Loestrin 24

[Marie1234]

I have been on Loestrin for three months now and just started pack four yesterday. The first two months I had a three day period, both starting on a friday, and they seemed "normal". This past month, the third month, I did not start until Saturday but when I did start all seemed "normal". I did notice two or three clots when wiping but just assumed it was discarded uterus lining. I bled normally for that first day and then it just stopped by that evening and never started up again. NOw I know that Loestrin advertises that it is suppose to shorten periods but down to one day after being three days the previous two months? I still am bloated and crampy and it is Monday and I stopped bleeding by Saturday night. I was sick with a cold bug early in the month but did not take any antibiotics, just over the counter cold medicine which I was assured would not effect the birth control so I am assuming it may just havig something to do with my body being sick early in the month and stress. Or maybe the Loestrin is shortening it? Any ideas?

[alee]

Hi Marie. I have never taken loestrin, but a friend of mine has and she said that her periods are only one day as well. I know I'm not speaking from personal experience, but I wouldn't be too worried about anything. Of course stress can play a huge role in when your period starts and ends, but since loestrin is designed to shorten your periods even moreso than other birth control pills, I think what is happening is normal. I take birth control pills and I too get those little clots sometimes. I've never really thought too much about it, but I'm assuming it's pretty normal. Also, over the counter cold medicine shouldn't mess with your period, especially since you were assured that they wouldn't do so. I get the bloating and cramping too, so I don't think you are pregnant if that's what you were worried about. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind... how do you like loestrin? Are there any negative side effects such as weight gain, headaches, mood swings or acne? Just wondering as I am trying to change my birth control. Thanks!!

[Marie1234]

I was actually switched from yasmin to Loestrin because I started getting migraine headaches. Since starting the Loestrin three months ago I have not had another one. I also did not gain any weight, I actually lost some, but I have also been dieting a bit so that might have someting to do with it. I was around 120 pounds before starting the diet and am now around 113 pounds. I tried a progestrin only pill between the yasmin adn the Loestrin and that caused significant bloating to where my clothes would not fit and mood swings which is why I am now on the Loestrin. Since being on it I don't have bloating except around the time of my period as most people get anyway regardless and I am back to myself with no mood swings. The only thing I have noticed since starting the Loestrin is like the first couple of days after starting a new pack each month, I feel like I need to urinate more frequently, especialy in the evenings which is weird. It happened the last three months for the first couple of days in the new pack and then goes away until the next month. Weird. So other than that, it has been good to me. Especially if it really does go down to a one day period. It is Tuesday evening now and the bloating I wrote of yesterday has diminished.

[alee]

Thanks for your reply! I just have one other question... did loestrin affect your complexion at all? I'm worried about breaking out or getting terrible acne. Right now my face is completely clear, just with an occasional few that are mostly noticeable because I irritate them... I'm on cyclessa and I know that it contains one of the progestins known to be less androgenic. I just don't know too much about the norethindrone in loestrin. Thanks again!!

[Marie1234]

It has not effected my complextion at all. I have never really had a problem with acne before and I still don't since starting Loestrin.

[alee]

Thanks again. Oh I was wondering though if loestrin was designed specifically for women in their 40's? My friend who uses loestrin is in her 20's, but from some of the information I have found online, it advertises as though it is primarily aimed at women closer to menopause. Is this correct?