Loestrin 24 Fe and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• 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."

• Joa...
• December 2, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been on Loestrin 24 for about 4 years now, and I thought I would share my excellent experience on here, since no one usually goes on the internet to post about their good experiences! Loestrin is a miracle drug in my opinion. The 24-day regimen made a huge difference as opposed to a 21-day regimen. This means that there are only 4 placebo pills at the end of the pack instead of 7! My periods were reduced to almost nothing (but didn't completely disappear, for those that like the assurance of bleeding). I need one panty-liner a day for about 3 days a month. It's amazing! I never gained any weight, and I would say it helped my acne only a little bit - I get pimples no matter what I do. Try Loestrin! You won't regret it!"

• Anonymous
• September 1, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I just wanted to say that I love this birth control. Besides helping me with my cysts, it has given zero side effects. I tried Yaz before this one, and I felt like a monster! It gave me horrible mood swings, migraines, and I gained weight! Will never get off this Loestrin Fe 24. Remember that everyone's body reacts differently to the hormones in these contraceptives! Try it out before you decide on one, if you get a side effect, move on to a new one! Oh, and one thing, with this pill, I had breakthrough bleeding the first month only, and you MUST be very specific with the timing with this pill, and I get my period for 2 days only (which is also a plus)."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've read a lot of reviews on this birth control, and everyone writes negative reviews, so I'm going to give a positive one. I used to get very heavy 10-day periods before I went on this pill, and I am now down to light to moderate 4-day periods, and let me tell you, what a relief. I also used to get cramps so bad that sometimes I couldn't walk. Three months on this pill, and the cramps had gone. I was 23 with horrible acne. I had it everywhere: cheeks, forehead, but especially on my chin. Three months after starting the pill, and my skin cleared up tremendously. I hardly ever get a pimple, but when I do, it's usually a small one around the time of my period. I gained no weight, and my sex drive is as high as ever. I love this pill!"

• Jes...
• July 26, 2010

For Birth Control "I started Loestrin 24 about 5 months ago, and I LOVE it! My boyfriend and I regularly have unprotected sex, and it has done its job so far. The first month of taking Loestrin, I admit, was hell. I was not myself at all. However, I haven't gained any weight, and my periods are super light and last only about 2-3 days. After the first month, I was right back to normal. If a birth control pill, patch, or whatever doesn't feel great the first month, my suggestion is to stick it out until at least the third month because your body will eventually adjust. Also, because Loestrin is such a low dose of hormones, you MUST take it around the same time every day. If not, you will bleed a bit within like 8 hours of a missed pill, and it's annoying."

• Anonymous
• July 13, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started the pill after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome when I was 18. My doctor put me on Yasmin. I gained a lot of weight, and my cup size went from barely C to D/almost DD. I switched to Loestrin 24 FE to make my breast 'normal' size again. It worked, and I went back to my normal weight, too. The first month, I was spotty and moody; the pill timing is sensitive. But since then, everything has been smooth. I have a light period (only about 3 days) with minor cramps every month, which sure beats the inconsistent, week-long ones with heavy bleeding and paralyzing cramps that resulted from PCOS. Overall, after almost 3 years, Loestrin has worked great for me and made my menstrual cycle a breeze. As long as you are consistent, it should work fine."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I am not happy with this medication, Loestrin 24 Fe. I switched birth control pills as my last pill made me gain 10 lbs in a short amount of time. I lost it all after I went off that pill within a few months. After about 3 weeks on this particular pill, I knew it would be normal for my chest to be tender, and my body felt a mess, but I wasn’t expecting to develop acne on my jawline and neck, especially since I have never had acne before. My skin is now really oily when I typically have dry skin. I thought it was because of the time of year and its warmth, but I’ve never had this issue throughout my life, and I’m in my 30s. Here come to find out after looking online, it seems like other people have the same problem, glad to see this thread and to know I’m not the only one. I’m on my last pill, and I will not be taking this anymore. Hopefully, my skin clears up fast."

• cra...
• August 6, 2009

For Endometriosis "My doctor had me continuously take Loestrin 24 to stop having my period altogether (I have endometriosis), which was great! I was doing well, but then I started to feel weird after a while and had gained weight, so as an experiment, I stopped. I went right back to intensely painful and heavy periods, so now I am going right back on it."

• kar...
• December 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Loestrin 24 Fe for about five years. It's been my one and only birth control, but I can't complain. Many of my friends have had to change birth control, and I always recommend mine. It doesn't make you gain weight. Your period is very, very mild. From having my period for a week with severe cramping and heavy periods, I went to three days with very little bleeding and not much cramping. I recommend it! You won't regret it!"

• Rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I like this pill, Loestrin 24 Fe. I do not have mood swings, weight gain, or acne. So far, it has pretty much stopped my periods each month. I just get very, very light spotting for 2-3 days instead of a full-blown period. I've been on other pills, and I like this one better."

• 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."

• abt...
• February 5, 2010

For Birth Control "I am 24 and recently sought out a birth control pill because I will be getting married in March. I was put on Loestrin 24 back in December '09. Thankfully, I did not read all of the scary internet blogs until afterwards, or I probably wouldn't have tried it. I have not had mood swings (in fact, I feel I am a less moody person now). It is easy to keep up with, and seeing that I am a first-time BC user, I fell in love with knowing when my menstrual cycle would occur. The only negative side effects that have occurred since taking the pill: I gained 10 pounds the first two weeks of taking this pill. I've had a hard time shedding those pounds, but at least it has not increased as of yet. Secondly, my boobs hurt like crazy. I can hardly touch them, they are so sore."

