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October 24, 2006

Loestrin 24 Fe birth control pill.

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 2:26 pm

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**

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

278 Comments »

  1. Is it possible to use Loestrin 24 Fe as an emergency contraceptive pill?

    Comment by Anonymous — September 10, 2007 @ 10:17 am

  2. I couldn’t find any info on Loestrin 24 Fe being used as emergency contraception. However there are a number of other birth control pills that can be used like, Alesse, Levora, Triphasil, and Seasonique. They aren’t sold specifically as emergency contraceptive pills but are proven to be just as safe and effective.Of course there is always Plan B, which contains the hormone progestin. Plan B is the only product specifically approved and marketed as an emergency contraceptive pill. If you can talk with your doctor about your options that would be your best bet. :)

    Comment by Ashlynn — September 11, 2007 @ 8:29 am

  3. How can “wearing contact lenses” be considered a side effect of birth control? Just thought this was a little odd…

    Comment by Anonymous — January 10, 2008 @ 9:33 am

  4. Whoa! Thanks for noticing that! I obviously need to proof-read my posts a little better :-)

    Comment by Ashlynn — January 10, 2008 @ 10:28 am

  5. I’ve been taking this for 2 months and I can’t wear my contacts anymore due to extremely dry eyes. I’m also losing A LOT of hair. And I have spotting nearly every day.

    Comment by Anonymous — July 1, 2008 @ 10:35 pm

  6. Birth control pills can cause fluid build up in the cornea of your eyes, changing the shape or size of your eye so the contact lenses don’t fit as well as they used to.

    Comment by Kim — September 1, 2008 @ 9:05 pm

  7. I’ve been using Loestrin 24 Fe for 2 years now. I’ve noticed months back around the time of my period I get extremely irritaded and annoyed at the smallest things. I just thought it was normal, but now I think it may be partically due to the birth control pill. Do you know if Loestrin 24 Fe causes mood swings?

    Comment by Anonymous — September 10, 2008 @ 9:33 am

  8. Common Loestrin 24 FE side effects may include:- mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;- breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;- freckles or darkening of facial skin;- increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;- changes in weight or appetite;- problems with contact lenses;- vaginal itching or discharge;- changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or- headache, nervousness, dizziness.I couldn’t find anything about mood swings but side effects other than those listed above can occur.

    Comment by Ashlynn — September 10, 2008 @ 9:52 am

  9. I used Loestrin for about a year. I really didn’t like it. I’m 23 and never really had problem skin until I got on this pill. I switched to YAZ. I’m liking it better, however, I’m beginning to lose faith in all of these pills.

    Comment by Anonymous — September 17, 2008 @ 11:08 pm

  10. uhh i need help! im on loestrin and im on my second pack. i started it the first sunday after my period was over. and a week later after taking it i got my period again. about 2 weeks later i got to the sugar pills { the brown ones} and i didnt recieve my period and im already on the 2nd week of the 2nd pack. is this normal?!

    Comment by Anonymous — October 6, 2008 @ 8:51 pm

  11. I am to the last two brown pills in my first pack and ready to start new pack on Sunday. Since I have started taking this I have spotted the whole time and then bled. Is this normal? I get so frustrated with having to wear a pad for 20 some odd days…where is the 3 day period at??? Is it on the horizon???

    Comment by Anonymous — October 16, 2008 @ 7:31 am

  12. Spotting is quite normal for first time users of the pill; your body needs time to adjust to the hormones. This side effect should clear up within the first 3 months of use.

    Comment by Ashlynn — October 16, 2008 @ 8:16 am

  13. Although I can’t gaurantee the 3 day period is on the horizon, it should be. I have been on Loestrin 24 for almost a year now and it took more like 4 months for my body to get used to it and I still have some stomach issues and breast tenderness. However, my periods did eventually even out and my cramps stopped completely. My period is extremely light and short now. I would not reccomend this pill if you want to skip periods here and there though. Throwing it off by skipping or postponing a period is almost as bad as starting over.

    Comment by Anonymous — October 21, 2008 @ 4:43 pm

  14. I am on my first pack of pills. I am at the end the end of my third week taking them, and I JUST realized that I took the brown “sugar” pill last night, which is right below the WHITE pill, which is the one I should have taken. what do i do???

    Comment by JT — October 22, 2008 @ 3:31 pm

  15. I am not having a period at all since starting on Loestrin 24 Fe, I have missed 2 periods and am closing in on missing my 3rd. I have taken them everyday(haven’t missed one pill and I take them at the same time everyday) Any one else having this problem.

    Comment by Anonymous — November 9, 2008 @ 7:42 pm

  16. im so nervous im suppost to take this pills but i gain weight with provera i was 120 now i weight 160 im only 5’2 im gonna start looking like a cow please let me know .but i need the estrogen in my body thanks.

    Comment by Anonymous — November 24, 2008 @ 1:18 am

  17. Ive been on LoE24 for a few years now, Is it still affective against pregnancy?

    Comment by Anonymous — December 22, 2008 @ 9:38 pm

  18. I had to take several antibiotics at once, 4 of one kind, 4 of another kind, and one flagyll. I was expecting my period a week later. Nothing has come and I am a bit nervous. Does taking that many antibiotics affect my period, such as, push it back?

    Comment by Anonymous — January 6, 2009 @ 1:20 pm

  19. i realized the other day that after my family catching a virus we were all sick with fever and nausea ..i am on birth control pills and i was on my 2nd week at the time.. but i was wondering if my pill would still be affective after vomiting?

    Comment by Anonymous — January 19, 2009 @ 7:37 pm

  20. I’ve been on this pill for abt 8 months I rly have no side affects at all just I hardly bleed when I’m on the brown pills I start my pills on Mondays therefor the first brown one is on a Thursday and I dont start bleeding till late Saturday or sunday ad its just a little bit like a very small amount is that healthy? I thought maybe its because of my size I’m 5′ an weigh 101 lbs culd that affect me more? And before I started takin the pill my periods only lasted like 4 days so maybe with my normal cycle and the pills I dont hardly bleed at all? I’m confused

    Comment by Anonymous — January 29, 2009 @ 10:54 pm

  21. I’ve been on loestrin for like only a couple weeks because i switched from Yaz because i was taking Yaz and wellbutrin and buspar and that caused alot of irratableness and anger because my body seems to react horribly to everything. But since i’ve been on it i’ve had horrible stomach cramps, and i’m always bloated and i feel like i’m bloating more and more in the stomach. I havent gained weight but my stomach seems to getting more bloated everyday.Please tell me what i should do.

    Comment by Anonymous — March 7, 2009 @ 5:39 pm

  22. i used loestrin 24 for over a year with no side effects. my cycle shortened to 3 days and was extremely light (which was normal according to my doctor). i switched to the nuvaring for convenience. i have been on it 5 months and experienced weight gain and irritability. needless to say i’m switching back to loestrin 24 asap.

    Comment by Anonymous — March 28, 2009 @ 9:49 am

  23. I’ve been on Loestrin 24 Fe for a year now, and haven’t had a period since my first pack. It made me nervous, so I went to see my doctor after missing 4 months – she said its a common side effect of this pill and not something to worry about. I have to admit I enjoy never having to buy a tampon or worrying about when I’m going to start. I do buy a pregnancy test every 2-3 months, just to make sure.

    Comment by Anonymous — May 11, 2009 @ 6:39 pm

  24. I have been taking Loestrin for a little under 2 years. However I stopped a month ago because I couldn’t get a refill until the following 2 weeks. Now back on Loestrin for 2 weeks, I had sex with my boyfriend of 4 years last night and there was an ejaculation accident and i’m wondering if I’m protected or if I should go buy Plan B just in case. Please let me know. Thank you! :)

    Comment by Anonymous — May 26, 2009 @ 10:09 am

  25. can you start taking Loestrin 24 with out starting you’r period?

    Comment by Anonymous — May 30, 2009 @ 8:20 am

  26. I just started taking Loestrin 24 Fe after what i thought was my period(may have been from my hymen)and now a week later i have it again. Is that normal? I'm a little freaked out.

