Loestrin 24 Fe and Spotting: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 18, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been taking Loestrin for about 5 months now. And let me tell you... I gained no weight, but it certainly reshaped my body. It made my breasts transform from a C 34 to DD 34. And my rear end also had more junk added to the trunk. The boyfriend isn't complaining, but also the first month I was a raging lunatic with mood swings from hell. I also spotted like a moron for a couple of months until my body got used to it. Honestly, if you are terrified about gaining weight, then Loestrin 24 Fe won't do it. I haven't gained a blessed pound. And if I did, it went straight to my butt and my boobs. It will not make you gain. Just make your breasts bigger than the sun... Ha.. ha."

• New...
• March 3, 2010

For Birth Control "I am 28 years old, 125 lbs, extremely active with dance, gym, and sports. I take the pill at just about the same time every day, give or take 15 minutes. I have a pretty healthy diet. I started Loestrin to prevent pregnancy. I've been on it for 3 weeks and for the most part, happy so far. Here are my symptoms: Week 1 --> Severe bloating, daily nausea. 5 lb weight gain, but I'm thinking that was due to not being able to work out due to feeling dizzy. Week 2 --> Bloating gone. Nausea gone. Feeling back to normal. Some mild spotting for a day. Increased a cup size. Skin looks great and feels smoother. Week 3 --> Feel perfectly normal. Lost the weight I gained the 1st week."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2008

For Birth Control "I've been on Loestrin 24 FE for 5 months. I had a few bothersome side effects and a few side effects that weren't so bothersome. In the second month, I developed this weird anxiety and had this constant sense of nervousness. I would also have very brief moments of dizziness. For example, if I turned my head too fast, I'd feel a flash of dizziness. For nearly 4 months, my breasts were sore, but I could deal with that. I spotted for the first month, but I could deal with that, too. I never had any nausea, weight gain, acne, hair loss, or skin discoloration. Now that I've gotten over the side effects, I'm pretty pleased and wouldn't want to switch."

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2008

For Birth Control "I'm 28 years old. I've been pregnant and delivered without complication. I have used birth control in the past but not for over 7 years. I just finished my first pack of Loestrin 24 Fe, I try to take it after 7 pm. I spotted twice and had a very light period for 3 days. I'm into pack 2, not pregnant (my goal), and I feel fine."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m on my third month of Loestrin, and so far I can’t complain much. It’s definitely improved my acne. I still get a few breakouts right before my period starts, but this is still a dramatic improvement from the pizza face I was dealing with before starting this pill. I’m also still spotting the week before my period, but it seems to be going away slowly. Other than that, no mood swings, my weight is still the same, and periods are lighter and shorter with minimal cramping. If things keep going the way they are, I’ll probably stick to this birth control."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2009

For Birth Control "People who are giving this a bad review either aren't letting it get into their system or are some of the few that will suffer from the side effects that come along with taking any medication. People who write a bad review saying they have only been on it for 6 weeks or a couple of months have not let their body adjust to a new pill. I have been on this pill for 6 months now and have no real complaints. In the beginning, I spotted here and there, and my period lasted longer than 4 days. It is better than bleeding for 6-7 days. Give it a chance."

• adh...
• May 13, 2010

For Birth Control "Well, this is the first month that I have been on Loestrin. I have not gotten any weight gain as with other methods of birth control. I also haven't had any bleeding or spotting between periods. The reason my doctor told me to start taking Loestrin was that I was on Yasmin, and that pill made me have more side effects than Loestrin. With Loestrin, my acne has not broken out, it actually helped me with that. This is my last week for my first pack, and I feel really good with it. Maybe the reason why everyone else is having problems with the pill is because they may take it during the day. My doctor recommended taking it during the night, that way, you won't experience that many side effects."

• Mim...
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for a month. I specifically asked my doctor for a low-dose pill because I have had really bad experiences with birth control in the past, from weight gain to ridiculous mood swings, PMS, my sex drive gone, to constant spotting. I am a healthy, slim, active 37-year-old. This pill is the BEST! It's like I am not on anything at all. I have not gained any weight. No acne, no mood swings, and my sex drive has increased, actually. The only reason why I can't give it a 10 is because it is a little pricey, and one thing I was not expecting was the boob growth! I was already a 32DD, and I am popping out of those bras already. My man is not complaining though...lol."

