Lo Loestrin Fe and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I started this pill to stop ovulation and hopefully regulate my PMDD. I was really hesitant because I've had terrible experiences with birth control in the past. Yaz, specifically, put me in a flat-out depression for 3 months. I've been on this BC for the last 3 months consistently, minus a week when breakthrough bleeding and cramping were causing issues that I stopped for 4 days to relieve. My moods are amazing. I haven't had a single outburst in the last 3 months. My sex drive is incredibly high, and my boyfriend is grateful. I feel like I have myself back and suggest it for anyone who's had problems with other birth controls."

• meo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I love this pill so much. I’ve never had such a good experience with birth control before. My side effect symptoms have been so small that I barely notice them, very little to no bleeding/spotting through the 2 months I’ve been on it, even in the starting weeks, which was always a huge problem for me on other forms of BC. My skin has cleared up, my libido has increased, no weight gain, no mood swings, no depression. The only negative I’ve noticed so far is my energy levels are sometimes pretty low. It’s important to remember when reading reviews that every woman’s body responds differently to BC, so don’t get scared from the bad reviews! You could be lucky and finally find the one that works perfectly for your body!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not base your opinion off of these reviews! It is important to remember birth control works differently for everyone. I was absolutely terrified to go on any type of birth control pill because I find myself prone to side effects with these things and was already having bad anxiety. Turns out this pill completely leveled me out. I haven't experienced any negative side effects at all except for the breakthrough bleeding (which is why I came on this site in the first place). Besides that, nothing. Try it! I feel as though my body actually really needed this since it seems as though it's actually leveled out my anxiety."

• Coc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Ladies, do not take this medication. The month I began this Lo Loestrin Fe pill, my life became a bit of a nightmare. The first month, I had spotting every other day, then a horrible yeast infection (my 1st one EVER) during my actual period in the fourth week. During the 2nd month, I had breakthrough bleeding every other day, a period the 2nd week, and another during the inactive week. My mood has been so high and low. I have no desire to have sex whatsoever. I honestly feel really crazy!!! No sleep, no eating, and an overall feeling of dread/failure/sadness. Almost finished with the 4th pack, and I lost count of how many blood-free days I've had because I've been bleeding ALL MONTH and not little droplets. I'm talking enough to wear a regular tampon. Officially done with this and going to just try the fertility awareness method because no BC seems compatible with my body :("

• Coc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Birth Control "Ladies, do not take this medication. The month I began this Lo Loestrin Fe pill, my life became a bit of a nightmare. The first month, I had spotting every other day, then a horrible yeast infection (my 1st one EVER) during my actual period in the fourth week. During the 2nd month, I had breakthrough bleeding every other day, a period the 2nd week, and another during the inactive week. My mood has been so high and low. I have no desire to have sex whatsoever. I honestly feel really crazy!!! No sleep, no eating, and an overall feeling of dread/failure/sadness. Almost finished with the 4th pack, and I lost count of how many blood-free days I've had because I've been bleeding ALL MONTH and not little droplets. I'm talking enough to wear a regular tampon. Officially done with this and going to just try the fertility awareness method because no BC seems compatible with my body :("

• Bnw...
• November 19, 2011

For Birth Control "I am very sensitive to hormones. This pill is great...no side effects. I am very active and in tune with my body. No weight gain, no acne, no bleeding, no change in libido. Great pill! Worth every cent."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Lo Lo for a year and two months, and it is great! This was my first experience with birth control pills, and it went perfectly fine. I used to have very bad/heavy periods, but now I get my period for maybe two or three days each month (no cramps!). My body did take a while to adjust, though, so I had breakthrough bleeding for the first 6 months or so. I had no other negative side effects other than maybe feeling way more emotional."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2024

