Lo Loestrin Fe and Nausea: What Users Say

• Suz...
• October 13, 2014

For Birth Control "Into my second year on this and very pleased. The first two months adjusting were definitely a bit tough: nausea, headache, breast tenderness, bizarre acne. I stuck it out and very glad I did! After those two months, zero side effects. No period, no weight gain, nausea, cramps, or breast tenderness... Nothing! In fact, I'm 37 & I've lost 20 lbs while on it. And most importantly, it's been effective in preventing pregnancy!"

• nic...
• January 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I feel compelled to write this review given all of the terrifyingly bad reviews I read when I was prescribed Lo Loestrin. I was actually put on it for heavy bleeding, and I was worried that I would become depressed, gain weight, and gain acne, but none of that is the case. Before taking Lo Loestrin, I had irregular, week-long periods with extremely heavy bleeding (to the point where I used 4/5 super tampons a day) and horrible cramps. I have been on the pill for 2.5 months now and absolutely love it. I spotted on and off for the first 2 months, which is normal and tolerable. Other than that, my period has been really light and has not lasted more than 3/4 days. I did experience some nausea at the beginning and have perhaps been more emotional than normal. Overall, while there may be mild side effects, they are completely outweighed by how much less miserable my periods have become. Remember that most people with positive results don't review a product, so don’t let the horrific reviews sway you away from trying it."

• Wei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill since September. Love the low dose hormone vs. regular. I don’t feel moody or anxious compared to past pills, but I have had a few days where I feel nauseous and can’t figure out why. Not sure if it’s the pill. No side effects except MASSIVE weight gain. My appetite is out of control, and I am constantly bloated. I have put on 20+ pounds since I started and am freaking out about it. Not sure what to do, I don’t want to keep gaining."

• NoB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Amazing! The beginning was rough! Nausea, diarrhea, extreme fatigue! But after a month, got used to it. High sex drive! I’ve never had so much sex drive like this before. My boyfriend loves it! I’m very happy with it so far."

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2011

For Birth Control "I've tried several types of birth control/contraceptives, and this is by far the best. In the past, I have had insane mood swings, random periods that last for months, serious weight gain, headaches/nausea, extremely low sex drive, etc. Since I started taking this, I feel like a normal person again. I'm not randomly mean to my boyfriend, I want to sleep with him too. I have noticed that since I've started taking this pill (I'm on my 3rd month), I've been able to lose weight a little bit easier, unlike the last pill I took. I will continue taking this."

• Jez...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on this BC for three and a half years now, and it's been amazing. I was on two other types of birth control before: NuvaRing and another oral pill that drove me crazy-nausea, crazy mood swings, cramps, heavy periods, the works. It made me never want to go on BC again, but I'm so glad I gave it a second chance. With Lo Loestrin Fe, I haven't had any period, cramps, backache, mood swings, decrease in sex drive, weight gain, or acne. The only problem I've had is that it seems to lessen my appetite, so I try to make sure I eat before taking it, otherwise, I forget. At first, I was concerned that I wasn't getting my period, but I talked to my doctor, and he said it was fine as long as I was comfortable with not having one."

• Cat...
• June 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Lo Loestrin for about 2 years. When I first started, I had pregnancy symptoms for about the first week: sore breasts, nausea, etc., however, that subsided. I no longer have my period, which my gynecologist informed me is very common. Every now and then, I'll have a month where I get cramps during the 'reminder pill' portion of the pack, but it's not common. I take my pill every day at the same time (before bed - set an alarm!) and always keep an extra pack in my purse in case. No weight gain, no acne. I'm very happy."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for about 2.5 years now. The first few months were pretty rough, i.e., mood swings, weight gain, low sex drive. I was even nauseous and sometimes had two periods in one month. YES, I agree it can be tough to give this one a chance, but I'm glad I did. At this point, I have not had a period in months, and all side effects have mellowed. I do get normal PMS symptoms, light cramping, and body aches, just no bleeding. No more weight gain or mood swings. I'm glad I stuck it out because it has been the best birth control I've used."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2015