    Comment by Anonymous — June 27, 2009 @ 4:34 pm

  27. JT said… I am on my first pack of pills. I am at the end the end of my third week taking them, and I JUST realized that I took the brown "sugar" pill last night, which is right below the WHITE pill, which is the one I should have taken. what do i do???Dear JT,Double up on the white pill and then continue on your pack as you normally would.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:31 pm

  28. Anonymous said… I am not having a period at all since starting on Loestrin 24 Fe, I have missed 2 periods and am closing in on missing my 3rd. I have taken them everyday(haven't missed one pill and I take them at the same time everyday) Any one else having this problem.Dear Anonymous,When you miss your period, take a pregnancy test just to be sure. Go see your doctor and get examined to make sure everything is okay.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:32 pm

  29. Anonymous said… im so nervous im suppost to take this pills but i gain weight with provera i was 120 now i weight 160 im only 5'2 im gonna start looking like a cow please let me know .but i need the estrogen in my body thanks.Dear Anonymous,Weight gain is a side effect for birth control. You can go off this pill and try another one.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:33 pm

  30. Anonymous said… Ive been on LoE24 for a few years now, Is it still affective against pregnancy?Dear Anonymous,If you are continuously taking it every day at the same time every day, it should be working.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:34 pm

  31. Anonymous said… I had to take several antibiotics at once, 4 of one kind, 4 of another kind, and one flagyll. I was expecting my period a week later. Nothing has come and I am a bit nervous. Does taking that many antibiotics affect my period, such as, push it back?Dear Anonymous,Are you on birth control? If you are, antibiotics will interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control so you need to use back up contraception (ie.condoms) if you are taking antibiotics. If you are not on birth control, go see a doctor about your missed period.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:37 pm

  32. Anonymous said… i realized the other day that after my family catching a virus we were all sick with fever and nausea ..i am on birth control pills and i was on my 2nd week at the time.. but i was wondering if my pill would still be affective after vomiting?Dear Anonymous,Your pill will not be as effective after vomiting. Use back up contraception (ie. condoms).

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

  33. Anonymous said… I've been on this pill for abt 8 months I rly have no side affects at all just I hardly bleed when I'm on the brown pills I start my pills on Mondays therefor the first brown one is on a Thursday and I dont start bleeding till late Saturday or sunday ad its just a little bit like a very small amount is that healthy? I thought maybe its because of my size I'm 5' an weigh 101 lbs culd that affect me more? And before I started takin the pill my periods only lasted like 4 days so maybe with my normal cycle and the pills I dont hardly bleed at all? I'm confusedDear Anonymous,Being on the pill sometimes do mean lighter periods. If you are worried, talk to your doctor and or take a pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:39 pm

  34. Anonymous said… I've been on loestrin for like only a couple weeks because i switched from Yaz because i was taking Yaz and wellbutrin and buspar and that caused alot of irratableness and anger because my body seems to react horribly to everything. But since i've been on it i've had horrible stomach cramps, and i'm always bloated and i feel like i'm bloating more and more in the stomach. I havent gained weight but my stomach seems to getting more bloated everyday. Please tell me what i should do.Dear Anonymous,Because you just started loestrin, bloating is a common side effect. Wait one or two more months and see if it will go away, if not discuss it with your doctor and see if he/she will prescribe you to a different BC.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 12:46 pm

  35. Anonymous said… I have been taking Loestrin for a little under 2 years. However I stopped a month ago because I couldn't get a refill until the following 2 weeks. Now back on Loestrin for 2 weeks, I had sex with my boyfriend of 4 years last night and there was an ejaculation accident and i'm wondering if I'm protected or if I should go buy Plan B just in case. Please let me know. Thank you! :) Dear Anonymous,Just to be safe, you can buy Plan B and then get a pregnancy test two weeks later to see if you are pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 2:21 pm

  36. Anonymous said… can you start taking Loestrin 24 with out starting you'r period?Dear Anonymous,There are three ways to start the pillSunday Start, First-day Start, and Quick Start.If you do not want to do the Sunday start (starting the pill on the first sunday of your period) or the First day start (starting the pill on the first day of your period), the Quick Start is the method where you start the pill without starting your period. With the quick start method, your period may be delayed until you stop taking the active pills. There is no increase in spotting or breakthrough bleeding with this method.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 2:25 pm

  37. Anonymous said… I just started taking Loestrin 24 Fe after what i thought was my period(may have been from my hymen)and now a week later i have it again. Is that normal? I'm a little freaked out.Dear Anonymous,Your body is adjusting to the new hormone levels, and you should be normal again on the third or fourth month of being on the pill.

    Comment by Janine — June 30, 2009 @ 2:27 pm

  38. I just finished my first pack, and I have two questions: 1. I might have accidentally missed my brown pill last night, and taken two tonight. Is that alright?2. I haven't had my period. A little spotting, but no sign of the actual period itself. I've heard that this is a common worry with this specific pill, and I know that I've used contraception every single time, and haven't missed a pill. I was wondering if this was something common with this pill or not.

    Comment by Anonymous — August 12, 2009 @ 11:02 pm

  39. Dear Anonymous,The answer to your first question is yes. If you ever forget a pill, take two the following day. You can space it out and take one in the morning and then the other one at night so you won't get nauseated. The answer to your second question: When you first start birth control, your body usually takes 3 months to adjust to the pill. A bit of spotting instead of your usual period is common.

    Comment by Janine — August 13, 2009 @ 9:18 am

  40. I've been taking Loestrin 24 Fe for almost a year now and have been having my regular period on schedule every month in addition to another period during the brown pills. Is it possible that this pill isn't working for me? Also if I happen to get pregnent while taking these pills (if they aren't working) will that cause harm to the baby? Any help appreciated.

    Comment by Jessica — October 12, 2009 @ 2:24 pm

  41. Dear Jessica,Birth control is supposed to control your ovulation so that you would have your period once a month when you are on your sugar pills (brown pills). In other words, birth control is supposed to regulate your period so you would have it during your sugar pills.It is definitely not normal to have two periods while on your birth control. See your doctor about this. If you are pregnant, the birth control may cause birth defects. If you are not pregnant, your doctor will most likely prescribe you to a higher dose birth control.Keep us updated with which birth control your doctor prescribes to you.

    Comment by Janine — October 14, 2009 @ 11:26 am

  42. CAN LOESTRIN 24 FE CAUSE A YEAST INFECTION?

    Comment by Anonymous — October 17, 2009 @ 5:28 am

  43. Dear Anonymous,I don't think the loestrin 24fe birth control causes yeast infection. We have a blog entry about yeast infection you might wanna check out. http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/blog/2008/12/what-is-yeast-infection.html

    Comment by Janine — October 20, 2009 @ 7:10 am

  44. I just started Loestrin 24 and so far I dont like it. I have been bloated and feel like a mess! I had a crying episode the other night over the littlest thing. My husband must think im crazy! I dont know what to do. Get off the pill?

    Comment by Anonymous — November 14, 2009 @ 5:10 pm

  45. Dear Anonymous,A lot of women experience side effects in the first 3 months of taking birth control pills. The side effects usually goes away after the 3rd month. It is recommended for you to stay on for 3 months. If you can not stand the side effects anymore, talk to your doctor to see if you can try a different type of birth control.

    Comment by Janine — November 16, 2009 @ 10:05 am

  46. I am getting ready to start using this pill for the first time. I have never taken "the pill" before. I was wondering once you are done with a pack when should my period start? Does it start during the extra brown pills or once I have started my second pack?

    Comment by Anonymous — December 1, 2009 @ 9:13 pm

  47. Dear Anonymous,Normally, girls who are taking birth control for the first time won't get their period until the second or third month because the body is trying to adjust to the birth control pill. You should get your period when you are taking the brown pills because they are inactive pills.

    Comment by Janine — December 2, 2009 @ 10:51 am

  48. I have been taking LoEstrin FE for going on three months now. I have not had a menstral cycle for two months, and the third month was very light (actually very brown and clumpy lasting about 2 days). I have taken numerous pregnancy tests (every month I don't have a menstral cycle), and I have seen my OBGYN my second month of missing a period…all tests are negative. My doc says it's the birth control. But I need to know…is anyone else having this problem? Thank you

    Comment by JESSICA — December 7, 2009 @ 10:58 am

  49. Okay so I've been on Loestrin for almost a year now and I just started having the strangest issues with my body. I am not sexually active, but the last two times I have had a small period that has lasted for 3 days that usually end up a dark brown color. I dont know if its the cause of stress but I am worried since the previous periods were 3-5 days.

