Loestrin 24 Fe and Headaches: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2010

For Acne "This is the worst birth control pill I've ever taken. It gave me the worst acne ever. I was super moody. Mood swings, depression, frustration, headaches, and everything. Maybe the only good thing about it was that it made my cramping go away, and my periods were very light and short. Other than that, I hate it! It was the worst experience ever. I tried to give it some time so my body could get used to it, but after 7 months there were no changes, so I decided to switch to another brand. Now I am taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and I love it. My acne went away right away and my face is so clear. I have no more mood swings and I just love it. I recommend this brand to everyone."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for about 2 months. I'm active and have a very busy lifestyle, but this pill just made me feel like a lunatic. I felt like I was on the verge of crying all the time, really depressed, really anxious, and really tired. Serious mood swings, headaches, breast tenderness, acne - it also made me starving - like permanent PMS. I didn't want to work out and I didn't want to socialize. I gained maybe 5 lbs, but that's probably from not working out and eating way more. It did make my heavy, crampy periods light and short, and my breasts noticeably bigger. Birth control is different for everyone, I'm very in tune with my cycle, when I'm ovulating, and very sensitive to a shift in my hormones. This one was just not right for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 3, 2012

For Birth Control "Only thing I can say about the Loestrin 24 Fe is AWESOME. I have been on these pills for 6 years now, and in the beginning, my period lasted 2 to 3 days, and as time went on, it decreased even more and went to 24 hours, and my period was over. Later on, it changed again, and I came on and was off in 12 hours. Today, I haven't had a period at all I know in years. I love these pills, but the only downfall is even though I don't come on, I still have the mood swings, irritating moments, feeling strange, headaches, etc., but at the time when my period would have been ending, that's when everything goes away. I did used to worry in the beginning when I completely stopped having a period, but now I know it’s just the way these pills are with my body."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 22 years old, and this is the first time I've been on a BC. After reading all the bad reviews, I wanted to make sure that there is at least a good one. Everyone's body is different and reacts differently. So don't let scary reviews scare you away. Try it for yourself, and if you don't like it, you can always find something that you do like. I have been on this BC for 3 weeks going on 4, and I love it so far! No spotting, mood swings, headaches, depression, and my skin is clearer than before. I have also noticed my boobs are getting bigger, they're a little sore but not bad. So far, I'd say it's a good experience."

• Sha...
• October 6, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on this pill for 2 months. Cons: I am sick to my stomach every day, I throw up at least once a week and pee like every 10 mins. I also get headaches towards the end of the day. So I started taking my second pack before I go to sleep to avoid these symptoms, no such luck. Pros: barely had a period last month, waiting to see this month. I will stick it out for another month, but if nothing changes, I'm changing it. So far, I'm very disappointed, I was so excited for this pill."

• swe...
• August 30, 2010

For Birth Control "At first, it made me a little groggy. After 6 months, it has made me extremely fatigued all the time. My muscles feel constantly weak, regardless of how much I sleep or exercise. I have lost hair and gained some weight. It also made my breasts very tender (and slightly larger). I get headaches, sweat profusely, and have trouble focusing."

• pv1...
• May 24, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm new to this medication. I notice my fluttering and pounding heart wakes me up. I'm slightly dizzy even when sitting still or lying down. A few days I've had terrible heartburn, some nausea so strong that I took Nauzene and Tums with some relief, icepick stabbing headache, headache around my temples that's not relieved by relaxation or aspirin or drinking a lot of water and is relieved somewhat with Aleve, tinnitus, trouble staying asleep even though I keep my normal schedule and use my normal melatonin. I've been kind of sleepy, maybe due to waking up with the other issues. These symptoms are all uncommon for me and obviously caused by the pills. On the positive side, I seem to be less moody and anxious than I was getting before."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Loestrin in Sep 2015 after experiencing weight gain, general sadness, and headaches on Yasmin. At the time, I was starting a new job and training for a marathon, so initially put my anxiety down to that. However, after completing the race and becoming settled and happy in my new job, I still experienced severe anxiety, having panic attacks and racing negative thoughts. I stopped taking Loestrin, within days, the symptoms subsided. This month (Feb 2016), I foolishly decided to give the pill another chance, convincing myself I had been overreacting to the side effects previously. Within 4 days, the symptoms returned, stopped taking, and already getting back to normal."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2010

"I've been on this for about a year or so. I didn't like it at first, I got nauseous and couldn't eat and got terrible headaches. Now everything is fine. No weight gain, my breasts may have gotten a 1/2 cup bigger. No effect on my sex drive. No pregnancies, so it gets the job done!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Been on the pill for three months. Originally because I'd get my period for 7-8 days, very heavy, and it would make me anemic. Although it's helped with the heavy bleeding, I'm getting my period every 2 weeks accompanied by the bad headaches. I decided that the 7-8 days once a month, no pill is a better option."

• Anonymous
• August 7, 2010

For Birth Control "I've been on Loestrin 24 for about 8 months. Since I've been on it, I have lost my sex drive, can't sleep, slurred speech, headaches, you name it. I was happy to see other users have had similar side effects. I have been going crazy thinking something was wrong, and now I know it's the pill! I have to say an upside to the pill is I started with short, light periods, and now I don't even get my period at all. But the side effects are just too much to handle, so I'm getting off this pill."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am a 40-year-old female with heavy bleeding and painful ovarian cysts. My gyn recommended this pill. I almost completed my sample pack. I am on the second brown pill and awaiting my period. It makes me nervous when I don't see my period. At least I am happy to read that I will see my period when I take the third brown pill. I have to say that the first month was rough. I had very bad headaches, and I noticed I was very moody and even felt depressed. I did not experience any nausea or weight gain. I will stick it out for three months and see what will happen."

