
2008
11:50 AM
I just want to thank all of you on this blog and other blogs. I was going to start this pill for pms and pmdd. I feel like I have the flu when I have my period. I am so exhausted. Bleeding is not so bad, cramps could kill me but thank god for alive and Advil. I started to get headaches about 2 years ago during my period or a few days before and sometimes the aleve and Advil don't help it even though they help my cramps. I am a group fitness instructor and don't want to feel sick or be unable to teach my classes. But after reading the side affects that could happen forget it. About 20 years ago( i was 18 then) I was on pills and had severe panic attacks and was hospitalized for a week. They couldn't directly pin it on the pill but trying it a year later and having it happen again I never took them again. I was assured by my gyn that pills have changed and that I would be fine on loestrin24 but I just can't chance it. I would say to the people who have severe bleeding and prolonged bleeding, fibroids or other problems, find a pill that can maybe help you. But for those of you who just need it for birth control and are having these problems, find another method. It is not worth it if you loose you sex drive, have mood swings and depression or any other of the horrible things I read can happen. And if you are predisposed to panic and depression, I wouldn't take it after reading all these complaints. The bad is outweighing the good on all the blogs I have read. Thanks again and good luck ladies!!
-- By denkel | Reply | Private Message me
October 30th
2008
5:22 PM
Wow and I thought i was the only one having issues. I've been on loestrin now 4 months. 1st month regular period, 2nd month had it twice in the same month not heavy very light spotty. Am not accustomed to not having a period my periods consist of heavy 10-14 days flow I would go thru a pack of overnights in about 3-4 days. Now this is month 4 and I was due to have my period 2 days ago and no sign. I've had leg cramps and spasm in my back the last couple of night didn't know where that came from. Mood swings my husband is having trouble with doesn't know if it's post parturm depression or from the pill. Am gonna give it 2 more months if it doesn't regulate itself I think it's not for me. Oh and I had hair loss the first 3 months. It started growing back recently. No migraines thank god. And my sex drive is like a yoyo one moment I want to rip my cloths off the next I don't want my husband anywhere near me??
-- By meimei | Reply | Private Message me
October 23th
2008
11:40 AM
I'm not sure; I don't feel like myself on this pill, but I've just been told that that is what a birth control pill will do to you. Do I just try to wait it out for a while or switch pills? All I know is that I'm tired of feeling like this, but if all pills are the same, then should I even bother switching?
-- By moviefan656 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 22th
2008
12:39 PM
HORRIBLE!!!!! I was on this pill for 3 months, reported spotting and irregular periods to Obgyn. Told me to try another 3 months, same problems plus, massive migraines, sleepless nights, mood swings, no interest in sex, bitchy! I continued to take it for a full year! Not realizing it was this pill causing these problems. Once I read about them, I stopped taking the pill and in about a week, no more headaches, more energy and sex drive is returning. Warn others that you know are taking this about all these side effects. I wish someone told me!!!!!!!
-- By laurie6 | Reply | Private Message me
October 20th
2008
5:08 PM
I absolutely HATE this pill. Since I've been on it I have had.... Horrible mood swings, acne on face AND back!!, break through two weeks before my real period so I basically have two periods a month, I've gained 20lbs since being on it can't seem to lose the weight, I wake up every morning feeling bloated and crampy, I have no energy and basically just feel like crap ALL THE TIME. I'm about to drive my family crazy!! I have one more week left and then I'm getting off these pills for good!! It's crazy how one little pill can affect you in SO many different ways. I'm so glad I found this site because I thought I was going nuts or something. Glad to know where all these symptoms are coming from!
-- By lidalbit | Reply | Private Message me
October 16th
2008
12:10 PM
I HATE this pill!! I was so happy to find this forum. At least now I know I'm not losing my mind. I have been on it for four months and each month my symptoms are getting worse.I have had a headache for a month. My mood swings are out of control, I can't focus at work, exhausted, can't sleep, cramping, still have fairly heavy periods. That doesn't even cover everything. I will finish this pack and then I'm done with it. I've even talked to my doctor about how I'm feeling and she basically told me it's me not the pill. Looking for a new doctor now.
