Loestrin 21 1/20 User Reviews & Ratings

• Peach
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2020

For Birth Control "Chances are if you are reading this review it is because you were like me. I was prescribed this pill and then obsessively looked up reviews on it before I started them. I sent myself into a panic over all the negative reviews before I even took my first pill. Let me just say, I am VERY sensitive to medications. I can't even take Motrin without feeling dizzy. I have been on this pill for 3 weeks now with NO negative side effects. I have maybe felt a bit more bloated during week one. I did feel a bit more hungry every now and then but nothing that an apple or a quick healthy snack didn't cure...Thats it! No weird moods, no crying spells, no nothing. I was scared to death before I took my first pill! But everything is fine! Please don't panic like I did because of all the negative reviews! Give it a chance. If it doesn't work out, you can always stop and switch."

• natas...
• April 9, 2018

For Birth Control "Started loestrin 20 after 5 years of using no contraception heres my experience over the first packet I take the pill at 9pm every night. 1st night within 7 hours of taking pill I had night sweats which lasted 15 minutes. It didn't happen again since. In the first week I got Thrush and sore vagina but it went away. My period was starting when I started the first pack of pills which then stopped my period, I spotted lightly for 2 days instead then occasionally over the 2nd week then my period came between the 3rd-4th week for 6 days very light-medium, then all finished. No more bleeding. - Breast growth. My breasts are fuller after 4 weeks. A to B. I feel well mentally, other pills have caused me to feel low/depressed/irritable. Loestrin doesn't affect my moods much more than I am normally throughout my cycle. My libido is normal/high and seems unaffected although I find I sometimes have more vaginal dryness during intercourse"

• Loest...
• September 14, 2015

For Birth Control "After only taking this pill 14 days I made the decision to discontinue it. For me this medication makes me miserable. The problems I experienced were: major anxiety, irritability and agitation; nausea, one episode of extreme dizziness and headache to the point I wondered if I was having a stroke; breast tenderness, fluid retention; fatigue; strange dryness around my gums; abdominal cramps and a noticeable change in my bowel movements; an absolute loss of libido. It is hard to believe that a little BC pill can wreck your physical and emotional well-being in less than 14 days. I will never take this pill again!"

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2009

For Birth Control "Loved this! I took three weeks and then started a new pack so I never had a period. Loved that! Since it is so low in estrogen, I was able to do that. Took for 10+ years but got off as I got close to 40 years old. Recommended it to all of my friends and everyone who switched over loved it."

• Jaz
• October 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I took this pill for a week. ONE week. In that time I began seriously contimplating my own suicide as well as found myself in the hospital for what I believe to be a full detachment from reality. Since then, I have had multiple seuizures and lost numerous days of memory. I have no definitive proof that the birth control cause all of these issues, but I believe so strongly that they are connected that I feel I must warn anyone considering trying this pill. I will also be keeping an eye out for those lawsuit commercials one day so I can be the first in line to state my very heated opinion."

• Ginger
• 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. 3 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 3 days of light, pain- free bleeding every month and my mood is better than ever. I would definitely recommend this pill!"

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

For Menstrual Disorders "I'm 31 & have used many birth control options, beginning with the patch @ 19 then going to the pill within the year. My MD RX'd 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 & shorter periods (i frequently donate blood and am not iron-defficient anemic), better sex drive (husband loves), and moodiness not as bad. I have gained 7lb 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, MD changed me to loestrin 1.5/30 for this reason."

• death...
• 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 coloured, 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."

• Spook...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I love this birth control Loestrin 21 1/20 compared to Yaz, Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, Mirena, Seasonique, Depo provera I do get mild headaches but no weight gain or acne. I was on it for Endometriosis and it was great"

• SCPiper
• 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."

• Jano
• August 4, 2018

For Birth Control "This is a Fantastic Pill (Loestrin 21 1/20) I was originally on Microgynon and it gave me moodswings, headache and bloated feeling . Since I switched to loestrin 20 all that has gone and I now feel myself again. My periods are light had 2 days of very light hardly nothing spotting and took them back to back x2 packs no problems. Definitely found the right one for me. You all should go for it!!"

• AliS
• 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 BC's 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. Life saver. I haven't had as good of luck on the "generics" of the loestrin but it got very expensive and then discontinued. Oh, and also no pregnancy."

• 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 inflamation but i do suffer acne and have gained 15lbs 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 reealllllyyy light cramps everyday (almost not even noticeable). I had a miscarriage about 2 months before starting this and my hormones were super imbalance, 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 weeks so things could change."