• bet...
• October 20, 2010

For Acne "I am 17, and have tried a plethora of birth control pills all to try to help my acne. First was Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I tried it for a month and became depressed, so I stopped. Next was Yaz. It was amazing. My skin was crystal clear in 3 months, and even cystic acne on my back completely disappeared. The only problem: 10 pounds of weight gain after 6 months. I stopped Yaz and tried Alesse. It made me depressed. Next was Loestrin. I have been on Loestrin for 5 months now. For the first three months, my skin was perfect. I had no weight gain, and my boobs went up a cup size. After the third month, though, my acne came back. I just finished my last pack today, and I am going to try Kariva next. If that doesn't work, I am taking the risk and going to take Accutane."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2010

For Menstrual Disorders "I was taking Yaz for 3 years. My Ob/Gyn took me off and put me on this one. I have been taking it for 2 months, and until I came across this site, I wondered what was going on with my body! I have gained 15 pounds, no periods at all, bigger breasts, very bad headaches, anxiety, leg cramps, insomnia, and very moody. I feel like a whole different person, and I don't like it. I loved Yaz. I was taking a birth control to help my never-ending periods but have decided I don't like what this pill is doing to me, and I don't plan on taking it anymore."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I had nothing but wonderful experiences with Loestrin. No breaking out, weight gain, loss of sex drive, or mood swings. I did get pregnant on this birth control after about 7 or 8 months.... however, I did miss two days of it due to running out and my pharmacy being closed over the weekend. So be very careful to not miss a single day, and you should be perfectly fine. It definitely helped with my endometriosis pains. I stopped taking it for a few months and had to miss work each month because the pains were so awful. I got back on to it ASAP and do not experience those anymore. 10/10 recommend this birth control."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2011

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This is my 4th month on Loestrin 24 to control 'flooding' and premenopause symptoms. I feel like I have my life back! The first month I had a fairly heavy period, but not flooding. The second month was very light, the 3rd was just a little spotting. This month is fairly light. I can't believe I put up with the flooding for years! I was getting hormonal migraines several times a month, and since I've been on the pill, I've gotten them only under heavy stress or during the non-estrogen pill days. I also had several other premenopause symptoms (like brain fog, irritability) that have mostly disappeared in the last few months. I don't seem to have any negative side effects. No weight gain or mood problems that I didn't have before."

• bpq...
• April 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I started Loestrin 24 about a year and a half ago. I initially gained about 10 pounds and have consistently continued to gain weight. I look bloated most of the time and have also gotten cellulite, even though I am only in my twenties. I constantly have an appetite, and even though I exercise regularly, I cannot seem to lose the weight. However, the bright side is that my periods are non-existent, and I don't have cramping."

• Tyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2013

For Birth Control "Love this pill. I was on it for 2 years and decided to try other ones that were cheaper. Bad mistake! I never had any side effects from Loestrin, it was just pretty expensive. But after trying other ones, this one is the best out there. No bad acne. Short periods. No depression. No weight gain, which was great because as soon as I left Loestrin, I gained 15 lbs on my new pill. Horrible! I love, love this pill and am willing to pay 45 bucks because it makes me feel good!"

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2010

For Birth Control "I am almost done with my second pack of this birth control. Overall, I have NOTHING to complain about. I put on a couple of pounds, but I honestly would not blame that on the pill, besides the fact that it's my first year in college. Didn't worsen or better my skin and did not cause me ANY mood swings, and my sex drive is still intact, haha. The only thing I could probably say about it is that I will almost be a month late on my period, but as I've read other reviews, I hear that is normal, but I am not sure how comfortable I am with that. I would rather not have to have a mini panic attack every time I miss a period and wonder if I'm pregnant. But like I said, overall, pretty great pill!"

• mvc...
• December 3, 2009

For Birth Control "I am 22 years old and recently got married. I am so glad that I waited until after the wedding to start Loestrin. The side effects have been horrible. I knew there were some possible negative effects, but I seem to be experiencing them all! I have gained weight, am extremely tired all the time, and cannot ever seem to get enough rest. Also, I have absolutely NO motivation. I have lost interest in everything, including my husband! I have ZERO sex drive. I am constantly depressed and have severe and uncontrollable mood swings."

• Tar...
• August 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for 2 years now, and I love it. It is the only birth control I've ever been on, and it has not made me gain weight or any of the 'usual' side effects. The only thing I can say is that I don't like is that I don't get a period every month. It comes about every 3-5 months, which sometimes can be very frightening when you have an accident, and sometimes birth control does fail, but luckily Loestrin 24 hasn't failed me yet."

• 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."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I just started taking the pill almost two months now, and aside from certain downsides, I like it. My periods are so little it's basically only spotting, and I no longer have any cramps, which I am thankful for because prior I could barely move in peace with them. Only things that are deeply disturbing are the weight gain that I gained in such a small period of time, also, my breasts have become increasingly sore at all times of the day. I have mood swings every now and again, and in the beginning, I would get depressed very quickly, but that didn't last long. Hope it works for you."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Loestrin 24 for over three years, and it worked wonderfully with my period; after about two years, my period was so light that I rarely even got one, which was awesome. I also didn't experience any change in my sex drive. However, I accidentally went off of it about five months ago (due to a change in insurance, and I couldn't afford it), and after about three weeks of being off of it, I dropped ten pounds (which, while I was on the pill, I was never able to accomplish, no matter how hard I dieted) and found myself in a much more stable and elevated mood. I realized after the fact that, although the pill was great for doing what it was supposed to, it made me gain a ton of weight, and I was consistently mildly depressed."