BirthControlBuzz Blog

Loestrin 24 Fe is a highly effective birth control pill with the lowest level of estrogen (20 mcg per pill) allowed. Birth control pills that contain less than 50 mcg of estrogen are considered "low" dose. Studies have found that lower dose birth control pills have been proven safer than higher dose birth control pills with fewer, less severe side effects. With Loestrin 24 Fe, your period starts later and bleeding is lighter, lasting on average, less than 3 days.

When taken properly, Loestrin 24 Fe is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Like all birth control pills, Loestrin 24 Fe prevents pregnancy by providing hormones (estrogen and progestin) that suppress ovulation and other related changes your body goes through in preparation for a pregnancy.

How does Loestrin 24 Fe work?

Loestrin 24 Fe provides 3 extra days of the active white pills, for a total of 24 instead of the usual 21. This gives you 3 more days of hormones, so your period starts later, is shorter, and bleeding is lighter. The remaining 4 brown "reminder" pills are iron supplements. They are included to get you into the routine of taking a Loestrin 24 Fe pill every day.

Are shorter periods ok?

Yes, for the majority of women, a shorter period is simply the result of the type of birth control pill they choose. All birth control pills prevent the production of a mature egg so there is less build-up of material for menstrual discharge than when an egg matures and is released.

The 3 additional days of hormones you take results in even less build-up of this material than with 21-day birth control pills. In other words, there is less monthly build-up so there is less menstrual flow. This results in a short period lasting, on average, less than 3 days, with less bleeding, too.

What are the most common side effects?

Just like other birth control pills, most of Loestrin 24 Fe side effects are not serious, usually subsiding or decreasing within the first 3 months of use. Side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses **

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you're over 35. Women who use birth control pills should not smoke. Some women should not use the Pill, including women who have or have had blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. Loestrin 24 Fe does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

**Correction made 01/10/08: wearing contact lenses changed to difficulty wearing contact lenses**

Stumble It!

posted by BirthControlBuzz @ 2:26 PM