Lo Loestrin Fe and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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.)"

• Cin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 11, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the best pill that I have been on and have been on this more than 5 years. First of all, a very low dose of estrogen, it helps with my perimenopausal symptoms and cysts on ovaries. There is no nausea, no weight gain, no moodiness, and I probably only get my period 2-3 times a year. I will say you must take it at the exact same time every day, if you don’t, you will definitely spot or risk bleeding. I just set my phone alarm as a reminder. I highly recommend this pill."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• T J...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Lo Loestrin Fe to regulate my hormones after surgery. I experienced the scary side effects like pain, numbness in arms and legs, darkening of urine, abdominal pain, and forgetfulness. Not to mention the spotting, weight gain, acne, and contact lens problem. I don't use the word hate often, but I HATE this pill!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I started this pill when I got my period about 2 weeks ago, but since have had spotting literally every single day. I know it's supposed to prevent pregnancy, being a birth control pill, but I didn't realize the method was preventing you from having sex because of continuous bleeding? Questioning my doctor's sanity for prescribing this pill."

• 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."

• and...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 3, 2024

"I use this because I have PCOS and have had 1 ovary removed and a partial left of the other due to cysts. I get severe cramps and bleeding to the point I have had to go to the ER. This medicine has stopped the bleeding and haven't had cysts form in years. But I do get spotting and mild cramping often. It has caused melasma on my forehead. I also cannot take any multivitamin with omega-3 or I get my period very heavy within a few days. I have tested this issue multiple times. It has made me gain quite a bit of weight and feel hungry a lot. I might need to switch due to weight gain."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I was on Lo Lo for 4 miserable months! During those 4 months, I spotted and or bled heavily for 3 weeks out of the month, stopped bleeding only while on the first week of the pack. I was also severely depressed and had 3 horrible panic attacks, one was so bad I was taken to the ER. My anxiety while on Lo Lo got to a point where simple everyday tasks, like going to the grocery or taking my kids out, were impossible for me. I felt lightheaded/dizzy and fatigued on a daily basis. After numerous visits and phone calls to my OBGYN, she finally took me off this pill, and my mood has changed dramatically. I now feel I’m back to my normal self. Lo Lo was a nightmare for me!"

• ss0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm writing to provide an update. I've been taking the pill for about 3 months now. I wrote another review below under VAgirl007 for my first month. Now, as 2 additional months have passed... I must say I'm loving this pill. My period is nonexistent, I don't need a pad anymore, just a liner as it's just spotting. I've had zero effect on my skin and weight. I was just on vacation for a month, eating super poorly, my weight hasn't gone up. I get one, maybe 2 pimples around my period, but nothing more than a whitehead. My sex drive is also not affected at all. My doctor said I'll eventually not have a period!"

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2021

For Birth Control "I was so scared of getting on the pill and even more when I saw the bad reviews saying that it was the worst thing ever. But don't let the reviews scare you in advance without trying because it worked well for me. I am a person that often has mood swings and a history with depression, but it didn't worsen my mood. I didn't gain any weight, my skin is still clear, and I'm even less bloated! However, the first days I started, my head was exploding and I felt sick, but after 3 days it was completely gone. I don't feel any nausea nor digestive issues. The only thing that is a little weird is the spotting that I had the 2 first months, but it went away. And so far, I haven't got pregnant, so I guess it works."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for almost 2 months, and it's given me horrible headaches. I never get headaches. I've tried taking Advil and Tylenol, but nothing seems to help. I've had large blood clots and spotting. This will most likely be my last month, as it's not worth the side effects. My doctor prescribed it for endometriosis and heavy periods. I'd rather have my 12-day heavy periods than constant headaches, huge blood clots, and spotting."

• Han...
• September 15, 2017

For Birth Control "This birth control has worked very well for me. I've tried three other oral contraceptives in the past (all for 3+ months each), and I tried the Skyla IUD for six months. All of those ended up absolutely ruining my body, my clear skin, and my moods. I became borderline suicidal. My OBGYN recommended this brand due to its low hormone levels and the fact that it is mostly estrogen-based. I've still been having some spotting still five months in, but that's my only real complaint. My skin has stayed clear, my sex drive is normal, and I haven't gained any weight. The fact that it's so expensive sucks, though. $37 per month... I wish I could get it free like the other forms of birth control I've gotten in the past!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2015

