Lo Loestrin Fe and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Lau...
• November 6, 2016

For Birth Control "For years I swore Lo Loestrin was the best BC I'd ever been on. I no longer had periods, which I loved, no bleeding, cramping, or bloating ever. No weight gain. I loved it so much I'd even shell out over $100 a month just to purchase it once I lost my insurance and later when my new insurance wouldn't cover it. Other concerns led me to the idea of quitting birth control altogether. I'm in a committed relationship, and I think 15 years of taking hormones is enough. After I stopped taking it for a couple of months, my libido skyrocketed. It took getting off of Lo Loestrin to realize it had virtually killed my sex drive completely. My marriage is so much better without it! It's effective, but understand like any other drug there are costs."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for almost 2 years now, and I love it. I was placed on this due to my irregular cycles, my mood swings, weight gain, and, of course, for contraception. I originally inquired about an IUD so that way I never had to worry about pregnancy, side effects, and getting periods as well. My gynecologist suggested I start this pill to help and suggested I skip the week where my cycle would usually begin and to start a new pack so that I wouldn't have to worry about periods altogether (like you would with an IUD). I thought it would cause me to bloat/cramp, but it has been 2 years since I have had a period, I'm not pregnant nor have I ever had a pregnancy scare (and we're quite regular). I haven't experienced any cramping/spotting, mood swings, and I haven't gained any sudden weight since beginning this. I think this pill's success varies from individual to individual, but I will say for me it's been amazing, and I would recommend at least giving it a try (but ask an MD first)."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for almost 2 years now, and I love it. I was placed on this due to my irregular cycles, my mood swings, weight gain, and, of course, for contraception. I originally inquired about an IUD so that way I never had to worry about pregnancy, side effects, and getting periods as well. My gynecologist suggested I start this pill to help and suggested I skip the week where my cycle would usually begin and to start a new pack so that I wouldn't have to worry about periods altogether (like you would with an IUD). I thought it would cause me to bloat/cramp, but it has been 2 years since I have had a period, I'm not pregnant nor have I ever had a pregnancy scare (and we're quite regular). I haven't experienced any cramping/spotting, mood swings, and I haven't gained any sudden weight since beginning this. I think this pill's success varies from individual to individual, but I will say for me it's been amazing, and I would recommend at least giving it a try (but ask an MD first)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I took Lo Loestrin Fe for 9 months. It was the first contraceptive I had taken, but my body had a hard time getting used to it. I broke out in mild hives, I had muscle aches, nausea, mood swings the first week. After that, things pretty well smoothed out. Slowly, I didn't break through bleed, didn't gain weight, acne cleared up maybe 5 periods the whole time I took it. It definitely helped with cramps and pain, which is why I began taking it. Though it worked well, after about 5 months of taking it, I began getting migraines and feeling tired all the time and cramping a little more, so I'm switching off it. But it was good for me for a while, I really liked it!"

• Emi...
• August 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking this medication for about a week now, and my main purpose for it was to regulate and lighten my periods, as well as help with acne. After 4 days of taking it, I kept waking up with really bad cramps and brown spotting, which is really annoying. I feel bloated all the time, and I experience really bad gas pain. I also have really bad headaches and felt nauseous every day so far. I really hope all this stuff starts to subside and starts working."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I used Lo Loestrin Fe in an attempt to manage painful periods. My periods weren't as painful on them, but I spotted heavily for most of the 3 months I took it and had two periods per month the last two months I took it. It also caused some pretty bad depression. I've had depression before, but nothing this severe. It built up slowly and definitely peaked in severity at the 3rd month. Otherwise, I had minimal side effects after the first month. My face stayed clear, not nauseous or sore or very crampy."

• Jew...
• December 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I took this pill for 2 and a half years for my heavy periods. I recently switched because my new insurance won't cover this one. The first month, I experienced little to no side effects, but month two was horrible. I had severe headaches, dizziness, constant spotting, etc., but I waited it out. The symptoms all went away by the 3rd month. From then until I got off it, it was wonderful! It made my periods really light and only lasted around 3 days. I used to have horrible cramps and nausea, but on this pill, I had no nausea, and the cramps were very little, I almost never had to take medicine for the pain. I did experience some weight gain, though, 25 lbs in 2 years, but I also didn't eat too healthily, so I'm also to blame. Altogether, good experience!"