For Birth Control "Lo Loestrin Fe is by far the best birth control I have ever tried! I cannot tell you how many different contraceptives I have tried, and they have all made me miserable. I've had absolutely no side effects on Lo Loestrin Fe. My skin is clear, my periods last maybe a day, and it's super light. Absolutely no cramps or nausea. My weight fluctuates on its own, so I wouldn't blame the pill for that, lol."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm on my 9th month; just about 40 years old, given to me for severe cramps and horrible bleeding that has worsened over the past 2 years. My daughter is 15 and just started her first pack about 3 weeks ago. She has been sick more days than I can count, not sleeping well, lost 10 pounds, gets lightheaded often, nausea usually in the evening, as well as moody. She's had the breakthrough bleeding just like I did. What I noticed is when we talked is we've both been suffering from the lightheaded feelings quite often at any given time and any place. We both tend to feel tired at the end of most days; headaches and the nausea, as well with the light-headedness, seem to be the worst."

• Aca...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 6, 2014

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control I have been on, and after hearing all the birth control horror stories that friends/family had, I'm happy to say that my experience with this pill so far has been a good one! The first month or two I did experience some acne and occasional nausea, as well as going from a B to C cup (a welcome change). However, none of the symptoms have been any worse than symptoms of a period. My period lightened soon after beginning the pill packs, and I stopped getting my period altogether about 6 months after starting the pills, which (my Obgyn told me early on) was to be expected. My insurance also completely covers this pill, so that's definitely a plus!"

• meo...
• May 19, 2012

For Birth Control "I am 15, and this is the second birth control I've tried. Previously, I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and I immediately stopped that because it turned me into an emotional monster. I was scared to try this birth control because I didn't want to get emotional again. But I did try, and I love it. I'm on my second pack now. I have NOT gained weight, if anything, I've lost weight. The only side effects I've had are breast tenderness, and I get a little nauseous from time to time. But that's it! Also, before my period, I will break out a little bit, but after the period, this pill keeps my skin clear! This pill doesn't make me emotional either. So don't be afraid to try it!"

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I will say that the shorter and lighter periods were great; and with my insurance, it was $45 for a 3-month supply. However, since I started taking it two months ago, I've gained almost 10 lbs, have been nauseous, dizzy, feverish, cranky, and have had breast tenderness and insomnia. Two months of feeling pregnant and sick, and I called my doctor to put me on something else. Glad it worked for others... wish it had worked for me too."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2011

For Birth Control "So far, this is the best birth control I've ever taken, and I've tried A LOT! I just finished the first pack and had barely any spotting. Actually, super light spotting started last Sunday. My breasts did kind of get fuller, though. A little tenderness, but not nearly as much as I had predicted. I sometimes feel nauseous, but it goes away shortly after. I have noticed I'm a bit more tired, but other than that, there aren't really any side effects. I would advise you to take the pill at the exact same time and take it in the evening. This will minimize the side effects. Hope this helps."

• Ren...
• March 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill about 7 months ago. The first month, I was very moody. This went away by my second month. I've had mostly light periods that last 3-4 days, about two heavy periods, and these last two months, I've had hardly a period at all. I don't particularly like this because you can't tell if you're pregnant or not, but after reading all these reviews, it seems quite common. I am a perfect user, and when I'm not, breakthrough bleeding occurs. I would suggest taking this pill at night to combat nausea during the first month. Breast tenderness also occurred in the first month or so. No weight gain or appetite change. Cramps are lighter. My acne cleared up by month six. My sex drive and wetness are a bit lower, but nothing some lubricant can't fix."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2023

For Birth Control "Look, you're going to read all of these 'DON'T TAKE THIS PILL' reviews, and the truth of the matter is you don't know until you try it. Everyone's body is different and will react differently to medication. So, don't let these bad reviews scare you away. Try it, if you don't like it, you can change it. Now to my review. I got this pill as a trial to see if I liked it. I ended up loving it. I had very few side effects. I think the most I had was a headache and nausea. Oh, and about 2 weeks of breakthrough bleeding. But of course, my insurance doesn't cover it... If it did, I wouldn't be switching. The only crap thing about it is the price if it's not covered by insurance, which is $171."