• Flo...
• April 30, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill worked well for me. I was first put on the pill to help heavy periods and for contraception. I’ve tried various brands with bad side effects until this one that I was on for 2 years. Loestrin really agreed with me! I didn’t get any spotting, no skin problems, and I found it easier to lose weight with a small amount of effort. It didn’t help much with my heavy periods, but no pill has. It was good being able to control when my period came. You have to be quite accurate with when you take it every day, though. You also have to give it about 4 months to settle. The mini pill before this was horrific. The mini pill gave me oily skin, acne, and greasy hair within hours of washing. Loestrin was a relief and stopped all those symptoms. I’ve now been off the pill for a year as I wasn’t having sex that much and wanted to see what I’m like natural after 10 years of various pill taking. It’s made me realize how much Loestrin helped with my skin and weight!"

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started Loestrin 24 Fe about two weeks ago, and ever since I have had random spotting at least once a day. It took away my cramps and pains from my period, but my period won't go away now. After I finish this pack, I'll see what happens and if I should switch or not."

• Bas...
• October 7, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've only been on Loestrin 24 Fe for a month now. The side effects I have been having are cramping. I also started spotting, and the cramps became a bit worse, where I had to literally curl in a ball because it hurt so bad, and I got a period that is just all clotting. I'm not sure if that's normal, but maybe my body is just getting used to it. I notice a little increase in my breast size, which is a plus for me. I will continue to take Loestrin with hopes that the cramping clears up and the clotting of my period, because it worries me. Has anyone else had these issues? I sure hope my body becomes used to it and all my symptoms go away."

• Anonymous
• August 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I'm currently at the end of my third pack of these, and so far, it's not so bad. This is the first time I've been on 'the pill.' The first two months, I had a bit of spotting, but I didn't get my period... so of course, I had a mini panic attack. I didn't notice much else, and the second month was the same. This last month, I noticed I did gain a couple pounds, but not much to worry about since it seems it mostly just went to my boobs and backside, can't say I mind too much. Also, the spotting has pretty much almost gone away, and I still haven't had my period. I know I can't be pregnant, seeing as I use other methods of contraception as well, but it would be nice to have at least a day's worth of a period to calm my nerves."

• Anonymous
• October 10, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I started this birth control about a month ago after bleeding non-stop for four months (have PCOS), and it stopped my bleeding immediately. However, in about the second week, I began having mild cramps and spotting brown. I missed the last pill of my third week and took it the next morning - and bam, there was the heavy bleeding again. The bleeding and clotting are awful. If the bleeding doesn't stop after I start my new pack, I think I'm going to switch. As for other side effects, none!"

• kia...
• January 8, 2011

For Menstrual Disorders "Before I buy a product, I research it. Unfortunately, when it came to looking for a birth control, the majority of the reviews for ones ranging from Yaz to Ortho Tri-Cyclen were negative, so I threw all caution to the wind and allowed my doc to fill a script for Loestrin 24 Fe. Ladies, prior to taking this pill, my periods ranged from 4-6 days and were very irregular with heavy bleeding (one time I bled through my jeans in class, ultra embarrassing). In addition, my symptoms consisted of diarrhea, nausea, lethargy, and severe cramps, which kept me in bed. The first 3 months taking Loestrin were difficult (spotting/mild cramps), but now I've been on it 5 years, and I haven't seen a sign of my old symptoms. Plus, my periods are light and short. I recommend."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I LOVE THIS! I have been on 2 other types of birth control before Loestrin, and they both made me a crazy person! I don't have any mood swings and haven't gained any weight, in fact, I've lost weight! The only negative thing I have to say is I'm pretty sure that it made my breasts bigger, but hubby isn't complaining. It can be pricey if you don't have insurance, but for me, it's worth it because I have zero side effects. The first month I had spotting, and now I get my period every month, it's very light and lasts 2-3 days. It's best to remember that every birth control is different for each individual. I was skeptical about trying Loestrin 24 when I read the reviews, but I tried it anyway, and I don't regret it!"