-- By tippy262 | Reply | Private Message me
October 10th
2008
11:31 PM
I have been on Loestrin 24 for over a year now and I have to say that it is working really well for me. I have extremely light periods (esp. compared to the ones I was having before), predictable periods, and no mood swings. i have had breakthrough bleeding 2 of the months I've been on this pill. The only thing I've noticed is it is extremely hard for me to lose weight. Now, I only need to lose like 10 pounds, but I was running everyday and eating healthy for about 3 months and did not lose a pound of weight. I don't know if it was due to the pill, but in the past it has been fairly easy for me to lose,
-- By hil1959 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
October 9th
2008
5:29 PM
My boyfriend's mom who is an OBGYN gave me 12 samples of this pill (a year's worth) after I ran out of my Ortho Lo. So I said "Sweet! Free birth control!" Not so sweet.... I have been on this pill for only 2 months and I have experience a huge change in my personality. I feel like a zombie, I don't feel like myself at all! The most severe uncontrollable mood swings ever. I go from very happy and loving to a total train wreck! It's really sad... My boyfriend cannot handle me. I am usually always calm and mellow and this has made me feel like I am going insane. I have weird thoughts in my head, weird dreams, night sweats. I cry over anything petty! I do have lighter periods and they only last for 2 or 3 days but it is definitely not worth my mental health and happiness. It is the worst pill, I cannot discredit this pill enough! Avoid this at all costs, unless you want to be moody and depressed all the time.
-- By nannyallie | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 7th
2008
12:22 AM
I forgot to mention I often had BREAK THROUGH BLEEDING! My period was heavier and longer than normal (which in the long run of being off the pill, has caused my period to stay longer and heavier). I also cried for no reason because of many mood swings! THIS PILL IS TERRIBLE!
-- By smil3z1 | Reply | Private Message me
October 1th
2008
1:11 PM
In December i had a cyst on my ovary rupture. i went to the hospital after waiting it out for 3 weeks and the doctor recommended i be put on birth control to regulate the cysts. i didn't have health insurance until July..so i made an appointment and went in to see the doctor. he recommended i be put on birth control due to heavy and very long periods, clotting, cystic ovaries, and horrific cramps. i started the pill and instantly became a crazy..i mean BEYOND moody. on top of the mood swings, i had morning sickness, nausea throughout the day, instant breast tenderness (they grew from a B to a C in a week!), and my entire body ached. i couldn't get out of bed in the morning for the first few days i was on it. i spotted every day for the entire pack. when it came time for the sugar pills, i didn't have a period. i waited 4 days and started a new pack.
with the second pack came depression, lack of personality, lack of sex drive, when i'd engage in intercourse it would hurt too much to do anything and afterwords i'd cramp like i was going to start my period..i became lazy and unmotivated. at the end of the second pack, i had yet to have a period although i spotted frequently. i talked to my friend about it and she said to wait it out. so i waited 2 weeks..had a very light period and decided i would start the 3rd pack. i started the pack and got 4 pills in..missed a day..and when i went to the bathroom yesterday morning i had 2 clots the size of a dime. i started cramping to the point of not being able to stand up straight. my appetite is nonexistent. two periods in one month..it's starting to make me wonder if i'm having a miscarriage. my lower back is killing me. i refuse to take anymore pills. i'm going to completely take myself off of birth control.
i know that birth control is supposed to make your body think you're pregnant to cease the possibility of conception. at this point i'd rather risk conception and have a child than go through what i have gone through with Lo24 again.
-- By duck625 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 29th
2008
5:14 PM
Negative Side effects:
1.increased facial hair ( yes I am female)
2.acne
3. no sex drive
For the first month I had no problems.
From the second month to the fifth month I had breast tenderness every day!. On the 6th month of the pill I had no breast tenderness.
Positive effects:
2-3 day light periods ( mine used to b 5-7 days)
No cramps ( I used to have terrible cramps)
No mood swings
September 28th
2008
3:04 AM
I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for a year (after a year of Yasmin) and I just wanted to post this to be helpful to other women considering Loestrin because this medication obviously does not work well with everyone. But, I loved it. I did not have any side effects at all (clear skin, tiny amounts of cramping around PMS time, no mood swings, light periods, very predictable periods, no headaches, no pregnancy, one month of break-through bleeding). I am trying an IUD instead at the moment because I could not always remember to take the pill every day at the same time, but if the IUD does not work, I am going back to Loestrin (however I am going to ask for the generic because it is less expensive!).