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this for 2.5 months now and I’m absolutely loving it. I’ve had no negative side effects. I take it continuously so I never have a withdrawal bleed or any shifts in hormone levels from taking the iron/placebo pills. My mood has improved so much since not having a menstrual cycle and no PMS. No weight gain or appetite changes (if anything I have fewer cravings due to no PMS), my hormonal acne (which was out of control prior) has completely cleared, and I am loving life without a period. I’ve never been so happy with a medication and plan to take this for as long as I can. I will note that the initial first 10-14 days were rocky with breakthrough bleeding and moodiness, but I’m so happy I stuck it out. I haven’t had any breakthrough bleeding since then. I also take my pill every night at the same time by alarm and I believe this helps. Will update my review if anything changes."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm on my 9th month; just about 40 years old, given to me for severe cramps and horrible bleeding that has worsened over the past 2 years. My daughter is 15 and just started her first pack about 3 weeks ago. She has been sick more days than I can count, not sleeping well, lost 10 pounds, gets lightheaded often, nausea usually in the evening, as well as moody. She's had the breakthrough bleeding just like I did. What I noticed is when we talked is we've both been suffering from the lightheaded feelings quite often at any given time and any place. We both tend to feel tired at the end of most days; headaches and the nausea, as well with the light-headedness, seem to be the worst."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 26 years old and very sexually active with my partner. My doctor started me on this pill because of breakthrough bleeding I was having in between periods. I only tried this pill for 2.5 months and did not like it. I had breakthrough bleeding more often than before, extreme fatigue at the start of the 3rd month. I experienced extreme fatigue, dizziness, and normal period-like symptoms: heavy bleeding, painful cramping, and bloating when I wasn't supposed to be having a period. Also, sometime during the 2nd pack of pills, I had a horrible acne outbreak that I couldn't figure out. It was very frustrating that I was having so many in-between periods when that was the reason I started taking the pill."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I am 26 years old and very sexually active with my partner. My doctor started me on this pill because of breakthrough bleeding I was having in between periods. I only tried this pill for 2.5 months and did not like it. I had breakthrough bleeding more often than before, extreme fatigue at the start of the 3rd month. I experienced extreme fatigue, dizziness, and normal period-like symptoms: heavy bleeding, painful cramping, and bloating when I wasn't supposed to be having a period. Also, sometime during the 2nd pack of pills, I had a horrible acne outbreak that I couldn't figure out. It was very frustrating that I was having so many in-between periods when that was the reason I started taking the pill."

• Aba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2020

For Birth Control "After 3 different birth control pills, my OB decided to put me on low estrogen, so I got Lo Lo. I had gained about 20 pounds off of past birth controls - not directly from the pill, they just made me hungrier - but being on this pill, I've lost about 15 pounds of it. I’m less lethargic on this pill, and my sex drive has remained fine. The only negative is that if I miss a pill, even just for an hour or two, and take it the next morning, I bleed. But then I don’t get my period on my “period week.” Very strange, but it doesn’t cause too many problems because it’s extremely light when it does come. A little bit of breakouts here and there, but this is by far the best birth control I’ve been on, I feel more like myself on it."

• Bru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I started Lo Lo a month after a partial hysterectomy and cystectomy only to prevent more tumors. The first three months I had several side effects such as loss of appetite, acne, mood swings, and irregular bleeding. By my sixth month, my body adjusted well except I would get my period around the time I should be ovulating or the 2nd week of the pack for around 5 days. I stopped taking Lo Lo because of the irregular bleeding and because it did not help me prevent tumors. I have an 8 cm mass in my ovary. So, I will give Taytulla a chance. Praying all goes well. As with any medication, you have to allow time for your body to adjust. Be strong!"

• Odg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to this birth control from Yaz because my periods (although controlled) were still 7-8 days long and heavy. When I switched to this pill, I gained about 8 lbs, was intensely moody, and noticed my hair and skin became extremely oily. I was on it for 4 months, and it only got worse. I had breakthrough bleeding the entire time. The second month I was on it, I bled for 2 weeks straight. It was absolutely miserable. I know birth control affects every person differently, but this was AWFUL for me."

• You...
• August 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill on the first day of my period. My period lasted for a week like it normally does. I had sex 2 weeks into taking the pill. Then the next day, I started spotting. Then it turned into a full-blown period. So basically, in the 3 weeks I've been on the pill, I've been on my period twice. This period is really irritating. Or maybe because this is period #2 in 3 weeks. My breasts seem bigger. My weight is stable, but I am craving chocolate. No acne yet. Overall, I'm pissed. I started the pill for ovarian cysts and pain. But I'm still in pain and cramping, and most of all, I'm still bleeding."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I started taking this to control my periods and hopefully get some relief. I had taken this years ago, for a few months, and I didn’t have any issues... this time, however, was the opposite. I had so much breakthrough bleeding, legit getting my periods every 2 weeks type of thing. I pushed through taking it 3 months, on my fourth pack now, and I had my period on Jan 10 for 5 days. I got it again this past Friday, Jan 24. I had enough, it obviously isn’t working for me. My breasts got so tender and swollen, cramps didn’t get any relief, I’m super sensitive, I’m moody, and the bleeding alone was so uncomfortable. It wasn’t worth taking it. I’m trying a new birth control now, I had to call my doctor and ask for a change. I really don’t recommend. If it helps, I’m 25 and 170 lbs, no major health issues other than seasonal allergies."