    Comment by Anonymous — December 9, 2009 @ 2:33 am

  50. Dear Anonymous,You shouldn't be worried that your periods are getting shorter or lighter. As mentioned on the blog post, "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."

    Comment by Janine — December 9, 2009 @ 9:49 am

  51. Ok so i'm really scared. i began using loestrin on a random sunday like my doctor told me to. I didn't experience any spotting or cramping until the end of the month which is the time where i would've gotten my period regularly (had i not been on the pill). However, it wasn't just spotting, it was a regular seven day flow. While I was menstruating, my boyfriend ejaculated inside of me without a condom and my period ended two days before the placebo or brown pill. now that i'm on the placebo pill, i'm just spotting. could i be pregant? how long should i have waited before he ejaculated inside of me? my doctor told me two weeks and it was fine.

    Comment by Anonymous — December 10, 2009 @ 2:22 pm

  52. Dear Anonymous,How long were you on the pill for? If you have been on the pill for more than 2 weeks, you should be protected like your doctor said. Just in case, you can take a pregnancy test if you want.

    Comment by Janine — December 10, 2009 @ 3:19 pm

  53. I have taken Loestrin 24 Fe for 2 1/2 months. I did not have a period at all. I stopped it because my emotions were a complete mess. I stopped 1/2 way through a pack. It has been almost 2 weeks and I have not bled yet. Should I be worried. My tubes are tied so I am not worried about being pregant but I thought I would have bled by now.

    Comment by Shelly — February 15, 2010 @ 8:46 am

  54. Dear Shelly,It may be because your body is adjusting to you stopping the pill. Wait until the next time you are supposed to have your period. If you did not get your period the following month, see your doctor.

    Comment by Janine — February 15, 2010 @ 9:32 am

  55. i started taking loestrin24 16 days ago. yesterday i had sex and the condom broke and i have been ejaculated in. am i safe?

    Comment by Anonymous — February 15, 2010 @ 11:13 am

  56. I started taking loestrin for the first time..its been about 2 weeks and i got my period is that normal?

    Comment by Anonymous — March 12, 2010 @ 8:01 pm

  57. Anonymous said…i started taking loestrin24 16 days ago. yesterday i had sex and the condom broke and i have been ejaculated in. am i safe?Dear Anonymous,You should be protected if you did not miss any pills. Just in case, wait for your period when it is supposed to arrive. If you don't get your period take a pregnancy test and see a doctor.Goodluck

    Comment by Janine — March 15, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

  58. Anonymous said… I started taking loestrin for the first time..its been about 2 weeks and i got my period is that normal?Dear Anonymous,Did you miss any pills? Is this the time you are supposed to be getting your period before you were on the pill? Every girl reacts to the birth control pill differently. Normally you do not bleed unless you missed a pill. It could also be that your body is adjusting to the pill. Continue taking the pill until your next period is supposed to come (when you are taking the brown pills). If your period comes during the brown pills then you should be fine.

    Comment by Janine — March 15, 2010 @ 12:46 pm

  59. I've been on Loestrin 24 for about 3 weeks now. Im on the 3rd row of white pills and I started bleeding this morning.Is that normal?

    Comment by Anonymous — March 18, 2010 @ 11:50 am

  60. How many loestrin 24 pills can be taken for emergency contraception?

    Comment by Freaked:/ — June 21, 2010 @ 2:51 pm

  61. Dear Freaked:/

    I don’t think you can take loestrin 24 as emergency contraceptives. Talk to your doctor about getting the Plan B.

    Janine

    Comment by Janine — June 25, 2010 @ 10:54 pm

  62. My doctor switched me from Necon 1/50 to Loestrin 24 FE after I kept experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms from the really high dose of hormones being used to treat my irregular excessive bleeding but no positive pregnancy tests. I am 2 days late for my period this month and had some spotting like I was about to start but the spotting has stopped all together along with what little cramping I had. I’ve also had nausea all day long for about the past week and a half and yet again, pregnancy tests are coming back negative so far. I’m on the brown inactive pills of my first pack. How common of a problem is this, especially for someone going from such a high dose of birth control to a really low dose? Should I keep hoping for my period to show or is pregnancy a serious concern at this point? Desperately needing answers to end my confusion and uncertainty. Thanks!

    Comment by Curious — June 26, 2010 @ 5:20 am

  63. Dear Curious,

    When switching to a new birth control, you may experience weird symptoms for the next 3 packs of your new birth control. Your body is adjusting to the new pills and the symptoms you are experiencing is common in the first three months of trying out a new pill. After 3 months in the new pill, if you are still experiencing all the symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.

    Comment by Janine — June 29, 2010 @ 6:28 pm

  64. I have been on Lo24 for five months now. I am on the second week of pills but have been travelling these last two weeks and haven’t taken the pill at the same time everyday. Usually within a an hour or two though. But five days ago I was about nine hours late taking it and now I have been spotting ever since. Is that normal? Just wondering.

    Comment by Sara — July 6, 2010 @ 3:18 am

  65. Dear Sara,

    Whenever you stop taking the pill, you will begin to spot. That is totally normal. Double up the next day and the spotting should go away.

    Comment by Janine — July 13, 2010 @ 9:36 am

  66. I’ve been on Loestrin for almost a year now, I was hoping it would regulate because after the move back and fourth to college my body went crazy.It helped for the first few months but being on the low end of my weight class and running four-five time a week has made my period non-existant, not that I’m complaining, but I know this can’t possibly be good. I am returning to my doctor within the week but is switching totally necessary if I feel great? And could this only be a problem because of the exercise?

    Comment by Jaye — July 15, 2010 @ 10:21 am

  67. Dear Jaye,

    Not having your period is not entirely wrong. We wrote a post about the pros and cons of not having your period, you should check it out http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/blog/2010/01/is-it-best-for-you-to-get-rid-of-your-period.html Other than the fact that you are not getting your period, if you are not experiencing any side effects, you should definitely stay with Loestrin. Since you are meeting with your doctor later in the week, you should talk to your doctor about your exercises and how you think it may be effecting your periods.

    Comment by Janine — July 16, 2010 @ 12:21 pm

  68. I am on my seventh week of taking loestrin 24 and have had my period almost every other week since starting. I have not missed a single pill and take my pill within an hour of the same time everyday. This is not just breakthrough bleeding it has been a full 7-9 day period with all the syptoms of a period (cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, etc.). I have just started bleeding again even though I just stopped bleeding three days ago. Is this normal? I was under the impression that this pill would lighten my periods, but they only seem to have gotten worse, and I am really frustrated!! Thanks for any insight you can give me.

    Comment by Rachel — July 26, 2010 @ 6:05 am

  69. Dear Rachel,

    Bleeding every other week since starting the pill is not normal. Check with your doctor and see if she/he can prescribe you to a different pill.

    Comment by Janine — July 26, 2010 @ 9:48 am

  70. I have been taking Loestrin for two months now. Do you have to wear other forms of contraceptives during the four brown pills? I just finished my second pack and had took the first active pill of my third and had sex that same night. Am I protected?

    Comment by Megan — July 31, 2010 @ 8:45 am

  71. i had unprotected sex a week and a half ago..our doctor said to take the forgotten one and the one for that day after and I would be okay..But should I trust his opinion? Can it abort the baby if I took it right after?

    Comment by jenni — August 2, 2010 @ 3:33 am

  72. Dear Megan,

    Yes you are protected, but you can always use condoms to also protect yourself form HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.

    Comment by Janine — August 3, 2010 @ 11:22 am

  73. Dear Jenni,

    This all depends on how long you’ve been on the pill for and if you have been diligently taking the pill everyday. Since it has been over a week and a half ago since you had unprotected sex, wait for your period to come this month. If it doesn’t come, then go see your doctor for a pregnancy test. If you do get your period, then you are fine.

    Comment by Janine — August 3, 2010 @ 3:41 pm

  74. I just dropped an active pill. Couldn’t find it so I took the next pill in the pack. If I miss the last active pill before the brown pills start can I still get pregnant?

    Comment by Lady K — August 14, 2010 @ 6:17 pm

  75. Dear Lady K,

    When you start your brown pills you should be expecting your period. If you decide to have sex before your period comes and while you are on brown pills, make sure you use back up contraception such as condoms and or spermicide. Once your period is over and you start your new pack of pills, continue taking those pills until your next set of brown pills (also when you get your period again). If you don’t get your period, take a pregnancy test. If you do get your period, you did not get pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — August 16, 2010 @ 1:55 pm

  76. I’m on my second week of my 5th pill pack. Before i started this pill i had 5-8 day mnonster periods in which i was lucky to make a super tampon last for 3 hours. Now my last period was 3 days and very light. I hardly or didn’t bleed at night. Is this normal? Should i be worried or am i just not used to such a light period after having such heavy ones?

