Loestrin 21 1/20 and Acne: What Users Say

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2018

For Birth Control "After trying several different combined pills, this one is by far the best. I suffer from moderate acne that would flare up every month to the point I felt so self-conscious I wouldn't want to leave the house. Three months later and my skin is completely clear, not even so much as a tiny pimple. Along with the acne I had before, I also had very heavy and painful periods-also gone. I now have three days of light, pain-free bleeding every month, and my mood is better than ever. I would definitely recommend this pill!"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 2, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I'm 31 and have used many birth control options, beginning with the patch at 19, then going to the pill within the year. My MD prescribed me the Loestrin 1/20 a year ago. This past year proved the best for me as far as overall health: fewer skin breakouts, much lighter and shorter periods (I frequently donate blood and am not iron-deficient anemic), better sex drive (husband loves), and moodiness not as bad. I have gained 7 pounds of weight but cannot pinpoint it directly to this pill as I have chosen a less healthy lifestyle the past year. The only negative about this pill for me was I did not stay on a 28-day cycle and had breakthrough bleeding. Today, my MD changed me to Loestrin 1.5/30 for this reason."

• dea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2016

For Menstrual Disorders "I started my periods at about 12, and it was hell: heavy, painful, unpredictable. Started this pill at about 14, and it was a godsend (so to speak...). A couple of years on, new GP didn't check my age before seeing me and upped my prescription to a stronger pill. Period was late, painful, and strangely colored, acne started acting up, and I was emotional. I went back and begged (crying...) another GP to put me back on Loestrin. She was mystified as to why it was changed in the first place. Everything immediately went back to normal. I'm still on it now, 4 years later, and have not encountered any side effects."

• SCP...
• April 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 1/20 for about a year and a half, and on Loestrin 24 Fe before that. I loved both of the pills and would highly recommend them for most people. However, I had to stop taking Loestrin 1/20 because my doctor and I believe that it is the reason behind me not having a period at all for 3 months. Up until that happened, the pill was fine. A little acne around the time of the period, but that happened before I was on birth control. No weight gain, no bloating, very few cramps, and no moodiness at all."

• Rar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2015

For Birth Control "This is the first pill that I've tried, which I've liked being on; I've had no acne, my periods are more manageable, with mood swings GREATLY reduced (a blessing). My breasts also grew, which I was pleased about, as I'm usually a B cup. I had a little soreness from that but not a huge amount. The only downside is weight gain. I've put on a couple of pounds and cannot seem to shift it, which is very unusual for me. I'm eating 1,500 calories per day and have a varied, healthy diet, but I still seem to be maintaining or even gaining weight, which is a little depressing. I'm not sure I will give up on it just yet, though, as it's great in all other respects."

• eva...
• March 6, 2008

For Endometriosis "Taking this medication for endometriosis has made all my symptoms better. I no longer have the horrible cramping and irregular bleeding. There isn't any more inflammation, but I do suffer from acne and have gained 15 lbs in the past 2 months using Loestrin."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

"I’ve only been on this for about 2 weeks, but already my breast size has grown a cup, but I've thinned out overall. It’s honestly helped me with binge eating. I have really light cramps every day (almost not even noticeable). I had a miscarriage about 2 months before starting this, and my hormones were super imbalanced. Loestrin has definitely balanced them out again. No more crazy mood swings, freaking out on my boyfriend for no reason. I haven’t had any acne or anything negative to happen yet. I would rate this a 10, but I’ve only been on it for a couple of weeks, so things could change."

• ksh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I did not have a good experience on Loestrin. Breakouts got worse, had bad mood swings, and breakthrough bleeding. However, I was only on it for a month and a week, so this might not be a fair evaluation. Couldn't stand the side effects, though, so had to get off of it."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2010

For Birth Control "At first, I loved this birth control. I used to have a heavy period, with loads of cramps. Then I got on this and had no cramps and very little bleeding. The only downfall of this was that after a week or two on it, my breakouts became very bad. I have really sensitive skin, so this could be because of that. But also, I've read other reviews, and acne was a side effect of this specific type."

• lys...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been taking Gildess (generic for Loestrin) for over 2 years (and never had an issue) up until the manufacturer discontinued it. It was at that time when I tried everything from Blissovi, Junel, Microgestin. I've never had an issue with acne unless it was my 'time of the month' with 1-2 'period pimples.' My skin became acne-prone as soon as I stopped taking Gildess, to the point where I started getting cystic acne, even with upping my skincare routine and rarely wearing makeup. I stopped immediately and decided to give the Loestrin FE 1/20 brand name a try. I'm on my 2nd pill and can already feel my face starting to break out again. Stay away from this birth control. It's not worth the emotional/physical discomfort :("

• lys...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been taking Gildess (generic for Loestrin) for over 2 years (and never had an issue) up until the manufacturer discontinued it. It was at that time when I tried everything from Blissovi, Junel, Microgestin. I've never had an issue with acne unless it was my 'time of the month' with 1-2 'period pimples.' My skin became acne-prone as soon as I stopped taking Gildess, to the point where I started getting cystic acne, even with upping my skincare routine and rarely wearing makeup. I stopped immediately and decided to give the Loestrin FE 1/20 brand name a try. I'm on my 2nd pill and can already feel my face starting to break out again. Stay away from this birth control. It's not worth the emotional/physical discomfort :("

• Gho...
• August 3, 2017

For Birth Control "Been on this birth control for about 6 months now. I had tried so many other pills, and everything gave me side effects like extreme anxiety, weight gain, high blood pressure, and breakthrough bleeding. When I switched to this one, the only side effect I had was weight gain, but now on my sixth pack, I'm starting to get really bad acne around my chin and forehead, and my horrible menstrual cramps are back. Thinking about switching again. My poor skin has scars now :( It does, however, work to prevent pregnancy, though."

• eva...
• March 6, 2008

For Endometriosis "I've gotten sudden outbreaks of acne with this medication, making it almost impossible to schedule activities without having shame!"

• Anonymous
• June 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I took one month of this pill and immediately broke out with acne worse than I’ve had in years. I also had an early breakthrough period for days. Going back to my other brand."