-- By user | Reply | Private Message me
September 17th
2008
1:25 PM
I have been on Yaz since I was 18 and I'm 22 now and I had to switch to Loesterin 24 Fe because my cramps were getting bad, almost as bad as they were before I was on birth control. I switched about mid-July and ever since then I thought I was going CRAZY. I have been so depressed, my mood swings are insane, I am constantly nauseated, and I've been bleeding for about 2 weeks straight. I thought I was pregnant even though my take home test was negative so I went to my obgyn. She switched me off Loestrin 24 fe because she thinks that is what is making me so anxious and depressed and completely uninterested in having sex with my boyfriend My poor boyfriend has had to deal with me during this, I think I broke up with him twice and week and then cry and beg him to take me back, which he did, every time, while shaking his head and wonder where his old girlfriend went. So hopefully getting off Loestrin will fix this!
-- By cressesgirl22 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 11th
2008
5:37 PM
I’ve been on Loestrin 24 fe for a year now, and I started it because I had so much breakthrough bleeding with Orthocyclen. Strange side effect of Loestrin is that I have never got a period since I started (1 year), even though I follow the directions completely. Anyone else had this experience? The worst side effect I would say is that I have absolutely no sex drive. None. It’s very depressing to me and confusing to my husband. I haven’t found anything that helps. I’m afraid to try another pill for the chance of having worse side effects. Any suggestions?
-- By nenacorazon | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 8th
2008
7:36 PM
So far i've been on it for 2 months. I can't really say much on it. The first month i took it, i didn't have a period. Which can be a lil scary if that happens when you're switching pills. But I did brown a lil on the last day of the reminder pills. This month hasn't been too bad no weight gain at all, but the only thing is my period came 10 days early, but its not really heavy and the cramps are really light. I'm just happy there aren't crazy psycho lady mood swings like when i was on ortho-tri cyclen lo. Nonetheless i don't have anything bad too say about this pill.
-- By deark1 | Reply | Private Message me
September 2th
2008
10:00 AM
I started taking Loestrin 24FE about three weeks ago to help me regulate my cycle. I have endometrial hyperplasia and PCOD (or so they tell me) and my periods are always unpredictable and very heavy. Well, my doctor put me on this pill to help me plus I didn't want to get pregnant before I finish my degree. Anyway, immediately I started getting horrible migraines I have not had in years, heart palpitations, dizziness, and feeling so tired all the time. My mood swings are terrible and it has made my anxiety worse all of a sudden. Now I can't eat! On Saturday I started vomitting every time I eat and the smell of food makes me sick. I know that I am not pregnant since I have not had sex since starting the pill. Now I also have a very very heavy period and the worst cramps I have ever had. So bad I almost went to the emergency room on Saturday. My husband is really worried about me so this morning I called my OB/GYN and he told me to stop taking the pill immediately that I was having a reaction to the pill that is not normal. He said that with any BCP you may have a couple small symptoms but what I was experiencing is not normal. Also my skin is starting to itch a lot. Several years ago I had to stop taking Loestrin FE28 because it was giving me horrible yeast infections before my period so this pill is new for me. I would advise stopping the pill and call your doctor. If that doctor doesn't listen find one that will. These symptoms are not normal by any means and can be dangerous. I wish you all good luck!! Oh and he said it would take several days to get out of my system.
-- By tsula | Reply | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
10:36 PM
I have been taking this pill for almost a year now. Recently in the last few months, I have experienced insane mood swings, irritability, heart palpitations, headaches, and anxiety. I even went to a cardiologist the heart palpitations were so bad. My heart is completely healthy. I have not had a period in like 7 or 8 months which is great but now I am thinking that this pill is doing more damage than good. My poor sweet boyfriend has taken the hit the most and its unfair I dump all my irritability on him. I am calling my doctor in the morning to change. After reading all these negative responses, I think this pill sucks.
-- By genechev | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
8:32 PM
I'm 22 and had been on a generic of ortho-low and although I hadn't experienced any of the mood-swings, upset stomach, bleeding etc...I lost all desire to have sex. (Sex was impossible unless we used lubricant and even then it wasn't very enjoyable since it really wasn't what I wanted to be doing.) I stopped using the birth control and I went back to normal, but wanted to try something else so I started on loestrin 24. I bled for almost a week during the 2nd week on it, my breasts have been painfully tender, but more importantly...I have no desire to have sex...again. Poor boyfriend! He knows it's not really me...or anything he's "lacking" in that's contributing to this, but neither of us is happy with this situation. Any suggestions?