    Comment by worried — August 18, 2010 @ 3:05 pm

  77. Dear Worried,

    Your body is probably now used to the pill and your periods are now becoming more lighter. As long as you are getting a period, light or heavy, you are fine. That way you know you’re not pregnant :) If this light period still worries you, check in with your doctor who prescribed you the pill. He/she would probably be able to re-ensure you that you are fine.

    Comment by Janine — August 19, 2010 @ 11:04 am

  78. Hi, im 23, i just had two very early-stage surgical abortions, barely three months apart despite using a condom+spermicide carefully everytime. i definitely wish to have a baby but 3 years down the line. My doctor will prescribe Loestrin starting next week.
    My hormones are all instable following the two pregnancies and i am afraid loestrin will cause worse hormonal moodswings. Also i wear contact lenses, can anyone shed light about Loestrin’s effect on that. Lastly, i am not looking to reduce the bleeding period while on placebo, so apart from reducing bleeding, what other benefit does the 24 day version have over the 21 day version of Loestrin. Which version should i go for??

    Comment by Confused — August 19, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

  79. I have been on this pill for 3 months. Barely have had periods. Last month and this month, I’ve noticed around day 5-8 I am so extremely nauseous. In fact, last month I took a pregnancy test because of how light the period was and because I felt just like I did when I was pregnant! And when I have my “period” no red blood, just brown. I am most concerned about the nausea…..is this normal? I have 3 kids and really can’t cope with 3-4 days of nausea!! Help?!

    Comment by SOO nauseous — August 20, 2010 @ 3:14 pm

  80. hi ive been on loesterin24fe way back in march so its 6 months… every 1st week of the month i have my period.. then suddenly around august 2-3 i dont have my period.. is this normal? cause its my 1st time missing it.. anf its freaking me out.

    Comment by sheena — August 21, 2010 @ 6:54 pm

  81. I’ve been on Loestrin 24 for about a month. I just started the brown “reminder” pills and I was wondering why they don’t have hormones in them. Does this change the effectiveness of the pill for contraceptive? I guess it obviously doesn’t but I don’t understand that. Why is the pill structured like this?

    Comment by Lauren — August 28, 2010 @ 3:03 pm

  82. Hi Confused,

    To answer your first question. Contact lenses shouldn’t have any effect on you if you are on the pill except that it can cause dry eyes, but this really depends on the person. I’m also on the pill and I wear contact lenses and i don’t notice my eyes very dry. If you notice that your eyes are really dry from being on the pill, you can meet with your optometrist and see if he/she can recommend you to a more moisturizing contact lens. Check out one of our older blog post explaining concerns on contact lenses and birth control pills.

    For your second question, since you are experiencing all the hormonal changes, going on birth control will normalize your hormones and of course, birth control which is something you should get on. The difference between the 24 day and the 21 day is that you will get a period for only 3 days in the loestrin 24 day instead of getting your period for 7 days in the loestrin 21. Some girls are not used to having short periods so they choose loestrin 21 day instead of the 24 day. It really depends on the person whether or not they want a long or a short period. There is an option.

    Comment by Janine — August 30, 2010 @ 12:40 pm

  83. Dear SOO Nauseous,

    Nausea is a very common side effect and it should go away soon now that you are finishing your 3rd month. If it continues over the next few months, talk to your doctor about switching the pill because being very nauseated for 3-4 consecutive days can be very uncomfortable.
    For your second concern, every girl experience different effects from the pill, some girls have heavier but regular periods and whereas others don’t even have periods at all for the first 3 months of being on the pill. As long as you are taking the pill on time every day diligently, you are 99% protected from pregnancy and that you don’t have to worry that you may be pregnant. If you are not diligent in taking the pill everyday then the effectiveness of the pill reduces down to 95%. Whenever you are concerned, take a pregnancy test, just in case.

    Comment by Janine — August 30, 2010 @ 2:19 pm

  84. Dear Lauren,

    I’m surprised you do not know because normally before doctors prescribe birth control to anyone, they usually explain to the patient how the pill works. Well the reminder pills are brown and have no hormones in them because it is the last week of your pills and that is when you are supposed to get your period.

    Comment by Janine — August 30, 2010 @ 3:01 pm

  85. I am getting married in October, my doctor prescribed me to Loestrin in August and told me to do the Sunday start, so I am starting the pill this Sunday, September 5th. I just counted it out and it looks like I’ll be taking the brown pills on my honeymoon and I really don’t want to be on my period during that time!! What do I do? Would it be bad if I just replace the brown pills for the white pills for that pack? Help!

    Comment by Megan — September 1, 2010 @ 11:13 pm

  86. Dear Megan,

    Congratulations! You can either postpone the Sunday start for another week, so you can get your period the week after you get back from your honeymoon or like you want, you can replace the brown pills with the next pack of white pills and then take the brown pills before you continue on your new pack that way again, you’ll get your period the week after you get back from your honeymoon.

    Comment by Janine — September 2, 2010 @ 9:49 am

  87. I understand that the reminder pills have no hormones because they are for the the expected period time. What I don’t not understand is why there is no need for the hormones during this time.

    Comment by Lauren — September 11, 2010 @ 10:32 am

  88. How does Loestrin work to prevent pregnancy? It stops ovulation, right? What happens if I was were to get pregnant while on the pill? Does it stop the egg from implanting?

    Comment by Megan — September 24, 2010 @ 8:56 am

  89. Dear Megan,

    Girls can get pregnant even though they are on birth control because birth control pills are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. If you were to get pregnant on the pill, there is no harm to the pregnancy if you take birth control pills without knowing you are pregnant. If you miss your period while on birth control pills, take a pregnancy test to see if you are pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — September 24, 2010 @ 11:23 am

  90. Hi im on my 2nd sugar pill and would like to know if having sex right now will get me pregnant? and do I start taking the next pack after the last sugar (brown pill)? Help please

    Comment by ingrid — September 24, 2010 @ 11:25 pm

  91. Dear Ingrid,

    Where you are, having sex should be fine, except you will be getting your period soon if you haven’t already. Once you finish your last sugar pill, you start a new pack.

    Comment by Janine — September 27, 2010 @ 9:20 am

  92. is it unhealthy to push the brown pills off for a week by taking an extra week of white pills?

    Comment by Kath — October 3, 2010 @ 9:27 am

  93. Dear Kath,

    No, it is not unhealthy. That’s how girls plans for when they want their period to come.

    Comment by Janine — October 4, 2010 @ 11:33 am

  94. Last time I had my period while on the pill I had very bad cramping and a heavy flow. Earlier when I first started the pack of pills I took plan b as a precaution for one reason or another. Could the plan b have caused the heavy flow and cramping?

    Comment by Lauren — October 12, 2010 @ 5:43 pm

  95. Dear Lauren,

    Maybe. Girls are supposed to get their periods after taking Plan B. It may come lighter or heavier than usual. You may also experience some spotting until your next period.

    Comment by Janine — October 13, 2010 @ 9:34 am

  96. this is my 2nd month of loestrin..i’m wonderin is it ok that im experiencing nausea the 2nd month but didnt have any symptoms the 1st month..i also had very dark discharge that assumed to be my period..is this normal???

    Comment by melissa — October 14, 2010 @ 8:23 pm

  97. Dear Melissa,

    Girls who started taking birth control pills during their first three months experience different symptoms during that 3 month period. That’s why doctors always recommend the patient to wait past the 3 month mark before changing birth control because the hormones will begin to be more normalized by the pill over time. The nausea that you are experiencing in the 2nd month is normal and your dark discharge may be your period. It is normal because girls who begin taking birth control pills in the initial three month period can have either very heavy periods or in your case, very light periods.

    Comment by Janine — October 18, 2010 @ 9:27 am

  98. This is the first month I have been on Loestrin 24 Fe. I have been taking the brown pills for 3 days now and I still haven’t gotten my period. I have been taking the pill everyday but not at the same time. Is there a chance I am pregnant? I just had a baby almost 3 months ago. I plan on getting a pregnancy test if I don’t receive my period, as well as a consult from my doctor. From my understanding so far, I shouldn’t be alarmed b/c I should give my body up to 3 months to get used to the pill…is this correct?

