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

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Lo Loestrin Fe for 2 months. I took this medication because I had extremely painful periods. I was practically bed-ridden for 2-3 days every month. While the medication did help my pain go away, I bled... a lot! My period itself was 4 days longer than usual, and I spotted for a week and a half before having another full-size period. It was ridiculous. My doctor kept telling me, 'Spotting is normal. Spotting will go away. It should stop soon.' But I'm telling you, it was a lot of blood. I could constantly feel myself bleeding, and it oftentimes came out in clots. Not worth it in the end for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 19 years old. First birth control pill. The only side effects that I have experienced are that my breasts have gotten bigger (which is good), and I have experienced spotting. I don't really get my periods, and my skin really cleared."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I was prescribed Lo Loestrin after my previous birth control pill gave me cervical ectropion from too much estrogen (I randomly began to have intense bleeding after sex and would spot for weeks). The first few months were rough, I spotted on and off for weeks at a time, but then that suddenly stopped. It also completely 'healed' my cervical ectropion, which is a huge win! Only problem now is that I am breaking out on my chin, and I gained 15 lbs since November. I literally can’t lose a pound to save my life despite my diet and workout regime, which has worked well for me in the past when I want to lose weight. Also, beginning in November, I am suddenly getting two periods a month. Might try to switch off this brand. The whole weight gain thing and two periods a month sucks."

• New...
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "In the first few months that I was on this drug, I had a few side effects. I had some spotting between periods, not much, but some. The real issue was that I was ridiculously fatigued all the time. I constantly wanted to sleep, and every nap I took would last hours. The spotting went away after a month or two, and the fatigue went away after about 2 to 3 months. The only side effect I have now is a lowered sex drive. I used to get very heavy periods that lasted 7 full days with bad cramps almost every day. The very first period I had on this drug was already shortened by a day or two, and now, almost a year later, I barely even bleed anymore. I could do without the lowered sex drive, but as a whole, I have no complaints about my experience."

• 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!"

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Doctor put me on this due to irregular cycles. The reviews were split down the middle, so I decided to give it a try. It's only been week two, and I'm already spotting (to be expected), but I was not expecting period symptoms. I feel like I'm on the first day of my cycle-cramping, back pain, bloating, gas, etc. I know you're supposed to 'ride it out' for a few months, but I don't feel like doing so. I also had weird aches and pains all over my body. I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo before and had no side effects. I was excited to not have a period for once. I'm stopping this pill today."

• Sky...
• February 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I recently had a baby and went on my 6 weeks pp check-up. My OB prescribed me these pills because they were supposed to keep my milk supply at normal. No complaints about that so far. However, I was lucky to experience every side effect mentioned by other ladies here: tiredness, cramping, lower back pain, my face broke out (used to be super clear even during puberty), I was unable to control my appetite (lost all the baby weight in 2 weeks after delivery and now started packing up these lbs again?!), my belly went from flat to 5 months pregnant within just 2 weeks on these pills, and of course a non-stop spotting was there too. I cannot switch to a higher estrogen level pills because of breastfeeding, so I decided to switch to condoms for now."

• 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."

• Bec...
• December 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I hate this birth control. I start spotting a week into my period every month (on it 3 months now) and have to wear a liner at all times. Horrible mood swings, no sex drive (the dark brown spotting all month doesn't help), and is barely covered by birth control. Still would have had to pay $70 out of pocket each month if I wanted to continue on it, which I don't. Will be switching back to Ocella as soon as I can, which didn't have any of these side effects. I got a 6-month sample of Lo Loestrin Fe and will be throwing out the remaining 3 months."