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

• meo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I would not recommend this birth control at all. I've taken BC in the past and had 0 complications. To begin, this BC is a low dosage, so it really shouldn't have this severe of symptoms. Two weeks after starting this birth control, I noticed a huge increase in appetite (causing me to gain weight), I had mood swings, spotting, and fatigue. I am now finishing up my 2nd month and am stopping this because I ended up having episodes of depression again, heavier spotting (had to wear a tampon), and got acne (in addition to the 1st month side effects). Do not waste your time, pain, and energy with this birth control."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 5 months now. Besides the frequent spotting I experienced during the first 2 months, I have no complaints! No change in my weight, emotions, sex drive, acne (if anything, my skin has been better). My boobs experienced some minor swelling for only about a month. Overall, I do believe this pill is something you definitely have to give your body some time to get used to, but once it does, you will be super content! Hang in there, ladies!"

• Del...
• February 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I just finished my first pack, and I love it so far. Normally, I can tell the exact moment when I get my period because it is so painful. It's gotten so bad that I've been close to vomiting from the pain before. I have experienced no spotting, no reduced sex drive, or weight gain so far, and the pain is gone. I love it!!"

• CPA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2022

For Birth Control "I've been on Lo Lo for two months, and this is my first time ever being on birth control. I started the 1st pack on the 1st day of my period, but it lasted 4 extra days past its usual time. Slight breast tenderness at first, but it went away. My PMS moodiness was much better. My period came on the last 4 pills, but it was very light; I barely needed a pad. On my second pack, I had some light spotting between Days 13-17 (on the active combination pills). I'm 33 years old with a BMI of 30. I'm having to switch to another brand because Lo Lo is on backorder everywhere near me, but I've had a pleasant experience so far."

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I love it! I went on these for irregular periods, bad cramps, and to prevent pregnancy. My body took a couple of months to adjust to it, and there was spotting for a couple of weeks at a time and breaking out, but these are only temporary side effects, and around pack 3 or 4, everything was great. No periods, no babies, hardly any pimples, no cramps, and I didn't gain weight. My sex drive is great, and energy is as it has always been, and my mood is normal as it was before. My suggestion to you all is to let your body adjust for a few months and only consider the reviews of people who have taken Lo Loestrin Fe for 6 months or more after the side effects have subsided. Best of luck!"

• vct...
• December 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I will have been on it for a month on December 25. About a week and a half into the pill, I noticed pink discharge that turned into a week or two of spotting. I have slight headaches, which I know is from the pill and getting used to it, and my skin went from flawless to 7 or 8 pimples, so I'm pretty angry. The doctor wants me to give it a month or two more, hopefully, my skin clears up soon!"

• cur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I wrote a review about this birth control pill 1 month in taking the pill. Things were great besides the 1 breakout that I can't necessarily put on the pill. But now, 4 months in, I'm having to go to my gynecologist back again because things worsened considerably. I break out like a teenager (I never had a pimple in my life, and I have no idea what to do about it), I actually have cysts, and they're sore to touch!!! I mean, it's ridiculous! I started having dryness during sex (not so much now, but I had to adjust my methods subsequently ;)), irregular periods, random spotting, can't plan anything because I don't know when my period will come... and my breasts are very tender to touch. I honestly hate it. It doesn't do anything for me :("

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 21, I've been on this pill for about 5 months now, and it's been terrible. I got on this pill because I wouldn't get a period for about 4 or 5 months, and when I finally got my period, it was super heavy and the cramps were unbearable. I now get a period every month, and they are light, lasting 4-5 days, but I still get intense cramping. I also have dark brown spotting every month, probably a week after my period, and that lasts another week. But this month, I have been spotting nonstop and waking up with cramps every day. Ever since I started it, I have also had the worst mood swings, crying at everything, pushing my boyfriend away, and it's been affecting our relationship badly, 0 sex drive, and severe depression, making my anxiety worse."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on this BC for 9 months, and it sucks! When I first got on it, I spotted a little, and it was perfect. I didn’t gain weight, and when I was supposed to be on my period, it was super light and painless. The first 2 1/2 months that I was on Lo Loestrin was perfect until the end of the 3rd month. I started spotting out of nowhere, and I thought it was going to last only a couple of days. I was completely wrong. I spotted for 3 1/2 weeks straight. It was just a little bit each day, but it was really annoying. I also noticed that once I started taking the pill, I was unable to use pads because of the uncontrollable itching! I’m also severely anemic, so I was weak all of the time when I was spotting. It eventually cleared up, and the pill worked perfectly again for another 2 1/2 months until I started spotting again out of nowhere for 7 weeks! I was weak and nauseous all of the time. I finally went to my doctor, and I am supposed to change to Sprintec next week."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I've just completed my first pack, and for me, so far, so good. There's always so many negatives that I thought I'd do a positive... I was on the Mirena for 9 months - the worst (for me). I essentially bled/spotted for those 9 months, gained weight, and had severe back acne. I'm surprised I held out that long. Had Mirena removed, along with a polyp, and because of high BP, I'm on Lo Loestrin Fe. No nausea, headaches, bloating, or mood swings at all. The only 'issue' is some minor spotting for about 9 days. I'm pretty sure this is because I didn't know when my actual cycle was with Mirena, so I just started Lo Loestrin Fe the day after my polyp removal. I'm guessing my body is just trying to figure itself out. I'm hopeful the spotting will stop and I'll be back to 'normal' soon!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2012

For Birth Control "I used Lo Loestrin Fe for about 8 months. I consistently got spotting every 2nd week and felt sluggish with little sex drive. I did not gain any weight, but I would occasionally have headaches. The spotting was extremely irritating, and sometimes I would not have a period at all, which in a way is nice, but is also concerning when you are relying on it to tell you whether or not you are pregnant. Last month, I went up a level to the regular Loestrin, and I absolutely love it. I have had no problems on it whatsoever: no spotting, no exhaustion, no headaches, and my sex drive is back. And now I can time when my period is coming, as it is far more regular than it has been previously."