-- By vtgirl | Reply | Private Message me
August 24th
2008
8:06 PM
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.
-- By jcgrier24 | Reply | Private Message me
August 12th
2008
5:35 PM
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.
-- By pinupgirl | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
August 12th
2008
3:47 PM
I have also been scared that I'm pregnant with Loestrin 24. I have had headaches everyday, nausea, cramps, major mood swings, my sex drive has significantly decreased, my gums bleed a little when I brush my teeth and sometimes I wake up with dried blood on my teeth. My periods barely last a day, and I wouldn't even say I was bleeding. I took a pregnancy test and it came back negative. I'm thinking about calling my GYNO now and asking her to switch my birth control. I have never found a BC that is perfect for me, but these are the worst side effects I've ever had with one.
-- By mandy777 | Reply | Private Message me
August 11th
2008
5:45 PM
OMG Ladies I guess I am not crazy after all. I been taking Loestrin 24 since March and everything was ok the first 2 months, but then I stopped getting a cycle completely. I don't know why I have stayed on it so long OH and the mood swings my boyfriend thinks I'm bipolar. I decided to do some research and came across this website and wow I have I found some interesting information about this birth control.
-- By almao_678 | Reply | Private Message me
August 7th
2008
9:48 PM
I'm 25, on birth control for the first time and I am just finishing up my first month on Loestrin Fe (I was on Yaz for one month before that). I am a bit concerned that I'm set to start a new pack tomorrow and have not had a period, not even spotting. I haven't really had any of the side effects some are describing of weight gain, chest pain, or hair loss. Maybe a bit more acne than usual, but I had expected that since this is only my second month on The Pill.
However reading your experiences I'm beginning to wonder about the mood swings. I have been EXTREMELY pissed off this month, anxious, and stressed, and in general a horrible person to be around. It's like I'm 15 again going through "that stage." It's awful, and I'm quite embarrassed by my childish behavior though I can't seem to help it. I've attributed it to other factors (which, who knows?) but reading your experiences makes me wonder if this pill isn't contributing. I'm definitely going to pay attention; if this continues for another month I'm going to change to another pill. Ugh.
I'm also wondering if I'm going to get my period back? I began taking birth control to control my normally heavy bleeding and severe cramps. Not to eliminate my period entirely!
-- By graviola | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 6th
2008
6:08 PM
im 17, and i started on loestrin 24 fe about 5 months ago. at first everything was completely fine and normal. then about 2 months ago everything flipped. i started getting the biggest mood swings of my life. i would start to scream and yell and throw the biggest temper tantrums about the smallest things ever. i flip out and start fights with my boyfriend everyday about the smallest most stupidest things ever. my lifes been a complete living hell for the past 2-3 months. at first i thought it was just me but after reading all these comments from you ladies i feel completely relieved. i just got off the phone with my uncle who owns an auto body shop after making an appt with him to get my boyfriends car fixed due to one of my temper tantrums when i broke his window and rear-view mirror and after finding out that will cost me about 400 bucks i hungup and called my gyno and made an appt to have my birth control switched. good luck to everyone
-- By nicole31 | Reply | Private Message me
July 29th
2008
6:03 PM
I'm 20 years old, I've been on it only a week, and the only side effect I have experienced is a HEAVY discharge. Not dark or nasty, but just like a regular discharge but MUCH heavier and everyday. I'm wondering if something else is going on, but I (like the other girl that is 17) take it at the exact same time every day, at night, so that the side effects are at night. I had terrible nausea the first day, cramping the second, and now its great. I had terrible mood swings and spotting with other pills but this one is working well... so far... fingers crossed it will continue!
-- By tiga112487 | Reply | Private Message me
July 24th
2008
12:35 PM
I am 17 and i was prescribed loestrin 24 as my first birth control pill. I've been on it for less than a week and i can't stand it and neither can my boyfriend! I have had a period from hell with has been 5 days in counting, I bleed so much i get dizzy when i stand up and my legs feel like 1000 lbs i can barely move them. Also i had diminished sex drive and raging hormones (bad acne, emotional hell) so i have decided to stop taking it. I called my gynec. and she recommended the opposite, and told me to get a blood test to check my iron levels and to see if i was pregnant! I'm almost positive i am not but not shes got me worried and i go for the blood test today. Loestrin ruined the second half of my summer but after reading all these other ladies tales i am very glad i decided to quit now. Thank you for opening my eyes, i realized it probably won't just go away in a week. I stopped it yesterday and i feel better already.
