Loestrin

[randoseru.livejournal.com]

So I went for my yearly pap (go me!) and was prescribed Loestrin. I have some concerns about it, given my negative bouts with BC prior. When I was without means of medical insurance, I sought female care through PP, and had been given OTC-Lo. Nutshell; it made me INSANE. Mentally, that is.

I made it very clear with my gyno that I most def need something low hormone, but not something too low- to where I wouldn't be protected against pregnancy. She didn't go into full detail of this particular BC, and that's why I'm here. I need specifics- such as:

Is it actually low hormone, and if, will I be protected against pregnancy?

Is it something meant for treating pre-PMS symptoms? (I forget the exact medical term.)

Is it relatively new to the market?

And this may come off as vain, but will it help with facial break-outs?

I'd be grateful if you'd all be so kind to share your past/present experiences taking this. Understandably so, not all people are the same, and it could affect me differently than some. But for curiosity's sake...


Thank you

Comments

[pretty492.livejournal.com]

I had the same problem with Ortho-Lo, made me crazy emotional. I am currently on Lo-Estrin/Lo-Ovral/Lo-Oogestral and it's working out for me really, really well.

[jewliejewels.livejournal.com]

i dont get emotional while on loestrin,nor do i get acne

only thing is my cramping is alot worser than when i wasnt on the pill,even if i take ibuprofen before i start my period and a few hrs after i take the first 4 pills of ibuprofen

also my gyno said i was supposed to have shorter periods,that hasnt happened yet

[5ampunkrock.livejournal.com]

If it's marketed as a birth control pill, it is effective against pregnancy. Hence, the name :) If it weren't, it wouldn't be called such and it would be illegal to be advertised as a pill to prevent pregnancy.

Loestrin has the lowest dose of hormones that is clinically proven to prevent pregnancy. Information about such things, as well as its release on the market, can be found at http://www.loestrin24.com/ (http://www.loestrin24.com/). Bear in mind that even "new" medications are tested for years and years before they're approved by the FDA, and that advances are made every year that improve medications, making them better, with fewer side effects, etc. So new doesn't necessarily mean bad or unproven.

Side effects vary from woman to woman and pill to pill, but I can tell you that OTC-Lo made me a nutcase, with horrible cramps. The gyno put me on Loestrin, and it's been wonderful. No cramps, in fact I haven't gotten a period since I started - the short placebo week isn't enough for me to bleed - and no babies. It also helps with my hormonal migraines. The only negative is that I've seen a drastic increase in my discharge. I thought it was a yeast infection but it never went away, no itching or anything else, and tests at the gyno came back negative for yeast. I attribute it to the pill. A relatively minor inconvenience compared to cramps and migraines, I must say!

[5ampunkrock.livejournal.com]

Oh, and I haven't had any problems with acne, though admittedly my skin was fine before I started. But FWIW it hasn't made my skin worse, if that means anything :)

[qadesh.livejournal.com]

I take Loestrin too, and the EXACT same side effects have happened to me. I have seen an increase in cramping, though, which sucks, but I deal.

[5ampunkrock.livejournal.com]

The discharge? Glad I'm not the only one! I thought I was crazy. But seriously, other than that it's been great for me, a drastic improvement over OTC-Lo which made me cry over EVERYTHING!

[qadesh.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm glad I'm not crazy either! It gets annoying, but at least it's only that - annoying.

I get mild crampy pains though, which really bothers me. It's a nice sign my pill is working, but I can't say I'm a big fan. They're really mild and I only notice them every now and then, but I worry about them when I'm under a lot of stress.

[tenna.livejournal.com]

I had the opposite side effect and have experienced decreased discharge with Loestrin (and other HBCs). I'm jealous! I miss being able to have sex without lube!

[tenna.livejournal.com]

Loestrin IS low hormone, but it still has a 99% effectiveness when used perfectly.

I was on Loestrin, and only switched to Yaz because it was cheaper on my insurance. Loestrin made me fairly weepy for the first month or two, but that cleared up. My boobs ached for awhile, but that disappeared after 3-4 months and now I just have a nice sensation and no more pain. It also did clear up my acne! I experienced MORE breakouts during the first few months as my body adjusted to the hormones, so keep that in mind. But I used to be acne ridden, and now rarely have a zit anywhere on my body. :)

[mysticalchick79.livejournal.com]

I was put on loestrin after i had my oldest child. While on it, i became pregnant with child #2. I chalked it up to misuse, and resumed using it after his birth. I got pregnant with child #3 while on it again! I know i used it meticulously the second time.

I never had any adverse side-effects from it. Aside from it not working to prevent pregnancy~

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

LoEstrin24, LoEstrin 1.5/30 or LoEstrin 1/20?

[twi-lek49.livejournal.com]

My personal experience with LoEstrin24 was extremely negative. My period was lengthy and erratic, and I gained ten pounds in the first two months. The worst, however, were the mood swings I experienced; I was angry and depressed nearly all the time. I switched to Yaz after three months, and haven't looked back.

Keep in mind, however, that every woman reacts differently to every pill. LoEstrin may work wonderfully for you, and it may not. It's certainly worth a try--you won't know for sure otherwise.