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2011

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 4 months, and I really like it. The first month, I had some breakthrough bleeding, but that has gone away. Now I have no periods at all, which I don't mind. No weight gain or bloating. I have had some acne, but it is minimal. It is worth the $45 a month I am paying."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Would not recommend! This is my first birth control, and I’ve been on it for 3 months. I take the pill every day without skipping any days, and I have non-stop breakthrough bleeding. I started this pill to prevent pregnancy, but honestly, what’s the point if I can’t even have sex because I’m constantly bleeding? I’m also having terrible mood swings. I cry almost every day and have been feeling very depressed."

• JM2...
• February 10, 2015

For Birth Control "Took Lo Loestrin Fe for about 18 months - during the first month or two, I experienced some spotting and bleeding between periods, but after that, my period stopped completely. I didn't mind it, because I was very good at taking it at the same time every day. I went off the pill a month ago, and my period returned 5 weeks after stopping the pill."

• Ash...
• January 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried a low-dose generic for a few months, and it made me feel crazy. I switched to the name brand Lo Loestrin 3 months ago, and so far I love it! I've heard from several pharmacists that the ingredients are better quality when you do name brand. No breakthrough bleeding, period is very light when I take the placebo week, and so far, no weight gain! I have a bit of bloating, but nothing I can't control by staying hydrated and somewhat active :) The best part is that my sex drive has been THROUGH THE ROOF. Like, better than it was before starting the birth control! I love it. My only complaint is that it doesn't seem to help my ovarian cysts too much :/ I'm really hoping that I don't have to switch again. But overall, I love this bc!"

• hey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "This pill is horrible! I had been on a birth control for about 2 years before it that eventually gave me hyperpigmentation, so I switched to a lighter hormone. I have been taking Lo Loestrin for 3 months (going on my 4th), and I have not gotten my period yet (I’m not pregnant). I still break out during the time I would get my period. This month I had breakthrough bleeding, but it lasted one day. I am now working on switching pills, this was not the one for me and only made me feel like I had gained weight and lowered my self-esteem immensely."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2013

For Birth Control "I am in my last week of the 2nd pack. First, my period this month was only 3 days, which was awesome. I've never had a 3-day period before, EVER! However, the next week I had breakthrough bleeding for 11 straight days. The cramping was bad, and I had acne like crazy. I was supposed to have gotten my period yesterday, and it hasn't come yet, and I am never late. I know I'm not pregnant because I couldn't have any sex since I was bleeding nearly the whole month. I know I have to wait another month for everything to get normal. So let's just hope and pray for better results in the 3rd pack. Will update soon."

• chu...
• March 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for 3 months now. I started this pill after having the Mirena for 5 years and having little to no period a month. For the first month on this pill, I had a normal period, but the 2nd and 3rd month I have been having extremely heavy bleeding and blood clots. So far my periods are coming about every 5 days. On for 7 days, off for 5 days. I feel terrible. I feel tired, having diarrhea and headaches. My cramps are in my back and constant. And I am not sure if the pill is to blame, but I have been getting anxious and nervous a lot for no reason lately. I made up my mind to stop taking the pill and make a doctor's appointment. Hope this helps others."

• Ren...
• March 31, 2013

For Birth Control "I started this pill about 7 months ago. The first month, I was very moody. This went away by my second month. I've had mostly light periods that last 3-4 days, about two heavy periods, and these last two months, I've had hardly a period at all. I don't particularly like this because you can't tell if you're pregnant or not, but after reading all these reviews, it seems quite common. I am a perfect user, and when I'm not, breakthrough bleeding occurs. I would suggest taking this pill at night to combat nausea during the first month. Breast tenderness also occurred in the first month or so. No weight gain or appetite change. Cramps are lighter. My acne cleared up by month six. My sex drive and wetness are a bit lower, but nothing some lubricant can't fix."

• Jen...
• February 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I have a history of anxiety and depression and have been actively working toward losing weight, so I was fairly nervous about starting Lo Loestrin Fe. I had read many reviews here and saw that others experienced many difficult side effects. My first night, I experienced a severe mood swing. As soon as I realized that I had no idea how I had gotten so upset, though, it became easier to shake off. I'm one month in and have experienced some light breakthrough bleeding and sometimes have a hard time shaking off sad thoughts. But overall, I've been very pleased. No daily side effects, and I've continued to lose weight."