-- By bribri417 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 20th
2008
2:04 AM
I am so thankful for this website. I have been on Loestrin for about 5 months now. Two months ago I started experiencing many of the symptoms the rest of you have been describing. I started having head aches, insomnia, hot flashes, and then terrible anxiety attacks. I've also been having horrible chest pain that extends out my left arm. At first I thought I was having heart problems, but, like many of you, EKG's and chest x-rays came back normal. The anxiety attacks have gotten so bad that I thought I was going to have to go to the emergency room the other night. When I talked to my doctor about it, we decided its stress and depression, and she prescribed me an anti-depressant. I was supposed to start it today, but I got a wild hair to do some research on Loestrin since its the only other med I take. And lo and behold... Thank goodness I found this before I started the anti-depressants. I plan on calling and getting my BC switched first thing Monday morning. You couldn't shove another Loestrin down my throat. I'm so frustrated, as I'm sure many of you are, that NO ONE told me about this. My doctor did not discuss these extra possible side effects because its a low dose pill. And my general practitioner completely overlooked the fact that it might be the BC pill causing all this. Not that I blame her. I overlooked it too, and it is true, we are our own best advocates. Thank you to all the women who posted on here. Just like many of you, I've been feeling like I'm absolutely crazy lately. With the mood swings and uncontrollable crying, no one understands. I think its ok to say this website might have just saved me several years of being on anti-depressants. Granted, I haven't had any bleeding problems like some women, and I love the three day periods. But I would take a 7 day period over how I feel right now any day. Does anyone have any suggestions of what BC to switch to? And can anyone tell me how long it took for them to get back to normal emotionally? Thank you so much...
-- By babyblues84 | Reply | Private Message me
July 17th
2008
11:06 AM
Hi I just got prescribed Loestrin 24 Fe and well I have not had any luck with birth control pills. I had mood swings (the pen would fall on the floor and I would start crying like there is no tomorrow), I gained weight, had shakes, and I had diarrhea for the 3 months that I took the pill. I stopped taking it after 3 months and it took me about 4 to 5 months to get back to normal. Hopefully Loestrin 24 Fe will not give me such side effects. Any advice on what time I should be taking these pills?
-- By talisapr | Reply | Private Message me
July 16th
2008
9:35 PM
Hi all. I've been on Loestrin 24 for 5 months. I had some initial spotting - about two weeks into the first pack, but since then my periods have been regular and very short. I haven't experienced the mood swings, emotional stuff, nausea, etc. that many of you have described. I have gained some weight though. As in, 8 pounds. I haven't really changed my diet and my exercise level has decreased minimally. Anyone else experienced this? My md is actually writing a prescription for a generic version since my idiot insurance won't cover Loestrin. For those of you with negative side effects, hope you get to feeling better.
-- By kbs0308 | Reply | Private Message me
July 14th
2008
10:55 AM
thank you everyone. I am on my third pack now second week. ive never missed a pill and take it at the same time every day ( a matter of 5 minutes difference). i just hope after this third pack i start to regulate... do you think it will take longer then 3 packs? i just don't want to switch to a different pill and start all over again. other than this breakthrough bleeding... ive been great. no mood swings or anything.
-- By beachbabe77337 | Reply | Private Message me
July 13th
2008
11:05 PM
I have just started my third week on Loestrin24 and let me tell you, it has not been an easy 3 weeks. I have been on BC for what will be 9 months. The first two didn't work for me but this pill has already caused me problems. As im typing this i have bad stomach pains. I have had horrible mood swings. My poor boyfriend has dealt with so much. I took the pill one night and woke up a different person almost. I've thrown up, spotting, nausea, indifferent moods, etc.
I've read everyones comments on this pill and I've gotta say, im nervous. I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and hopefully get off of this thing. Condoms and a period are much better then these side effects.
For anyone thinking of starting this pill, as you can see from all the comments..i haven't found one positive one..the side effects occur in a matter of days...
July 11th
2008
7:02 PM
I have been taking Loestrin 24 Fe for about a year and three months. I am sixteen now and within the last 6-8 months I have been very emotional and the last three months I have been extremely depressed. I know since I'm a teenager I am very hormonal and that could be part of it. However, I know that this pill has some factor in my depression and mood swings. I was a completely different person a year ago. I was much happier and I didn't have nearly as many mood swings as I do now. My emotions have gotten so bad to the point where there are greatly interfering in my life. At first I thought it was just me and I thought I was just going crazy but after reading some of these responses I have realized that Loestrin has to play some role in it. I have an appointment with my doctor at the women's clinic soon and I am going to ask to be switched to a different pill. I cannot live like this anymore, it's unbearable.