• nic...
• May 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Lo Loestrin Fe for about a year and a half now. This is my first BC pill. After taking it for the first time, I basically had what felt like severe PMS for a week or so, accompanied by cramps, general moodiness, and spotting. After that, it seemed to even out and things got better. My main complaint is that I seem to be much moodier than I've ever been in the past during my period - becoming depressed and I have almost no sex drive. I have had major breast tenderness in the first few months of taking it (feels like my boobs were getting bigger and just achy). I've gained a little weight (4 lb) but nothing unusual. But I also can't seem to lose it, either. (I bike every day for at least an hour and am generally a healthy eater.)"

• Van...
• September 8, 2017

For Birth Control "Horrible side effects. Been on this pill for almost 8 months, and the bloating/cramps are just getting worse and worse. Put on about 10 pounds, even though it's water weight - it did NOT go away! Worsened my anxiety and depression, made me so tired I could barely do anything all day. I felt like I was on morphine. I feel like I have to pee 600 times a day because of how bloated I am. Terrible, terrible pill. Do not recommend."

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 24 years old and have been on this pill for about a year and a half. I rarely have periods, my last one was about 6 months ago, and when I do have a period, it is super light and only lasts about 3 days. I haven't experienced any cramping, mood swings, intermittent bleeding, etc. while on the pill. The biggest downside is definitely the effect on my sex drive-it's nonexistent since switching to this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 29, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the only birth control I've ever taken. I've been on Lo Loestrin Fe for almost a year now. The first few months were definitely an adjustment for my body. I experienced inconsistent light spotting for weeks at a time, and it took my body a while to regulate. After the first initial months, this problem improved significantly. Overall, I think the pill works very well, my periods are short, lasting 2-3 days, and they are also extremely light, and the cramps I used to get are almost non-existent. I experienced almost none of the expansive range of side effects people often report. My weight maintained, no breakouts, or shifts in mood. If you can stick out the first initial months, it's worth it, in my opinion!"

• Pup...
• May 6, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not use this if you suffer from anxiety. This made mine way worse. I've been suffering anxiety, depression, and bad mood swings since taking this. I have had two periods each month with bad cramping."

• ETu...
• May 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I started Lo Loestrin Fe 2 years ago at 21 years old, first time ever taking birth control. It has been an incredibly positive experience. No weight gain, no mood swings, little to no side effects. I had random light cramping and spotting initially, which is expected. Nothing since. My periods are not bad either."

• NHa...
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I started this pill over two years ago because every other pill causes my blood pressure to skyrocket. My blood pressure medicine was quadrupled but has (mostly) managed my bp while on this medicine. I am extremely depressed and at times borderline suicidal on this pill. I have PMDD, and it has gotten much, much worse on this pill. Anxiety is through the roof, I have gained weight (5-7 lbs I just can't get off, and I go to the gym and run half marathons regularly). I don't sleep. I feel myself being a crazy, moody human but can't stop myself. I wonder what on earth is wrong with me and then realized it's this pill. In two weeks I am getting an IUD, and I can't wait to not have to deal with awful side effects. As far as preventing pregnancy, it is a 10. I have never had a pregnancy scare. My periods are erratic, my cramps are at times off the charts, and nothing makes them better. I've never had a problem with either. Dear Western medicine: women deserve better than this to prevent pregnancy."

• Mar...
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm currently on my sixth month of taking Lo Loestrin Fe for heavy periods, and it has definitely made my life better. I spotted daily the entire first month. The first few months, my period was definitely shorter and lighter, but I had some crazy cramps. The cramps are much better now, lessened over time. I haven't really experienced any psychological effects, I feel like it has stabilized my mood more. A few times, I forgot and took the pill late and experienced nausea and bleeding. So I definitely recommend taking it regularly at the same time every day, or you will experience side effects! Overall, it has worked well for me. I have a much easier-to-deal-with period that lasts about three days, I have a lot more energy because I'm not anemic anymore, I'm spending less on pads/tampons, my hair seems to be a bit thicker, and I haven't experienced any negative effects on my skin. It is also fully covered through my CVS Caremark insurance."

• gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Started this pill and immediately began bleeding for 2 weeks straight. Bled through my vacation and also was passing large thick blood clots, almost like skin. My cramps increased, and overall, I do not recommend. I am still bleeding."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2012