• Anonymous
• December 26, 2011

For Birth Control "Okay, I have been experiencing heavy bleeding where I was bleeding every day, now I am severely anemic. I have been on huge iron pills. I started Lo Loestrin and am on my 3rd month. I am experiencing bad acne, spotting, and still have abnormal periods. I am trying my best to be patient and allow the pills to take effect. My period started on the 18th, and although it was over yesterday, Christmas, I started spotting/bleeding later in the night. I am at my wits' end. I have had two accidents while working, I don't know when my period will begin or end, so I am wearing a pad every day."

• Gee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for over 2 years. At first, I had spotting between periods, but now all of that has gone away. I do not get a period anymore. The only time that I bleed is when I have missed a pill or two. The major complaint that I have is that I weighed 120 lbs when I first started this pill. Now I am 160 lbs. So... I've gained 40 lbs within 2 years. I am hungry all of the time, even after eating a whole meal. Since I don't receive a period, maybe my body is tricked into believing it's already pregnant... hence my increased appetite. This is the first time I've been on birth control long-term. Other than that, I have no other issues with the pill."

• Air...
• March 10, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been taking this pill for around 6 months now, and I love it. At first, I had a lot of random bleeding and spotting the first month. Second month, I had my period, but it was really short, around 3 days. Third month, I had lighter spotting. After that, I have had no periods at all, but I do get some cramps when I am supposed to have it. I have had no side effects at all from this, and it is the best birth control I have used so far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2017

For Birth Control "Rating it as a 3 only because it kept me from getting pregnant and didn't make me moody or depressed like the NuvaRing did. Let's just start off saying that I made the switch from the NuvaRing to Lo Loestrin because the doctor recommended it because of the lower dose of hormones. The NuvaRing was great for my skin and regulating and shortening my periods, but oh my god, did it ever mess me up mentally. I was tired all the time, so moody and depressed, made me feel suicidal and unhappy all the time, so that's why I switched. Lo Loestrin made my clear skin break out in cystic acne, made me have little sex drive, made me lose a tremendous amount of hair, and totally messed up my periods and made me spot throughout the whole month. I do not recommend Lo Loestrin."

• Jes...
• June 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I came off of Yasmin due to the blood clot risks. Lolo is the third brand I have tried and is by far the best. I commonly get headaches, and it has been reduced after changing to this brand. There have been no negative side effects. I don't get any cramps or periods at all. I may get spotting every couple of months for 2 days, but that's it. I would recommend this brand to anyone if they can afford it, as it is not covered by all insurance and is slightly expensive."

• Anonymous
• January 9, 2013

For Birth Control "So far, I really like this pill. I just started my second pack, and I haven't had any side effects besides some breast tenderness, and when I first started taking it (I started the first day of my period), I had some light spotting for about 4 days after my period ended. The only problem I'm having with it right now is that I got my period, but it isn't any shorter or lighter than usual, and I'm getting mild cramps. It's kind of a bummer. I know my body is still getting used to the pill since it's only my second month, but I was hoping that it would kick in right away. But overall, it's a great pill, and I feel completely normal on it."

• AMN...
• December 7, 2016

For Birth Control "Overall, I have had a pretty good, kind of mixed experience with Lo Loestrin. The side effects weren't too extreme. Like others said, I've had random spotting here and there that gets annoying. I have definitely noticed breast tenderness and swelling (I've always had bigger breasts, lost some weight last year and was finally down to a smaller cup, only to now be back to a somewhat bigger size). I've been a little more on the emotional side, but nothing overly noticeable or crazy. Haven't lost my sex drive, but sometimes experience vaginal dryness, which had never been a problem in the past. The biggest pro is a SUPER light period, which is amazing and the #1 reason I've stayed on it. Don't let bad reviews scare you away, try it out for yourself."

• 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)."

• 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.)"

• Kel...
• November 30, 2015

For Birth Control "Update. I am in my third month now taking this BC pill. I have only 12 pills remaining. I developed acne on my chin during the second month on this pill, but it has since gone away. I still have not had a period since September 20th, yet I am now spotting daily. I no longer have any desire for intimacy; my sex drive has completely diminished. I have become extremely moody, less tolerant, and easily angered. I will not be renewing this prescription, but will research other products. Any advice would be greatly appreciated."

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Lo Lo for heavy bleeding and bad period cramps. I wanted to give the pill a chance. I started the pill about 3 1/2 months prior. For the first two months, my period came, but the bleeding was light, and I had minimal cramps. For the past three weeks, I've had non-stop spotting. I don't know why. Aside from that, I am depressed, and I feel out of it all the time. I was never depressed in my life. I have extreme mood swings. It's like one second I'm elated, and the next second I'm crying. I have nausea, bloating, and constipation every day. Lo Lo doesn't fit me. I really wanted to give it a try, but I'm cutting it off."