• Anonymous
• April 13, 2010

For Acne "I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who is having a horrible breakout because of this pill. I've been taking it for 1.5 months, and my face, chest, and back started to break out. In addition, it is very expensive. The one positive thing I did experience is no bad headaches during my period like I used to get with other pills. Will go back to another pill that doesn't cause me these bad breakouts."

• nyc...
• December 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been using this pill for 3 months. It's been great! The only side effects I've experienced are the very rare bad headaches. Haven't had any weight gain, bloating, or anything. I was really nervous about taking birth control, but it's been a really good experience! Try it out and see if it fits your body well. I like it."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2012

For Menstrual Disorders "This is awesome. I have been using this for about a year and a half now. I'm currently 17 if that matters. I use this purely for controlling my heavy period. I used to get heavy and long periods. I would have to change my tampon like every couple of hours, and when I got my period, it was like a flood. Also, I had horrible mood swings during my periods and would have crying fits and have to skip school because I was having such a horrible day. With this, my life has changed! I do not get mood swings anymore, which means I have a much more positive view on life. I don't get the headaches anymore. My periods only come every few months, and they only last 1 day when I do get them. This is awesome."

• Yck...
• June 17, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on this pill for 6 months since I was diagnosed with PCOS. My periods were still regular before going on this pill. My only real symptoms of PCOS were excessive hair growth and elevated testosterone levels. Since I started taking this pill, I have chronic spotting, bloating, headaches, and fatigue. My fatigue is so bad that it has started to interfere with my grades in school. I get a horrible pain in my left hip before I start spotting. I have seen no improvement with the abnormal hair. I also have not had a period since starting the pill, which I started six months ago."

• Ver...
• July 28, 2010

"This is the first birth control I've ever been on, and so far I am very happy with it. I've been on it for going on 3 months, and at first, it was rough, but now things are great. The first week I was an emotional wreck! The second week I spotted for 9 days. The third week my attitude was back to normal, and I wasn't spotting. I haven't had headaches, I haven't gained weight anywhere other than my boobs, and I haven't had any cramps. And best of all, my periods that were normally 5-7 days are now 3 days! Other than biting my best friend's head off the first week I was on it, I am totally satisfied with this birth control!"

• Anonymous
• March 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I'm 42 years old, and prior to taking Loestrin 24, I had one day of bad cramping with my period, which lasted 5 days. I started this pill after my period, and for 15 days, I bled, and it was the worst cramping in my life. Besides the weight I added in those 15 days that I had lost in the prior month, I was bloated, couldn't sleep through the night, and had terrible headaches."

• JP6...
• January 26, 2017

For Acne "I started this pill three months ago (what a mistake!). Not only has it messed up my skin, but I have been a hormonal wreck. Other side effects include breast pain and severe headaches! I do not recommend taking this pill, especially if you are looking to clear your skin."

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on this pill for about 8 or 9 months and did not like it. I was constantly having breakthrough bleeding, I felt as though I was bleeding all month long. I gained a lot of weight and had terrible headaches about 3 to 4 times a week."

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2010

"I have been on Loestrin 24 for a year now. I have had terrible periods in the past, and this definitely helped with the bleeding and cramping. I have to say, though, most of the other symptoms still stuck around (back pain, moodiness, etc.). I don't believe I gained any weight on this pill. I think as long as you keep a healthy diet, you should be fine. Most people mistake natural body changes or the fact that they are eating more for weight gain side effects. I will say I have had some awful headaches on this pill, more than ever before. Overall, though, it hasn't been bad, and I haven't had the bouts of depressing thoughts everyone speaks of. I would recommend this pill, just understand that no birth control pill is perfect."

• pcg...
• June 16, 2010

"I've been on Loestrin for only four days, and I'm okay with it so far. The first day I had cramps, a headache, nausea, and extreme fatigue. After that, on days 2 and 3, I just felt nauseated and not as bad fatigue. Day 4, the same as days 2 and 3. I'm hoping the nausea and fatigue will wear off, and the pill does its job. I realize it will take up to 3 months for these side effects to cease."

• Anonymous
• June 18, 2011

For Acne "This is the 7th day that I'm taking this birth control. I still don't know how it will affect my period, but so far it has made me break out on my chin and around my mouth. It gives me bad headaches and makes me depressed. There is no way I will continue taking this birth control."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2012

For Birth Control "I was on a generic low-dose pill for several months after having a baby, but it made me an emotional mess, so I switched to Loestrin. In the emotions department, everything was great on Loestrin. I was my normal, happy self. However, I had to stop taking the pill because it gave me horrible tension headaches. I had to lay in the dark for several hours to get the headache to go away, then had neck and back pain for a week afterward. Not ideal while trying to take care of a baby."

• ali...
• June 10, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 25 and have three kids. This birth control has made me moody and cry over nothing. I am not a soppy person, so this is very unlike me. I am also having headaches and hot flashes. I can't stand it. And I still have acne and no sex drive. My doctor put me on this for the pain I was having, and it has lightened up, but I still have pain."