For Birth Control "I've only started this pill almost two weeks ago. I've never been on birth control before now and was looking for reviews on this brand. I've had insanely bad cramps on these that I never used to have, and have had my period for two weeks straight just about, the bleeding still heavier than ever. I started heavy bleeding a few cycles ago and thought the pill would help. I've also gained a lot of weight, which is sad, but I can't say I'm all that upset to find that my breasts are noticeably bigger. I've also generally had lighter acne, only breaking out in one place at a time, but since starting Lo Loestrin Fe, I seem to be breaking out more."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Lo Lo in August, it was suggested by my doctor because of the low estrogen, as I do get bad migraines. This was my first time ever being on birth control. The first couple of months weren't too bad, I did notice a little weight gain, and my periods became shorter. After October, I noticed my moods were changing, I was getting nervous and anxious very easily. I really didn't feel like me. Then I started getting a period every 2 weeks, along with all the symptoms (the PMS, the cramping). So I was really feeling horrible pretty much every week. My sex drive was pretty much completely gone, and sex actually hurt. I went to the doctor and was told to wait it out, I gave it another 2 months, but it still continued, and honestly, emotionally, I felt numb. Within two weeks of being off of it, I felt normal again, and my regular cycle came back. Everybody reacts to birth control differently, lots of women have a positive experience with this, but I was not one of them."

• Aas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe in June after my son was born and have been on it for nearly 6 months. I originally received a 3-month trial package from my OBGYN, which from reading the reviews seems like the pharmacy company gave out a load of this birth control everywhere. My side effects include: my sex drive is nearly completely gone, and seeing as I'm in my prime and normally have an above-average sex drive, random one-day spotting, moodiness, cramping in my stomach and back, headaches, major bloating, feels like I'm always about to get my period, sleeplessness, and I've been unable to lose baby weight since I've been taking this birth control. I've given this an honest go, but I don't feel this birth control is for me."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill about 1 1/2 years ago due to my doctor trying to keep my blood pressure under control. After a couple of months, I called my doctor telling her my breasts hurt, I was experiencing weight gain, and also major cramps midway through the month and towards the time I would have a period. She informed me that it should be doing the opposite of everything I was saying. So I kept taking it. I recently stopped after making the connection that I was sinking into depression, with mood swings all over the place. Crying and angry. I will not be taking it ever again. I will also be having a conversation with my doctor about listening to her patient."

• oli...
• April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "Okay, so when I originally read reviews for this pill, I was TERRIFIED. I assume you understand why. But I decided to give it a shot since my old BC (Lutera) was not working for my body. Having previously struggled pretty badly with acne, I was prepared for the worst. My skin did get worse, yes, but with a consistent skin care routine, I have managed it back to normal. I have been on this pill for 6 months, and I actually like it a lot. I get cramps, but my periods are 2 days, if at all. I had some breakthrough bleeding at the beginning, but it wasn't bad at all and did not bother me. It's worth a shot. Not all birth controls are perfect. You are pumping your body with hormones that shouldn't be there, hence the side effects. Good luck!"

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Been on Lo Loestrin for two years. Birth control and help with my fibroids/heavy periods. The first 6 months, lighter periods/cramps. Had a 6-month checkup after this due to complications from pregnancy; fibroids were extremely large; I was not able to carry to term. Outcome: After being on Lo, fibroid growth decreased, no more bloating or abdomen pressure. The downside: irregular periods, brown discharge, and mild cramps when not on cycle. Once my sex life resumed after months of being celibate, I realized my sex drive was completely gone. No desire after multiple tries; I stayed dry, and I had no arousal whatsoever. Using condoms made it worse. My decision now: get off Lo; my fibroids are minimal, and I want to feel like a woman again!"

• --k...
• May 23, 2015

For Birth Control "This is only my second month on Lo Loestrin, but so far, so good. Usually by this time on other birth controls, I have had debilitating migraines and cramps. Whereas on Lo Loestrin, I have had one headache and one five-minute cramping session, both on the same day. Definitely experienced a few mood swings and the tender boobs, though (to the point of my bra even hurting them, which sucked but only lasted about a week). Usually have one or two-day periods, with mediumish flow and no cramps (so only on Lo Loestrin to prevent little me!) The only downside I see with it is that my period did not show up at all this month. Needless to say, I was scared until consulting Google and reading some other gals' experiences! Overall, impressed with Lo Loestrin though (:"

• Lau...
• September 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this for about 6 months and have had a very positive experience, except when I started taking it, my bleeding continued for about a month. I had some mild cramping, which I didn't even have to take Advil for. I got on this pill for endometriosis, usually, I have debilitating cramps and severe proctalgia fugax during my period and not have experienced any of that. My only symptoms are breast tenderness for about the first month, and I've gained a couple of pounds at the most. No acne. Highly recommend!"

• Who...
• April 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 22 and have been taking this medication for 4 months. I have horrible acne now that I didn't have before, on my face and my chest. I had a 2-week long period in the first month and haven't had one since, but I still cramp at times. I've been extremely moody and depressed, which isn't going away or decreasing. Also, I can't lose weight because I'm hungry all the time and always feel too miserable to exercise."