Lo Loestrin Fe and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

For Birth Control "This is my 4th month on Lo Loestrin Fe. I have to say, the first 2-3 months I wasn't a huge fan. I spotted for the first week or two, I was breaking out a little more than normal (usually I get 1-2 pimples on my chin right before my period), but this made me break out about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks into my pack :( and would only 'clear' up for about a week before it started again. I had slight cramping, felt a little crazy, and periods lasting about 3-4 days seeming no different than normal. I almost lost hope! BUT!!! I stuck it out like most doctors recommend. Month 4 = no period, no mood swings, clear face all month until my sugar pills (slight breakout only), no weight gain (though I do work out every day). Give it a shot!!"

• B_C...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I have nothing bad to say! This is my first time taking any birth control, so maybe I'm a little biased. I was very hesitant to take any birth control due to the known side effects that come along with most oral contraceptives. However, after two separate ruptured ovarian cysts, my OBGYN said birth control is really the only way to prevent it in the future. I've been taking it a little over 6 months now - no weight gain, no acne, no mood changes, no loss of libido, and my periods are so light now, mostly spotting, no cramps, and a shorter duration! I definitely recommend this!"

• Fab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2016

For Birth Control "Worst birth control ever! I was taking this pill for a little over a year, and yeah, I gained about 10 lbs and had breakouts, but the real issues were that it made me extremely irritable, emotional, as well as depressed. My sex drive became nonexistent, and I was having severe dryness, plus yeast infections. So I guess, yes, it completely worked as an effective birth control because I just didn't want to have sex, plus what boyfriend would want to have sex with their emotionally crazy girlfriend who is dry or having a yeast infection? Honestly, I've been off of it for 6 months, but I remember even after the first week off, my body was normalizing, and I felt radiant! Stay away from this pill! You've been warned."

• kri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on this for over two years and loved it! It made my skin look great, my periods were a breeze, if I got one. For prevention, it was fabulous. The only reason I was switched off of it is because my insurance changed and no longer covered this. As it's $56.00/month, it was a little pricey. I've since switched and I've tried two different pills, and they're horrible. One gave me horrible acne, the other, migraine headaches so horrible that if I didn't lay down, I felt faint. I'm actually going back to my doctor and will ask to be put back on this again."

• Anonymous
• November 11, 2011

For Birth Control "I have taken several different birth controls, and this is by far the best I have tried. My body is VERY sensitive to hormones. My doctor put me on Yaz first, and it was a NIGHTMARE. They switched me to Lo Loestrin hoping to get rid of the migraines, mood changes, and weight changes. (Yaz made me gain 8 lbs in less than 21 days - I'm an avid runner and watch my diet VERY carefully. I was having to take 200 mg of B6 just to get my wedding band off because I was retaining so much fluid.) Lo Loestrin has been great. I immediately noticed a difference in fluid retention. I have had no bloating - no PMS AT ALL - didn't have a period either, though. No acne, no mood swings, NO MIGRAINES. I wish it wasn't so pricey."

• Mel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2016

For Birth Control "My doctor prescribed me Lo Loestrin when I was 15 to treat my heavy, irregular periods and cramps that would cause me to stay home from school/other obligations for days at a time. It worked perfectly for me for the 5+ years that I used it! My periods lightened and became extremely regular, and it worked as pregnancy prevention later as well. I didn't experience any abnormal weight gain, and it didn't affect my acne whatsoever (neither lightened it nor made it heavier). I would definitely recommend LLF!"

• Skw...
• April 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 2 years. I originally started taking it to relieve my horrible periods, not to avoid pregnancy. I normally have really horrible periods that last 7-9 days with heavy bleeding, immobilizing cramping, and sometimes nausea. Thank God for this pill! The first 6 months I would have periods every 2 weeks, and with every month, they got lighter and lighter until my period disappeared completely. I will occasionally spot, but it will only last a day or two. I have NO cramps (such a lifesaver!). I have taken other birth control pills, and none of them worked this well for me. As far as side effects, I have absolutely NO sex drive and bad acne (I used to have a really clear face)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched to Lo Loestrin after being on generic Loestrin for about 3 months. My body is high estrogen to begin with, so I needed something with less hormones. Generic gave me terrible anxiety, depression, mood swings, weight gain, and hormonal acne. After switching to Lo Loestrin, within 3 weeks I had lost 5 lbs, had glowing skin, and overall felt amazing. Every woman's body reacts to birth control differently, so my advice is if you feel awful, it definitely couldn't hurt to try something new, right? Lo Loestrin was amazing for me, but some people have terrible experiences."