I am not going to say that you should not try this pill because it can effect everyone differently. However, be aware of the side effects.
-- By sarahsarahsarah | Reply | Private Message me
July 9th
2008
12:24 AM
i started taking Loestrin FE just under a month ago. i havnt gotten to the brown pills yet for my 1st period on it.
since i started taking it ive noticed that ive been pee'n 2 times as much as i normally do..
my gums bleed slightly when i brush my teeth and in the afternoons i get nauseas and light headed..i get really week and after a few minutes it goes away.
ive taken a pregnancy test and its came back negative (i took it today)
but idk
what do you guys think?
plz let me know
July 7th
2008
7:36 PM
I am almost to the end of my 2nd pack of Loestrin24Fe. I have no thad my period since I started it!! At first I was nervous thinking I was pregnant. Not pregnant. Just not getting period. My breasts have been so tender and sore to the touch. I have never have breasts tenderness like this in my life. At first I thought all of this would eventually go away. I am trying to remain patient. I am thinking maybe after the 3rd pack I will be back to normal again. I don't like the fact Im missing my period because skipping periods boosts the odds of breast cancer.etc. I am bloated and feel disgusting. I don't think its good to keep switching birth control pills. After reading all the posts I see there really isn't a happy medium. Women either have their periods for months straight or not at all. Ahhhh!! I think this is giving me mood swings as well. I have never had a problem with my skin. In fact I get a pimple about once every two years! All of a sudden I am noticing some minor breakouts on my forehead. Not pimples just bumpiness! I guess Im not alone.
-- By sambooey | Reply | Private Message me
June 30th
2008
5:32 PM
I started bc about 4months ago and it sucks. Im always going through mood swings. Every month i think im prego. My boobs r sore. I need chocolate everyday. I have headaches. Im not get tn my regular periods. Before the pill every 28 days i would get my period now every 2months i get a period. But during the wait of my next period im going through bad pms. Im happy to hear im not the only one feeling this way.
-- By mm08 | Reply | Private Message me
June 30th
2008
12:30 PM
I have been on loestrin 24 fe now for 6 months. it is the only birth control I have ever tried. For the first 2 months, I had a continual period. Once the bleeding stopped I noticed that I had UTI's weekly which have declined but I still have regular uti's. In the 4th month of taking the pill I started to notice the mood swings that have been with me since. Crying for absolutely no reason. The feeling of being unable to control my emotions. DEPRESSION! which I have never experienced in my life. Anxiety and wanting to be alone and yet sad because I am lonely....Inability to concentrate and reason with myself. Inability to be my normal positive self. Needless to say I am getting off this pill. I have already spoken with my doctor and received a new prescription today. All I can say is that if this is what birth control is like........ Forget it! I will try this one other pill, but if I still have symptoms like these, I am switching to condoms.
-- By lcstudent | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 25th
2008
10:53 PM
Well i have been on loestrin 24 for a yr and 1mnth now and when i 1st started i had the btb and then it went away and no other real problems with it...its work the way it should no real bad mood swings/acne/weight gain and lighter periods..but now all of a sudden i have btb again but so much worse..it last about 2 weeks and i get the worst cramps. i don't understand why now that its been a year ( & my body should be use to it) how i have this annoying btb. i just need to know if i should wait it out or just swith bc?? anyone feel my pain??
-- By kimieadubya | Reply | Private Message me
June 24th
2008
9:41 AM
Ok today I don’t have a migraine but I had another one last night. My Boyfriend came to my house yesterday and I told him to be good to me and to please let me know if I got out of control, but in a good way, he was telling me that he can tell that my mood was different than in the past 3 month (PMS) and that he didn’t like it, but that he understood that it was cuz of the pill (he wants me to stop them, cant blame him, poor him he is so good to me) Last night it was bad for me I could not sleep at all, I woke up every hour with some kind of anxiety but no sure what it was, it was a restless night, one of my nipples is itching a lot(maybe something bit me) and this morning I’m cramping very bad ( never had this painful cramps before, just the normal before a period), and lower back pain and blurry vision. I have 5 more pills to go and I’m coming off it. I wont stop cuz Im going on Vacation to the beach on Friday and I don’t want to have my period, (but Im thinking about it) Today going up the stair in my work I got very dizzy and I feel some how pregnant but I think is all part of the stupid pill, My friends are all joking with me about been preggo but I don’t think I’m. Shit they forgot to tell us that’s how it work…. you can get pregnant cuz you don’t want to have sex any more, or your significant other wont touch you cuz they are piss off at you for your mood swings.