    Comment by Lottie — October 31, 2010 @ 3:38 am

  99. My last period ended around Wednesday, the 27th. I am still experiencing cramping and back aches. What could this be? Is it a side affect of the birth control? Could I be pregnant?

    With Loestrin 24 Fe I was supposed to start taking the brown pills on Saturday, the 23rd. I decided that since they didn’t have any hormones in them that it was ok to skip them. Just one less thing to remember. On Wednesday, when I was supposed to begin my next pack of pills, I did so normally and I’m now 5 days into the pack. I still have cramping. What is wrong? Please help.

    Comment by Lauren — November 1, 2010 @ 6:18 am

  100. Hi Lottie,

    Congrats on your newborn! It is correct that you have to wait 3 months to get used to the pill. When first trying out the pill, some girls don’t get their periods at all in the first month because the body is getting used to the hormones from the pill. Wait out the 3 month period is recommended :)

    Comment by Janine — November 1, 2010 @ 9:51 am

  101. My last period ended around Wednesday, the 27th. I am still experiencing cramping and back aches. What could this be? Is it a side affect of the birth control? Could I be pregnant?

    With Loestrin 24 Fe I was supposed to start taking the brown pills on Saturday, the 23rd. I decided that since they didn’t have any hormones in them that it was ok to skip them. Just one less thing to remember. On Wednesday, when I was supposed to begin my next pack of pills, I did so normally and I’m now 5 days into the pack. I still have cramping. What is wrong? Please help.

    Comment by Lauren — November 1, 2010 @ 8:22 pm

  102. I’ve been taking Loestrin for almost two months. I’m on the second brown pill in my second pack. I haven’t started my period yet, but I’ve felt some cramping a few days before I’m supposed to get my period which is normal for me. I know it’s pretty average for something like this to happen during the first three months. If I miss my period completely should I ask my doctor if something is wrong, or is this normal for the first three months and I’m just worrying over nothing?

    Comment by Tiff-Tiff — November 11, 2010 @ 8:22 am

  103. Dear Tiff-Tiff

    Some girls do miss their periods during the first 3 month period of starting the pill. Just in case, you can talk to your doctor to make sure everything is okay.

    Comment by Janine — November 15, 2010 @ 7:25 am

  104. I’ve been on Loestrin fe 24 for about six months. At first I experienced headaches, fatigue, and was very emotional; Not to mention my sex drive was nonexistant. However, everything has pretty much leveled out now. With that being said, I do still experience some PMS, but I had that before I got on the pill so I think it’s just my body. If you are getting on this for birth control and not other reasons, like PMS I would definetly recommend it. I do not have the any problems with acne or weight gain which I was really afraid of. All in all, if you can stick with it through the first 3 or 4 months then you should really enjoy it!

    Comment by Lisa — November 18, 2010 @ 3:23 pm

  105. I’ve been on loestrin for about 3 years. This past week my insurance changed and I had to switch to the generic brand. I finished taking a whole pack but should have started my new pack on Sunday and it is now Wednesday. Should I be using a back-up birth control?

    Comment by anon — December 1, 2010 @ 11:20 am

  106. Dear anon,

    Yes, you definitely need to use back-up birth control whenever you stop taking birth control pills!

    Comment by Janine — December 2, 2010 @ 7:46 am

  107. I have been talking lestorinfe for almost 1 year now. I havn’t had my period all year. Maybe some brown spotting the 3 month. But other than that nothing, no pms, cramps nothing. Is that okay, I am not complaining, but should I go off it till I get a period at least once this year. then go on it again??

    Also, since I started talking the pill I have had extreme stomach pains, bloating, burpy, uncomfortable till the point of crying. Loss of appatite. what should i do?

    help!

    Comment by Chicana — December 6, 2010 @ 11:53 am

  108. Dear Chicana,

    It is okay to not have your period at all while on the pill, if you want to have a period to confirm everything is okay, you can make an appointment to speak with your doctor about prescribing you on another pill where you do receive monthly periods.

    The side effects you have listed is pretty serious (loss of appetite, stomach pain, uncomfortable till the point of crying), you need to stop taking Loestrin 24fe and speak to your doctor about this as soon as possible. These are serious side effects that needs to be notified to your doctor. Whenever you notice any unusual or bothersome side effects, you need to notify your doctor about it. Please make an appointment with your doctor right away to let him/her become aware of these side effects you are experiencing.

    Comment by Janine — December 6, 2010 @ 4:50 pm

  109. Hello Scared,
    I have been on Loestrin 24 since August, 4 months ago. I had my period for the first 2 months, however, the last two months I have not. I went to my school clinic last month to get tested for pregnancy, which was a negative. I missed this last month also, which scares me. Most everyone else who posted has a problem with having more than one period, but skipping periods is not on your common side effects list. Should I be concerned?

    Comment by Scared — December 26, 2010 @ 10:34 am

  110. iam loestrin and its suppost to shrink and get rid of my ovarian sists that i have….so we will see im on the 1mg/20mcg can i still get pregnant? i want a baby so bad!

    Comment by jennifer — December 26, 2010 @ 9:18 pm

  111. Dear Scared,

    Every time you miss your period, you should take a pregnancy test just in case. If you miss your period one more time and your pregnancy test comes out negative, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get other tests done.

    Hope this helps!

    Comment by Janine — December 27, 2010 @ 11:17 am

  112. Dear Jennifer,

    As soon as you get off loestrin when your ovarian cysts are gone, you should be able to conceive. Make an appointment with your doctor to talk about how long should you wait after coming off birth control before you start trying or have any other questions that you may have answered by your doctor.

    Comment by Janine — December 27, 2010 @ 11:24 am

  113. DO NOT take this pill! I am so upset, I have lost SO MUCH hair and am moody all the time. I was a very outgoing, fun, social person until I got this pill into my system. I am going to stop taking it tonight!! I had beautiful thick hair that is now thin and stingy!! I am so upset it makes me want to cry. I wish I would have read reviews on this pill first before trusting my obgyn. They will sell you anything for money. I hope me getting off the pill helps!

    Comment by Jenna — December 29, 2010 @ 3:12 pm

  114. i have been taking loestrin for like 2 years now and had sex and the condom broke do i need to take plan B

    Comment by mindy — February 6, 2011 @ 9:33 am

  115. Dear Mindy,

    Take Plan B if it has been less than 72 hours since the condom broke. Goodluck!

    Comment by Janine — February 7, 2011 @ 5:25 pm

  116. I am getting married in may and really don’t want to get my period only 2 days after the wedding, i am getting married on may 22 which is a sunday and it will be the 4th week of my pack. Can I just take the white pills for sunday, monday and tuesday and then skip the brown pills and start the white pills of the new pack? If I can do that how will I get back on track because I will be starting my pack on a wednesday and it will be off every month after that?

    Comment by Julia — February 27, 2011 @ 9:30 pm

  117. Dear Julia,

    Congratulations for getting married! What you can do is to skip that week’s pills and pretend you are starting the new pack and start the first row of your new pack. Don’t throw away your old pack with the last row of pills though. You take that week of pills the week after you get married, that way you postpone your period for a week.

    To be specific you take the first row of white pills from your new pack on the week of May 22 – 28 and then the week after that take the last row of pills from your previous pack on the May 29 – June4 (white pills on Sunday (may 29), Monday (may 30), and Tuesday (may 31) and then brown pills on Wednesday (Jun 1), Thursday (Jun 2), Friday (Jun 3), and Saturday (Jun 4).) After that you then carry on with your new pack of pills on the second row until you hit your brown pills again.

    This way you postpone your period for a week, but you will get your period twice in June. You also would be back on track with your pills.

    Let me know if you have any questions!

    Comment by Janine — February 28, 2011 @ 11:36 am

  118. Hi I have been taking theses pills for about a year now and I am starting to hate them. My sex drive has decreased significantly and that is bad if you have a husband that is a nympho (loves to have sex all the time.) I haven’t had a decent orgasm in forever. And there have been months that I don’t have my period because I have and then go through the whole month worrying about if I am pregnant or not. Does anyone know of a descent birth control that boosts the sex drive back and is a good protection as a birth control?