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2017

For Birth Control "Either I'm really a psycho, or it just so happens I'm all of a sudden super emotional since I started taking this about 8 weeks ago. Is anyone else experiencing this? I've also been breaking out really bad."

• Mad...
• January 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Have been on it for about a month and no spotting. It's obviously effective because I'm not pregnant, but the only problems I have are weight gain (I'm eating like a horse) and the worst acne I've probably ever had in my life. I'm going to wait it out and see what happens, but hoping it goes away. Was on Sprintec, and it made me throw up every day, had to get off, and so far, those are the only downfalls of this one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm getting ready to finish up my second pack at the end of this week. I have to say after the first month, I really debated quitting taking it. I had horrible side effects. Constant headaches, muscle aches and spasms, and my period was horrific. Then again, this was the first real period I've had in years. It came on my second week and lasted throughout the rest of my pack, and it was heavy. Like three boxes of super tampons heavy! I was breaking out, cramps were terrible, I was irritable and felt like I had no energy, but I found out I was also extremely deficient in vitamin D and I needed more potassium. Now that I'm taking my multivitamins, I've found that my side effects have really subsided. My period is light, and my sex drive has increased."

• Bri...
• November 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication since August when I had to get my Mirena IUD removed. I had never been on the pill before this, so I was nervous about its effectiveness, but it has been wonderful so far! I have had no weight gain, no acne, no crazy mood swings... I have had my period regularly when I was supposed to on the white/brown pills. Last month, I didn't get my period for the first two white pills and got very worried, but I had a very light period on the two brown pill days. I have slight breast tenderness sometimes, but nothing major. It is great that it is such a low dose of estrogen, which significantly lowers the risk of blood clots. I would highly recommend this medication to anyone looking for a great birth control."

• Bel...
• August 3, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for 5 months now and LOVE it! Periods are two days, if that, no acne, no weight gain (actually lost 15 pounds in the first 2 months), no libido changes. I had severe migraines when prescribed this medication of up to 3 a week. Since I've started taking it, I've had one a month."

• Bee...
• November 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I started Lo Loestrin Fe because I was having some irregularities with my period and also to prevent pregnancies. This pill was awful. First of all, I already suffer from acne, which is slowly improving. However, this made my acne really bad, and I began to develop cystic acne. I began to get constant awful migraines, and I don't have a history of migraines. I was also getting moody. The pill affects everyone differently. But this pill did not work for me. After suffering a whole month with migraines and cystic acne, I stopped once my pack was done. I considered trying to stick it out, but I decided it wasn't worth it."

• Bee...
• November 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I started Lo Loestrin Fe because I was having some irregularities with my period and also to prevent pregnancies. This pill was awful. First of all, I already suffer from acne, which is slowly improving. However, this made my acne really bad, and I began to develop cystic acne. I began to get constant awful migraines, and I don't have a history of migraines. I was also getting moody. The pill affects everyone differently. But this pill did not work for me. After suffering a whole month with migraines and cystic acne, I stopped once my pack was done. I considered trying to stick it out, but I decided it wasn't worth it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2017

For Birth Control "This was my first birth control, but I've got to say that it is probably the best birth control you can get since it has the lowest dosage of estrogen, which means you have the least side effects. Since it has such a low dosage, it's pretty dang pricey. The first month on this birth control is rough, and your first period will be a very bad period if you react to it like I did. I was bedridden from cramps, and I bled a lot, but honestly I was used to it since the reason I'm taking it is because of nasty periods. After the first period, it was amazing. My periods lasted 3-4 days, barely any bleeding, zero cramps, and I had no side effects! No weight gain, no acne, no mood swings, or nausea. It's wonderful. I highly recommend this birth control."

• Sam...
• May 13, 2014

For Birth Control "Lo Loestrin Fe works really well for me. I went on this birth control because I had a very irregular period and terrible cramps. Sometimes I would skip months, and sometimes I'd get it twice in one month. I'd have to use a heating pad, and even that didn't help very much. It was a mess. I've been on Lo Loestrin Fe for almost two years now. No period to speak of and no cramps. I had a very light period for the first few months I started until it eventually disappeared completely. I have no bad symptoms. No acne or mood swings. My only complaint is that my sex drive is DEAD when I used to have quite the active libido, which is the only reason I'm thinking of switching birth controls."

