Loestrin 21 1/20 and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• 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."

• Ali...
• January 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "After the first 3 weeks, it was amazing. The first 3 weeks, I had horrible headaches and nausea, but once my body got used to the hormones, that went away, and I had little to no side effects. I did have weight gain, but I've had that with all the BCs I've tried. I had very heavy periods with awful cramps that were making me miss school/work, and this made my periods very light, regular, and with very tolerable cramps. Lifesaver. I haven't had as good of luck on the 'generics' of Loestrin, but it got very expensive and then discontinued. Oh, and also no pregnancy."

• 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."

• 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."