For Birth Control "Before beginning this BC, my cycle would come every 28 days and last for 3 to 4 days. I began this BC on September 20th. Now, soon to begin my third month on this pill, I have not had a normal period. I only spot every day. Because of the spotting, I am no longer intimate with my partner, therefore, my sex drive has diminished. I have also developed daily headaches and gained weight. I am going to look into other options."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "After over 1 year without birth control, I tried Lo Loestrin at the insistence of my OB. I tried it for 4 months, waiting for the bleeding and spotting to stop, despite making sure every day I took the pill at the exact same time. Besides the non-stop spotting, I also found my libido affected. I stopped wanting and enjoying sex. I finally went back to the pill I had previously used and am back to normal periods and enjoying sex."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Lo Loestrin Fe for two months now. My doctor recommended it due to cysts and endometriosis. I was having chronic cramps throughout the month before taking the pill, and since starting this pill, my cramps have gone down to two days. I have taken other pills before where I have gained weight and felt super nauseous. The doctor recommended taking this one at night instead of during the day, and I haven't felt nauseous at all. The only thing is, do not skip a pill because you will see spotting and will get cramps. I haven't had any mood swings or skin breakouts so far."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking Lo Lo for a year now to help with long, heavy periods. The only side effects I had were nausea and some spotting for about the first three months. Now I have no side effects, and my period only lasts two days :) so thankful for this birth control pill!"

• Cas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I was worried about going on birth control, but I have been on this for half a year now. I have had no side effects (weight gain, mood swings, breakouts) and didn't feel different at all! I have a little spotting about once a month. Definitely happy with this pill!"

• Anonymous
• December 18, 2012

For Birth Control "I take mine every day around the same time, but sometimes it's hard to get it right on the dot. I definitely get very emotional, and in my first 3 months, had basically constant spotting, but now since then, I haven't gotten spotting or period bleeding, and it's been about 4 months. It practically eliminated my period completely, besides some symptoms like bloating. I would recommend it if you're willing to stick it out the first month or two while your body is adjusting."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I hated Lolo. At first, it was fine, and I would get my period during the two placebo pills, but it did not help my cramps. They were still bad. Then I started missing periods and spotting throughout the entire month on the hormone pills. I was on this pill for 5-6 months total, and the spotting never normalized. I would constantly miss my period when I was supposed to get it, then I would bleed on days I wasn’t supposed to get it. That was not enjoyable. I switched pills due to this. Honestly, I would suggest staying away from this pill if you want a period every month."

• Bro...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm almost done with my first pack of Lo Loestrin Fe, and I am pretty happy with it. I had minor spotting the second week and light spotting during the two white pills so far. The only side effects I've noticed so far are changes in appetite - first two weeks I was super hungry, and then the third week I hardly ate at all. I had some nausea, along with the changes in appetite, but nothing too major. I have a history with anxiety, and the pill has slightly elevated it, but it is manageable. I'd say anyone who is sensitive to high doses of estrogen should definitely try Lo Loestrin Fe."

• Alw...
• March 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I bought this 2-3 months before I got married and had very little side effects. I have been married 2.5 years, and I haven't gotten pregnant yet. I think the only annoyance is that my period comes every other month and that I get some spotting off and on throughout the month. My periods are shorter, and there is less bleeding, which is a nice thing. I haven't taken any other birth control, but I'm thinking of switching to a cervical cap a year before we want to have kids (so I can get my hormones regulating correctly again)."

• ADD...
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have endometriosis, so my gyno recommended this birth control to me. It wasn’t bad at first, but since my body was adjusting, the first month’s period lasted for 3 weeks, but spotting and mild cramps. I am now on my fourth month, and I spot for a day or two and no cramps whatsoever. I love this part about this BC, but I finally realized how much it affected my mental health. My anxiety and depression have skyrocketed to the point where I am getting actual chest pains from my anxiety. I already have bipolar disorder type 2, and this did not work well with it at all. I don’t recommend it if you have preexisting mental health issues, but if you don’t, it’s a great pill - no bleeding, no cramps, no weight gain/loss, no acne. I’ll give it a 2 because of how everything else worked so well besides the mental health issues - they are so awful."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2018

For Birth Control "In the first 2 months, I had random spotting and lost 10 pounds almost immediately, however, by month 3, my periods were lasting 9-12 days and were extremely irregular! (They used to be regular and never lasted more than 4 days.) Also, by this time, I noticed that I had become extremely depressed. It was affecting my relationship because I was always crying and never wanted to do anything but sleep. I became extremely insecure and truly just felt like I didn’t like myself. I also developed extreme anxiety to the point where I couldn’t even go to the store without crying or panicking. That is so unlike me, so after 8 months, I finally got off it and I feel 100% myself again! I do not recommend this to anyone who already has mood swings or anxiety. Other than the drastic effect it had on my mood, there were no other symptoms other than irregular/longer periods."