-- By nohappy | Reply | Private Message me
June 23th
2008
11:17 AM
BAD.... I hate it, and you should too.
I was on other BC pills in the past and they also cause the same side effects on me, I took them for 4 years and I quitted, four month later a got pregnant, two month after giving birth I had to get my gall bladder removed ( also a side effect of birth control). I started back on birth control because I in a serious relationship now and we don’t want to have kids at this time.
This pill is giving me lots of problems. I love to have sex with my boyfriend to the point I though I was a nympho and now my sex drive is BAD.....We start very good, and after a few minutes.....I get very dry and that’s the end of it. I hate it. My BF is the hottest men in the world (to me), and we had very good sex, we were like rabbits lol, I always had one or two orgasms, always natural lubricated. Now I get dry and we have to stop, I started the pill a month ago, I take it everyday at the same time, my breast is itching (I guess its growing) as the rest of body too, back pain and very irritable. I'm ready to quite, I’m going to try the IUD or the ring, Today I have the worst migraine and yesterday I had very bad mood swings all day, for not reason, I was seating in a meeting and all the sudden I want it to scream and run and just go off at everybody but a seat there and talk my self out of doing it, by telling my self it was the BC and I need it to come down cuz its nobody’s fault but the stupid hormones, I cry this morning also for no reason. IM DONE WITH THIS PILL. I won’t even recommend to my enemy.(migraines, mood swings, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, back pain, nausea, hungry all the time, breast tenderness, and I guess with all that depression its just natural)
June 23th
2008
10:45 AM
BAD.... I hate it, and you should too.
This pill is giving me lots of problems. I love to have sex with my boyfriend to the point I though I was a nympho and now my sex drive is BAD..... I want to have sex with my BF. We start very good, and after a few minutes.....I get very dry and that’s the end of it. I hate it, My BF is the hottest men in the world to me, and we had very good sex, we were like rabbits, I always had one or two orgasms, always natural lubricated. Now I get dry and we have to stop, I started the pill a month ago and I’m not taking it anymore, I’m going to try theIUD or the ring. Today I have the worst migraine and yesterday I had very bad mood swings all day, for not reason, I was seating in a meeting and all the sudden I want it to scream and run and just go off at everybody, I also cry this morning cuz I could not satisfied my BF in the last 3 time we tried. IM DONE WITH THIS PILL. I won’t even recommend to my enemy. .
June 13th
2008
11:27 AM
Hi ladies!
I'm 19, and I've been on loestrin 24 for about 5 months now.
In the first two months I started to notice that I was losing hair! But I didn't think it was the pill, I really thought it was me-maybe I was washing too much or blow drying to much, but I really didn't think it was the pill. Then around March I started to get little rashes, and they have been off and on since then. Thank god I haven't experienced mood swings, yet, lol, but I just called my doctor and told her I needed off this pill. This pill really does scare me =/
June 1th
2008
11:54 PM
Hey all! I've been on Loestrin 24 for an entire month (just finished my pack today) and things have been smooth. No tender breasts, no weight gain, no depression, nothing! ***EXCEPT I still haven't got my period! I'm almost completely positive I'm not pregnant.. my boyfriend and I are extremely careful. What's weird is that I keep expecting to get my period because I'm getting the usual signs I get right before my period..
**Has anyone else experienced no period on this birth control???
-- By kpruns | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
May 29th
2008
2:38 PM
I have been taking LoE24 since February 11th. At first my period was light and mild cramping. This month I had spotting for 2 days around the 13th, and then again on the 15th. Now it is the 29th and I started bleeding on the 25th and it is really heavy. Has this happened to any of you? Is this normal? I think I have gained weight and I have back pain, and mood swings. Every once and a while I have pain under my ribs and on my side as if I have just ran 3 miles. What should I do?
-- By ambell1 | Reply | Private Message me
December 20th
2008
11:53 AM
Hello everyone.
-- By monica1986 | Reply | Private Message meI 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.