• San...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Lots of people seem to hate on Lo Loestrin because they've tried it for a few weeks and base their judgment off of that. With birth control, you need to take it for a few months before making any judgment on it as it gets used to your body and see how your body handles it. I've seen people complaining about the same stuff I've gone through. In the beginning, too, I was told to take my first pill on the Sunday of my period. I then got my period for two weeks. After the first month, I have NOT gotten a period since, no blood, no cramps, no headache, no wacky acne. Yes, it's safe because I have doctors in the family who even recommended Lo Loestrin. EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT! Giving this drug a few weeks to do its thing and expecting such high results is setting yourself up for failure. Let it actually get used to your body for a few months. If it still doesn't work after a few months, switch it. If you stuck through a bit of your hormones changing and the pill actually getting used to your body and now it works, then :) !"

• ajs...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "Not a fan. I've only been using Lo Loestrin Fe for about a month now, and I'm ready to stop. Before using Lo Loestrin Fe, I'd already had an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety, and now, after using it, every single one of them is 100 times worse! I've gained a bit of weight already while still eating very little, which, when having an eating disorder, is more frustrating than you will ever know. Also, in the last few days, I've had zero motivation to do anything, I've been constantly tired, and I've been sad/moody/emotional and crying a lot more. I just had my third breakdown in 2 days, which is uncommon for me as I normally don't cry very often... And I'm getting acne on my face, chest, and back, which I haven't had a problem with in over 5 years. Not happy."

• Dia...
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I am in love with this pill. It is expensive without insurance, but it's been worth it for me. I haven't had a period in almost 5 years now. I haven't had any issues with temperament, weight gain or loss, acne, etc. I have a history of aural migraines, so any birth control with estradiol in it is a little more dangerous (which is essentially all of them), but with this I have noticed a huge reduction in headaches and complications with my vision during them."

• KC1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I was experiencing terrible acne out of nowhere in my 30s. I never had bad skin before and could not figure out what was causing it. I finally realized it was this birth control. I stopped the pill immediately (mid-pack), and the acne cleared up after only a week. This birth control destroyed my skin, but luckily it was reversible once I went off it."

• Mis...
• November 5, 2013

For Birth Control "Ugh. I am really disappointed because I had high hopes for this pill. My doctor told me my periods would be short (around 2 days) and light. Well, my periods did shorten to 2 days; however, I got 3 periods a month. Also, my face erupted with terrible cystic acne. Worse than it has ever been in my entire life. I will say that this pill caused virtually no mood swings, which is a HUGE plus compared to previous pills I have tried. I really, truly tried to stick this pill out. I even considered going on Accutane to clear up breakouts. But then I realized that the mood swings I gave up with Lo Loestrin would probably just return due to Accutane. My body did not do well adapting to this pill. I've been on this pill 4 months too long :("

• Bry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the third oral contraceptive I have been put on in my lifetime (I am 24). I am on my third month on LoLo (Lo Loestrin Fe) and was hoping by now my body would be adjusted to it, but I have had a week of spotting in the middle of each pack. I am currently halfway through my third pack and am bleeding enough to need a tampon. I still have been getting a light/medium period at the end of the pack as well, so basically, I am getting my period twice a month. The only positive thing so far is that I have lost about 7 pounds while on it, but I am not sure if that is because of the birth control. I have also had 3 anxiety attacks since starting this pill, and it has given me more acne around my chin. I wanted to give this pill a fair chance before leaving my review, but being at almost 3 full months on it, I do not believe it is for me and will be switching to something that hopefully does not make me bleed so much."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2015

For Birth Control "Initially, I read many of these reviews and became horrified at some of the side effects people were listing. Seemed totally not worth it. Don't be turned off or scared by these select few! I would recommend this to anyone. Being on this BC has not affected or altered my body in any way whatsoever. No personality/mood swings of any kind, no weight gain/bodily changes, no acne, no migraines or back pain, no loss in sex drive, etc. If anything, there's been an increase in my sex drive, and I’ve noticed small bumps I may have had on my face clearing easily. My pre-period symptoms before and during my long and heavy periods were awful. Days off school and work since I was 11, nausea, fever, severe cramping, night sweats, headaches, back pain, etc. All this is now completely gone! Light and short period right at the end of the pack, I didn’t even notice it. It’s a dream come true. No pregnancy despite regular unprotected sex and lighter periods. Hopefully, it continues to be just as wonderful. Give it a go, people."

• Anonymous
• March 30, 2012

For Birth Control "The first few weeks on the pill, I found an increase in breast size as well as an increased sex drive. However, after two months of being on the pill, my breasts shrunk back to their normal size, my sex drive was completely gone, and my face broke out in horrendous acne. I have whiteheads and dark spots everywhere, and my skin really hurts. I have also become more depressed, and during the times of PMS, I have experienced severe thoughts of suicide. It has definitely affected my everyday life. I was on the pill for about five months. This is not the pill for me, and I have just switched to Apri. Best of luck, and I hope this has been helpful."