• TBa...
• June 9, 2010

For Menstrual Disorders "Last year, I went to the hospital for my cramps and heavy bleeding, and that's when the doctor prescribed me birth control. The first birth control I used was YAZ. YAZ got me moody, I was gaining weight in the first month and was on my period every day. The ads on TV scared my dad and told me I had to change. That's when the doctor prescribed Loestrin. I LOVE LOESTRIN! I lost weight on the pill, not moody, and I HAVE SLIM TO NONE PERIOD. I'm on the brown pill now, and I'm not on my period (just a little spotting). Everybody is different, so you got to find what's best for you, and Loestrin was GREAT for me."

• Anonymous
• February 19, 2012

For Acne "I have been on Loestrin for about 2 months now, and I am not satisfied with the results so far. I got on this pill to regulate my periods because I am 18 and wouldn't have a period for about 5 or 6 months apart, and the pill has somewhat regulated that, but my acne is absolutely horrible. I never had big problems with acne before, just little breakouts here and there before periods, but now I have horrible acne on my cheeks, and it's left brown spots behind. I am going to either get off the pill completely or change to another if it doesn't get better within the next 2 weeks. I have also gained 5 pounds and gone up a cup size."

• 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."

• ant...
• October 28, 2010

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been on Loestrin 24 for about 7 months now, and everything was fine until the 5th month. I've had dark spotting, bad cramps, and cystic acne on my back. Has made me feel anxious and hungry almost all the time, have gained weight, bad cramps, and the worst part is I have my period every 2 weeks for about 5 days, and it is heavy. I feel depressed, have mood swings, and some hair loss. Doctor has switched me to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and I will see how that goes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2012

For Endometriosis "I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for just over three years. I stuck with it so long because it made my cramps disappear, cleared up my face, and made my periods from hell go down to pretty much nothing. I still got them every month, which was good, but the one thing that bothered me a lot was spotting almost every month! It's driving me crazy. My doctor just put me on Sprintec, so we'll see if that helps."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

For Acne "Within the first month, I started getting incredibly emotional, moody, breast tenderness, and spotting. Not to mention, my acne is out of control. I usually get only one or two pimples, but now have seven huge ones on my face. Switching to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo... hope it makes my acne better."

• Lis...
• July 21, 2015

For Acne "I never break out ever (only when I was a teen). I always got compliments for my skin, and this has made me break out. I've been getting lots of leg cramps too and spotting all over my cycle. Emotionally, I'm about the same. I've never taken birth control, and I think from my experience on this it's not worth it."

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo when I turned 18; used it for about 3 years until my cycles started showing up whenever they wanted. My doctor switched me to Sprintec, which was a constant dose of hormone as opposed to the increasing dose like OTCL. Sprintec turned me into an absolutely CRAZY person; my emotions were out of control, and my doc seemed to think there was no problem at all. I took myself off of the meds for about 6 months trying to rebalance my system and found a new doctor. My new doctor diagnosed me with PCOS and suggested Lo Loestrin Fe. She told me there was a good chance that my period would go away entirely and asked if I was okay with that. BEST DECISION I EVER MADE! Spotted ONCE since starting it in Nov 2014--no more cycle!"

• Anonymous
• October 23, 2009

For Endometriosis "In 2007, I started with Loestrin 24, it worked for about almost two years in controlling the endometriosis pain. Then suddenly, the pain came back very strong, and I ultimately needed surgical laparoscopy. I spotted the entire time on Loestrin. Currently looking for another drug to prevent the endometriosis from coming back."

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 8 months. My hormones went crazy, and my boyfriend agrees. It has helped prevent pregnancy but gave me some spotting close to my periods if I maybe did not take it right on time. I like this birth control, but I may try a different one. I used to be such a laid-back person before this, but now I can be very moody. I did not gain any weight except for a small increase in cup size."