    Comment by adessa — March 2, 2011 @ 3:05 pm

  119. Dear Adessa,

    Most of the birth controls lowers your libido. There are medications available to help with low libidos such as the topical over-the-counter treatment, Zestra. Talk to your doctor about any other options for low libido.

    Comment by Janine — March 3, 2011 @ 9:40 am

  120. I am taking Loestrin 24 FE to get rid of a cyst. The pill is making me have terrible headaches (migraines) and I have mood swings.

    Is there another drug or procedure to get rid of the beign cyst?

    Comment by Ann Marie — March 9, 2011 @ 7:45 am

  121. Dear Ann Marie,

    How long have you been taking Loestrin 25 FE? The migraines and mood swings may be a temporary side effect during the first 3 month trial period. If you continue to experience the side effects after the 3 month mark, speak to your doctor about alternative birth control pills for cysts.

    Comment by Janine — March 9, 2011 @ 10:39 am

  122. I just started the pill a week ago but if I want to have my period early this month can I take the brown pills early and take 4 white pills at the end instead of the brown ones?

    Comment by Chelsea — March 9, 2011 @ 8:53 pm

  123. Dear Chelsea,

    Normally, I would say yes you can do that, but because you just started on the pills, your body is just getting used to them and it might not work. You can try it anyway, it’s up to you but it might mess up your menstrual cycle when the pills are trying to normalize the cycle.

    If you are trying to avoid your period for a specific day or week, just keep on taking the white pills for the entire month like you are supposed to do and instead of taking the brown pills when you are supposed to, start the white pills on your next pack and when you are ready to have your period the following month, take the brown pills from the last pack. The only downside to this is that you will get your period twice that month, but at least you got one month on the pills for your body to get used to them.

    Hope this helps!

    Comment by Janine — March 10, 2011 @ 11:46 am

  124. Hi. For the past 8 months of taking Loestrin24fe, My periods has come either late the 2nd week or early the 3rd week consistently, without fail. Do you think that I should keep taking the white ones during my periods, (which is what I’ve been doing), or should I switch to the brown ones until it is over. The reason I ask, is that when it comes time to take my brown ones and I’m not menstruating, then I don’t have sex for those 4 days because I’m unprotected. How can I eliminate that? How can I get my period to match the brown pills? How can I make my cycle match my pills cycle? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

    Comment by RA — March 12, 2011 @ 7:36 pm

  125. Please Help. My husband returns after 3 months away in Iraq on March 30th. How can I insure that I won’t have my period at that time. I’d like to enjoy him for at least a week. Tomorrow, the 14th, I start on my (4)brown pills. My period doesn’t come at this time. Never has. I last had it on the 3rd through the 5th of this month. Schedule wise, my next period should start on that day, (the 30th) or the day after. Can anyone help me with this one? Thank You..

    Comment by rhonny — March 13, 2011 @ 5:25 pm

  126. Dear RA/rhonny,

    It sounds like this pill is not controlling your menstrual cycle as it should because it has the lowest estrogen level (20mcg per pill) pill. Speak to your doctor about prescribing you a higher dose pill so your period does come when you are taking the inactive pills.

    Comment by Janine — March 14, 2011 @ 10:32 am

  127. Ive been using Loestrin for about 5 months. The last 2 months Ive been bleeding alot. My cycle would last as long as two weeks. Is this normal and will it ever stop?

    Comment by Joycelyn — March 23, 2011 @ 11:09 am

  128. This pill is way better than the others for me not to mention comparing fe 24 to yaz ugh. I had very heavy bleeding and bad cramps so bad that i cant get out of bed. My doctor put me on fe 24, and i am so happy i only have like 3 days of spotting. Its not even worth wearing regular panty liner, have to buy the super thin ones. Only thing im watching is the weigh gaining. I move from a size 1-5 in 3 months, so crazy and breasts are GROWING too. Dont want to pack too much weigh on but the little i did gain so far is great :) .

    Comment by shana — March 28, 2011 @ 11:40 pm

  129. Is it safe to have sex during the brown pills? If not then how long after could I have sex?

    Comment by Jasmine — March 29, 2011 @ 2:38 pm

  130. Dear Joycelyn,

    One of the common side effects of Loestrin 24 Fe is Bleeding or spotting between periods, but i’m not sure if bleeding for 2 weeks continuously is the norm. Every girl reacts to the pill differently. You should consult your doctor and see if it could be something else (for example, taking another medication that may interfere with the pill or something else going on in your body where your doctor may need to perform tests to find out what). I hope this helps!

    Comment by Janine — March 30, 2011 @ 10:46 am

  131. Dear Jasmine,

    It is safe to have sex during the brown pills as long as you have not missed the pill during the entire pack and that you have taken it every day around the same time every day.

    Comment by Janine — March 30, 2011 @ 11:18 am

  132. I am on my first pack of loestrin. I just started the brown pills and have taken about 3 now.. still don’t have my period and am very worried. is this normal or should i be concerned?

    Comment by cindy — April 4, 2011 @ 5:34 am

  133. Dear Cindy,

    Wait for your next period to come. If it does, your body is just getting use to the pills. If it doesn’t, take a pregnancy test. If it is positive, make an appointment with your doctor for a more accurate test.

    Comment by Janine — April 4, 2011 @ 6:08 pm

  134. I have been on loestrin 24 since the end of January. I normally don’t have any period during the week of the brown pills. I had sex twice
    this month both times unprotected but after each time
    I took a Plan B just in case. Both times having sex were on different weekends. The last time I had sex was march 12th. At the end of my march pack during the brown pills I experienced mild cramping and some brown discharge for about 3 days. And then this past week I had a random break through bleeding of blood that lasted
    only one day. I have a little over a week until I start my brown pills for the month of April. But I am experiencing swollen and tender nipples and they look darker is this normal? Could I be pregnant? please help!

    Comment by Abbey — April 11, 2011 @ 8:11 am

  135. Dear Abbey,

    If you had taken Plan B both times after you had unprotected sex while on the pill, you shouldn’t be pregnant. The reason why you may be experiencing swollen and tender nipples, etc may be because your body is getting used to the pills and will start having shorter lighter periods (loestrin 24 does not give you no periods, but lighter and shorter periods). You are still in the try-out phase (the first 3 months of being on a pill) where your body is still adjusting to the pills. Wait until your brown pills come and if you do get your period, you are not pregnant. To be sure you can take a home pregnancy test and to be extra sure, you can make an appointment with your doctor to get a more accurate test.

    Comment by Janine — April 11, 2011 @ 4:19 pm

  136. I’ve been on Loestrin 24 for about 16 months now. My cycles were normal every 28 days, on a Monday without a doubt. I did however, stopped taking them for about 2 months due to some reasons. Of course, during that time I did have unprotected sex and took plan B. That really messed up my cycle and put me to start on Thursday’s. Is there any way I can regulate my period to start on Monday’s again? I don’t like that my period is on the start of a weekend. Do I skip the placebos and just go onto the next month? My last 2 periods was Feb 17-18 & Mar 17-19. I finished my last white active pill yesterday and supposed to start my 4 brown placebo pills today. Is there anyway I can be back to Mondays or do I have to have this period on weekends now? Thanks!

    Comment by IG — April 12, 2011 @ 7:59 pm

  137. Sorry, I forgot to add that I am due for my period this Thursday the 14th. Thanks.

    Comment by IG — April 12, 2011 @ 8:01 pm

  138. Dear IG,

    Instead of taking your placebo pills this Thursday, start your next set of pills and take them until Sunday so that you stay on your active pills and not get your period on Thursday. When Monday comes around, take the placebo pills until they are done and then go back to the pack you started and finish it off so you would get your period again on a Monday from now on. Let us know if that worked for you.

    Comment by Janine — April 13, 2011 @ 9:41 am

  139. The directions I have for this BC is very long and unclear. I am confused on when to start. It says on a Sunday after my period, then says start which ever day I choose…so I started the BC today which is Saturday because I haven’t had a period in four months due to an unexpected pregnancy. Was I supposed to wait or am I ok? And can you please explain these directions.