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2014

For Birth Control "My first three months on this pill were like a DREAM. I switched to it from Orsythia (which I had been taking for 3 years) because I was having painful periods and my sex drive was gone. This pill completely stopped my period with NO spotting or anything, and never any cramps. No acne, no mood changes. My breasts even grew. I was so happy. Now I am on month 4, and it is hell. I'm having migraines and nausea all day, and bad mood swings. I am stopping this pill and going back to my OB."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 26, first birth control pills I've ever used. I'm on my fourth month, getting close to starting the fifth pack. Pros thus far: no breast tenderness (they did increase in size), no acne (skin actually cleared up), no weight gain (I'm very active to begin with), no nausea or headaches, much lighter periods (prior to the pill, my periods were heavy enough where both a pad and a tampon were needed... Now a tampon alone is good enough!) Cons: ever since starting it, I've been having two periods a month... 15-day cycle and it's about two days longer than the period prior to taking this pill. The pros definitely outweigh the con, but I can't stand having two periods a month!"

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2011

For Birth Control "I have tried multiple birth control pills over the years and have never been able to find one that I could tolerate, either physically or emotionally. I am on my first pack of Lo Loestrin Fe, and surprisingly I haven't had any debilitating side effects. I am just entering my 3rd week of pills, and I am bloated and have started spotting. I'm not sure if this is breakthrough bleeding or if I'm going to have a full-blown period. Regardless, I am going to wait it out, as I'm thrilled not to have any nausea or intense mood swings. So far, so good!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking this medication for about a year and a half now. I began taking it because other birth controls made me moody and the obvious fact that I'm not ready to be pregnant yet. This medication definitely makes you nauseous. I feel nauseous nearly every day. I haven't had a period since the first two months that I started the pill. Normally, I wouldn't complain about a lack of periods, but other side effects I've had include frequent (I'm talking back to back to back) yeast infections and (TMI) vaginal dryness. Intercourse can be very painful. I'm switching off of this medication as I have tried everything to no avail. Being on birth control seems pointless if I can't even have sex."

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about a month, and I love it. No mood swings and same sex drive. The only noticeable difference is my breasts! They are so tender. They feel as if I have a 90-pound clip hanging on my nipples. I do get nauseous throughout the day, but it's bearable. My weight is the same. Sometimes I have an appetite, other times I don't. Overall, this is a great birth control."

• sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I was never able to take 'the pill' due to side effects of nausea, headaches, and other issues. I am 41 years old, and my gynecologist said to try this one and see, and I knew right when I started it that I was not having any issues at all. I do not feel sick or have any headaches. I do not have a problem with my sex drive, and my weight is the same. I have been on it for about 2 years now. I am very happy that this one came out, and for me it has been great. I know everyone reacts differently."

• BHJ...
• November 23, 2013

"This is the first birth control I have ever been on, and I absolutely love it. My reason for taking it isn't actually for birth control, but for severe cramps and irregular periods. Before I was on this pill, my cramps would be so bad that I could hardly walk sometimes! I missed so much school because of how intense my pain was. I've been on the pill now for almost 7 months, and it has helped tremendously. I have not had any cramps at all. My period was also very irregular before I started the pill, and since I've started taking this, I do not even have a period! The only complaint I have was the mild nausea and headache during the first month of taking it, which is normal when starting birth control, but it was still a nuisance."

• Tay...
• May 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for over a year now, it's the best birth control I've ever taken. I used to have heavy cycles, the worst cramps, and would have to take off work because of being nauseous and sick once a month. I would wear ultra tampons with the biggest pads you could find! My iron was low because of how much blood I would lose a month. Since my doctor prescribed this pill, I have maintained my weight, I no longer take iron tablets, and my periods are very light. It still comes on, but sometimes it skips a month, and the next month it may stay on for two weeks. As long as you maintain a healthy diet, it works out fine! Give this a try and see if it works for you!!"

• 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."