• Vickyy
• April 25, 2019

For Birth Control "This Loestrin pill is terrible! The first week of taking it caused me to have unbelievable dizziness and nausea to a point where I thought I was going to collapse! I became snappy, irritated and depressed every single day and I would have the odd spot that was very sore on my chin, forehead and cheeks that took longer to heal than when I wasn’t on this pill. Strange pin prick spots that were very sore appeared on my fingers and toes after visiting the doctor twice they could only put it down to this pill. After another 6 months of taking this pill I suddenly had migraines which landed me in the doctors twice and a hospital visit as I thought I was having a stroke! I have now discontinued this pill due to this and I am now happy, head pain free and feel absolutely amazing! I should have stopped taking this pill a long time ago! Please be careful if your prescribed with this pill and stop immediately if you have any sickness or dizziness as that’s just the start of it all!"

• Raraa...
• 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 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 1500 calories per day and have a varied, healthy diet but I still seem to be maintains or even gaining weight, which is a little depressing. I'm not sure I will give up on it just yet though as its great in all other respects."

• 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."

• Syd
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2021

For Birth Control "Worst BC I’ve ever taken. I had previously been on tri-sprintec for years, so long I lost count. Started having breakthrough bleeding on that, so I was switched to this. About two weeks in, I started becoming irritable. Didn’t really click with me initially, but over the past two months I’ve continued to be on it, my mood has become unbearable. I’m usually a chill, happy person. This makes me feel psychotic. I am raging constantly. For absolutely no reason. The thought of sex annoys me. Everything does. It’s made my migraine headaches worse. I have one at least every other day. I’ve decided to come off of it and go back to my previous BC. I’d rather deal with the bleeding."

• 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 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."

• ahhah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2018

For Birth Control "absolutely disappointed with Loestrin 21 1/20. My nurse suggested this to me because my microgynon was making me feel sick. WORST MISTAKE EVER!! What is even in this pill. I have been sick all week. I had extreme heavy bleeding even when taking the pill. This is absolutely ridiculous. I am never, I repeat never taking any birth control pills again. My period felt so forced and fake like the blood is forced out and feels so sore all the time. No way am I having 3 periods a month. Usually I come on normally on my 7 day break 2-6th and then I come on heavy on the 16th and then heavy again on the 27th there is something definitely not right here!!"

• golde...
• September 10, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started taking Loestrin20 three weeks ago and today, after seeing my doctor, I was forced to stop it. From day one, I have been experiencing all sorts of awful side effects: numbness in all extremities and face, fainting, problems with breathing, headaches, weakness and dizziness to the point that I couldn't drive to work. I ended up in hospital, twice. I never had issues in the past with birth control pills, but this one is not suitable for me, while thousands of women are fine taking it. If you experience bad side effects, Please interrupt your treatment and see your doctor asap. Birth control pills shouldn't cause major side effects, and if they do it's a clear sign that you are at risk and must look for a better option!!"

• lyssa
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been taking Gildess(generic for loestrin) for over 2 years(& 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 & rarely wearing makeup. I stopped immediately & decided to give the loestrin fe 1/20 brand name a try. I'm on my 2nd pill & can already feel my face starting to break out again. Stay away from this birth control. It's not worth the emotional/physical discomfort :("

• Notha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on this birth control pill for about 4 month's and it was just not for me.. I had terrible mood swings which were affecting my relationship, started having dark thoughts and was sinking into depression, I lost my appetite completely. It may work for some but i guess just not for me.."

• Ellie
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "The devil in disguise I never experienced anxiety problems before taking this joke of a pill and soon I found myself taking sick days because of extreme panic attacks. It caused very unpredictable mood swings. Made me very irritable and irrational. My boyfriend even compared my behaviour to the jokers-had the highest highs and the lowest lows. The way it made me act was scary to me and those around me. I felt possessed and I had no control over my emotions. I'm usually a chill person and this pill made me angry and upset at things which I wouldn't typically bat an eyelid at. The first month was actually ok and I thought it would stay that way. It got much worse after a month. Was lead to believe symptoms would improve after 3 months but they only continued to get more and more severe. Worst 4 months of my life taking this pill. Writing this to prevent another woman experiencing what I did- I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy. AVOID AT ALL COSTS."

• Cano
• November 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I went on this pill after trying reclipsen/apri which made me unbelievably sad and had awful mood swings. This pill so far has been great except that I have breakthrough bleeding all the time. Even taking the pill on the DOT everyday. I believe it is just my body getting used to the low dose but it is awful. I have yet to notice any awful depression symptoms though!"