    Comment by A — April 16, 2011 @ 8:58 pm

  140. Dear A,

    I am assuming that you are no longer pregnant that is why you are on Loestrin 24 Fe. There are 3 ways to start the pill, the Sunday Start, First Day Start, and the Quick Start. The pack is just explaining the three different ways for you to start your pill and you can choose whichever way you want. Since you started the pill on Saturday, that is fine. You have chosen the Quick Start method, just stay on the pill and use back up contraception during the first couple of weeks while being on the pill. You will only get your period when you are at the end of your pack and you are taking the brown pills. There are only 4 brown pills, these are inactive pills in which you are supposed to get your period.

    Comment by Janine — April 18, 2011 @ 9:38 am

  141. Ok cool. And tonight I will be missing my first dose of the pill due to my car not starting so I’ll be spending the night at my grandmothers house. Will I take a double dose tomorrow night to make up for today?

    Comment by A — April 19, 2011 @ 7:58 pm

  142. And I along with missing the pill I started some bleeding which I believe is my period. Is that normal?

    Comment by A — April 21, 2011 @ 4:02 am

  143. Had sex 4 times this month, all unprotected – the 7th, 15th, 16th, and 17th. I started the brown pills on Thursday, 4/21. I usually start my period on the Friday and it lasts until Monday. Have had a fair amount of mid-month spotting in the past (3 months out of the 9 I’ve been taking). This month, I only had very very mild spotting on Saturday (yesterday) instead of my regular day period. I don’t think I missed any pills, and if I did it was a long time lapse. Have been very stressed out this month & had a fever on Saturday. Am planning on taking a HPT this week (not sure if it’s too early), but any idea my chances of being pregnant?

    Comment by Nervous — April 24, 2011 @ 9:54 pm

  144. Apologies –

    wasn’t a long time lapse**

    Comment by Nervous — April 24, 2011 @ 10:09 pm

  145. Hi A,

    Yes, double up tomorrow and you should be fine.

    Comment by Janine — April 27, 2011 @ 10:11 am

  146. Dear A,

    As soon as you stop taking the pill you will get your period. It is normal, but if you doubled up the next day the breakthrough bleeding may stop.

    Comment by Janine — April 27, 2011 @ 10:13 am

  147. Dear Nervous,

    Since you got your period, even though it is very light, you shouldn’t be pregnant. If you are confident that you take your pill everyday around the same time everyday you should be fine. If you are worried, take the HPT and see what you get. If it is negative, you are fine, if it is positive, make an appointment with your doctor for a more accurate pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — April 27, 2011 @ 11:12 am

  148. I have been on Loestrin 24 fe for exactly 2 months. Have had no periods and have been sick to my stomach the whole time. I have lost 7lbs because I just can’t eat…. I know I am not pregnant because my husband and I use condoms and he even pulls out, that and it has been 3 months sice we had sex… I was on ortho tri cyclein lo, and my periods would last 5 to 6 days with heavy flow and cramps. I am really not liking this pill, but I will give it one more month….

    Comment by Erin — May 1, 2011 @ 12:17 am

  149. I’ve been on Loestrin for about 4 months now and this month I got my period about 4 days before my placebo pills. Now it’s over and I still have 2 white pills to go before I take the brown ones. Should I skip the brown ones and just start my new pack since I already got my period or should I still take them? Also, does the fact that I got my period way early mean that the pill isn’t working correctly?

    Comment by Amanda — May 2, 2011 @ 6:10 am

  150. Dear Erin,

    I’m glad that you have decided to give it one more month. Hopefully all the side effects you are experiencing will go away!

    Comment by Janine — May 3, 2011 @ 11:22 am

  151. Dear Amanda,

    We’re not sure if there are anything else that could be causing it (ie. other medication you started taking that may interact with the pill, throwing up within 2 hours of taking the pill, etc). I would advise you to stay on the pill for another month, and see if your period comes early again. If it does, make an appointment with your doctor, you may need a higher dose pill.

    Comment by Janine — May 3, 2011 @ 11:31 am

  152. ive found that when I dont take the pill around the same time each day thats when the spotting accurs…
    I did not read all the posts but that may help some of you who are spotting alot…

    Comment by anna — May 28, 2011 @ 10:14 pm

  153. Next week I am going on vacation with my boyfriend for a week (starting June 7th). I started taking Loestrin 24 on May 7th, the first day of my period. I am down to my last 2 white pills. Can I skip the brown pills so that I do not get my period the week I go on vacation?
    Also, I have been spotting everyday since about one week in to taking the pills. (Brown, thick blood). Is this normal? Is there anyway I can get this to stop before I leave for vacation? I have only missed one pill and doubled up the next day. I also take them around the same time, give or take a few hours.

    Comment by rach — May 30, 2011 @ 8:51 pm

  154. Dear Rach,

    If you want to delay your period you can skip the brown pills so you do not get your period when you go on vacation next week and just take the brown pills the week after instead. The spotting is normal. Spotting does occur during the first 3 months of being on the pill. I do not know if it will stop before you leave for vacation, every girl who just got on a pill is different. The spotting is not that bad, just wear a liner while on vacation, it’s better than your full blown period. Make sure you remember to take your birth control pills with you on your vacation. If you forget, you’ll get your period for sure!

    Comment by Janine — May 31, 2011 @ 10:06 am

  155. I just finished my sample pack of Loestrin 24. Is it safe to immediately start using a different brand of birthcontrol? Will the switch make me start my period or have any other affects?

    Comment by Wondering — May 31, 2011 @ 10:59 am

  156. (I am switching to orthotrycylen by the way)

    Comment by Wondering — May 31, 2011 @ 1:12 pm

  157. Dear Wondering,

    It is recommended you start your new pack right away (after your period). You may experience new side effects from the new pills and you might experience breakthrough period or no period at all – every girl reacts to a new pill differently so there is no real answer as to what is supposed to happen when you start this new pack of pills. Goodluck!

    Comment by Janine — June 1, 2011 @ 9:32 am

  158. I have been on the pill since mid December. I had spotting the first month, but after that my periods came every month on the second brown pill. I have had no problems at all while on the pill. The reason I started birth control was to make my cramping easier to handle and have more predictable periods. My last period started on May 7th, and throughout the past month my boyfriend and I have been ‘messing around’ not having actual intercorse. I’m a little freaked out whether or not I could be pregnant. I calculated when I shoulod have been ovulating and we didn’t do anything that week because he was sick. I take my pill everyday at around the same time, and I really hope it is doing its job. Please help me calm down a little! I should be getting my period tomorrow, but if I’m this stressed out about it, it might me late, only scaring me more.

    Comment by Hannah — June 2, 2011 @ 11:38 am

  159. Dear Hannah,

    You have been on the pill for 5 months and have been diligently taking the pill everyday at around the same time. You are most likely not pregnant. Don’t stress out. If you are still worried, take a pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — June 2, 2011 @ 4:35 pm

  160. Ok thank you so much. I have another question though. I have had a sinus infection and was put on antibiotics. How will that effect my period? And how long after I stop the antibiotics will the birth control be effective again?

    Comment by Hannah — June 2, 2011 @ 6:17 pm

  161. I just started on loestrin (first time on the pill) on the first day of my period which was on the 23rd of last month (may) I didn’t notice anything different (my period is usually really heavy and last 7-8 days) but the fact that I been spotting for a additional 4 days now. I was wondering if this was normal since my period has never lasted this long before.?

    Comment by Lynn — June 2, 2011 @ 6:56 pm

  162. Dear Hannah,

    When your doctor prescribed you the antibiotics, make sure you let him/her know that you are on birth control because he/she can prescribe you with an antibiotic that will not interact with your birth control pills. If your doctor was aware that you are on birth control, double check with him to make sure that they do not interact with your birth control and so you won’t have to use back up contraception during the time you are on antibiotics. If your doctor doesn’t know that you’re on the pill, and the antibiotics he prescribes you does interact with the pill, then your period will come when you start the antibiotics. Check this blog post to find out which antibiotics you are on and if it will affect your birth control pill: http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/blog/2007/05/what-antibiotics-affect-birth-control-pills.html.

    I would recommend you to continue using back up contraception for one week after you stop taking antibiotics just to be safe than sorry.

    Comment by Janine — June 3, 2011 @ 9:53 am

  163. Dear Lynn,

    Because you just started on the pill, this may only be temporary. Wait and see what happens in the next two months, if it becomes lighter/shorter then you are fine. If it continues to last longer than 7 days, make an appointment with your doctor.

    Comment by Janine — June 3, 2011 @ 9:55 am

  164. I have to start my pills on sunday and I am really nervous about trying it because I don’t know how bad the side effects are going to be for me. And the last thing I want is to feel nauceas all the time or gain too too much weight. Is there something I can do to prevent myself from feeling nauceas? As for the gaining too too much weight, I guess I’ll just watch what I eat and exercise a little more.

    Comment by Meygan — June 3, 2011 @ 7:41 pm

  165. Dear Meygan,

    You can always take Gravol for nausea.

    Comment by Janine — June 6, 2011 @ 9:32 am

  166. When is the safest time during the pill pack to have sex?

    Comment by Elizabeth — June 6, 2011 @ 10:19 am

  167. Dear Elizabeth,

    It depends on when you start the pill. If you start the pill on the Sunday of or during your period then you can have sex on that same pack. If you started the pill right away when you got your pack any other time other than the Sunday of or during your period, then you need to wait until the following pack to ensure you are protected from pregnancy.

    Comment by Janine — June 7, 2011 @ 10:33 am

  168. I missed two pills this week– so I missed one on Monday, took two on Tuesday, missed Wednesday, and took two on Thursday. What are my chances of becoming pregnant if I have sex this weekend? If I take two pills today, will that help decrease my risk?

    Comment by Anne — June 10, 2011 @ 7:21 am

  169. Dear Anne,

    I would suggest you use back up contraception. Don’t take two pills today. You will mess up your pill cycle.

    Comment by Janine — June 10, 2011 @ 10:19 am

  170. I’ve been on loestrin for about 8 months now. About 6 months ago I stopped having my period completely. I did have sex once during this period but used protection and he pulled out. I stopped taking loestrin 2 weeks ago to wait until I had my period but still have not gotten it. Is this normal?

    Comment by Concerned — June 10, 2011 @ 3:52 pm

  171. Dear Concerned,

    Don’t be concerned, it usually takes a month or two for your body to go back to normal. You may not get your period until probably 2 months later after going off the pill.

    Comment by Janine — June 10, 2011 @ 5:07 pm

  172. I’ve been on the pill for almost a year now and got my period this morning. Today is my third day of taking the brown “inactive” pills. I was about to take it when it fell and rolled under the appliances in my kitchen, I can’t find it and don’t know what I should do. Would skipping it affect anything? Or would I have to take one from a new pack and pretty much lose the whole pack for one brown pill?

    Comment by Paula — June 17, 2011 @ 10:33 am

  173. Dear Paula,

    Don’t worry about that brown pill. It’s an inactive pill so you can just skip todays pill and remember to take tomorrow brown pill. There are 4 inactive birth control pills just to keep you in the habit of taking the pill.

    Comment by Janine — June 17, 2011 @ 10:59 am

  174. I have been on this pill for about a year. I started taking the brown pills and started my period but im only having it every other day and it is very light. Is this normal?

    Comment by Audrey — June 20, 2011 @ 1:43 pm

  175. Dear Audrey,

    You are supposed to have shorter and lighter periods when you are on Loestrin 24 fe.

    Comment by Janine — June 21, 2011 @ 9:39 am

  176. i have been on this pill for about 4 months now. i just ended the brown pills and got my period & everything, and now im on another packet of the pills. but i have only taken 3 white pills so far and lastnight i had unprotected sex and i think he ejactualated inside of me..and on the label/information on the packet of the bc, it says that you still “can become pregnant after 5 to 7 days of restarting your pills”. so am i okay? or is this just telling you can become pregnant if you miss more than 3 pills in one week. because i have taken my pill everynight at the same time for the past 4 months now. am i okay/protected from pregnacny?

    Comment by Bee — June 25, 2011 @ 10:22 pm

  177. Dear Bee,

    Yes, I believe that warning is for missed pills. You should be fine.

    Comment by Janine — June 27, 2011 @ 10:10 am

  178. I got some really bad side effects from loestrin 24, luckily the worst reactions ended after about 2 weeks. Quite happy with using them now.

    Comment by Jodie — June 30, 2011 @ 1:00 pm

  179. I was on the pill for about 3 months. When I stopped taking them, last week, (cause my husband and I want to try to get pregnant) the next day I got a light period that lasted for 2 days. But my next period is expected in 2 weeks. Is this normal to have a small light period right after you stop the pills? And will I still have my period in a couple weeks? Confused!?

    Comment by Mrs. R — July 9, 2011 @ 7:24 pm

  180. Oh to add, I had my last period about 2 weeks ago so it was a 2 day bleeding inbetween my 2 periods, right after I stopped taking the pill.

    Comment by Mrs. R — July 9, 2011 @ 7:35 pm

  181. Hello,

    Looking for some answers or some kind of direction here.
    I started taking.Loestrin 24fe two weeks ago. I wasn’t on my period at the time I.took my very first pill from the pack (on Sunday).
    I had unprotected sex.yesterday morning.
    I’m curious as.to whether I should consider taking emergency contraception as.backup for.this incident or if I’m protected from pregnancy by the Loestrin.
    I take my pill everyday at around the same time everyday.

    Comment by mon — July 11, 2011 @ 7:48 am

  182. Hi everyone,
    Looking for some direction or answers here. I recently started taking Loestrin 24 about two weeks ago. I decided to take them as a quick start considering I wanted to take them soon without waiting for my period to make its appearance.
    I had unprotected sex this past weekend with my boyfriend (day 13). He did ejaculate inside me.
    I’ve taken my pill at the same time daily.
    Am I protected from getting pregnant? Or should I go seek emergency contraception ASAP?

    Comment by Mon — July 11, 2011 @ 9:52 am

  183. Dear Mrs. R,

    Yes it is perfectly normal to have mid-cycle bleeding from stopping your pills. You may or may not have your period in a couple of weeks (every girl is different when they get on or off the pill, you just have to wait for your next real period to come around), but before you start trying, give your body 3 months after getting off the pill, to get back to it’s normal rhythm before you start trying. This way, you will have at least 2 normal periods before you can start trying and you’ll know your body is back on its own rhythm.

    Comment by Janine — July 11, 2011 @ 11:27 am

  184. Dear Mon,

    If you are worried, take the emergency contraception. Wait for your period to come at the end of the pack, but it might not because you just started on your pills (every girl reacts to the pill differently when they first start the pill in the first 3 months). I would advise you to continue using back up contraception while on the pill to make sure you are not pregnant. If your period does come at the end of this pack, then you are fine, you can just take the pill. If your period doesn’t come, then i would use back up contraception (ie. condoms or spermicide) for the following month until you get your period. Hope this helps.

    Comment by Janine — July 11, 2011 @ 11:36 am

  185. Okay, thanks! I’m currently experiencing spotting and some back pain but this could be due to the Loestrin.

    Comment by Mon — July 11, 2011 @ 12:31 pm

  186. Ok so I was on yasmin for 8.5 years and loved it…but about 6 months ago i started getting heavy bleeding and cramping again. So my dr. switched me to Loestrin Fe. I’ve been on it for only 10 days now but each day I look and feel more bloated and have gained weight (possibly fro the bloating). Yasmin has 30mg of estrogen and Loestrin has 20mg of estrogen and my pharmacist said that I shouldn’t be experiencing bloating and weight gain with a lower estrogen…I called the dr. but only a nurse who has no idea what is going on answers questions by looking them up online. I understand bloating is a common side effect but should i be experiencing it seeing there was a decrease in the estrogen? Thank you!

    Comment by Lana — August 2, 2011 @ 3:49 pm

  187. Dear Lana,

    I don’t think the level of estrogen will reduce or increase the amount of bloating you are experiencing. The bloating could be from the new birth control and may only be temporary. It may go away after 3 months of being on Loestrin 24fe. Stay on it for 3 whole months and see if there is any improvement in the side effects you are experiencing.

    Comment by Janine — August 4, 2011 @ 10:55 am

  188. I just started taking Loestrin FE 1/20 today. My period went off Friday so today is the first Sunday AFTER my last period ENDED. Am I taking it correctly because I read that you were suppose to take it the first Sunday after your period BEGINS? Will everything still work properly?

    Comment by KayC — August 7, 2011 @ 11:52 am

  189. Dear KayC,

    Sounds like you started it properly :)

    Comment by Janine — August 8, 2011 @ 11:00 am

  190. I came to this site to see if someone out there who has the same issue im experiencing.ive been taking loestrin fe24 for about 6months with no period at all..

    Comment by Gma — August 8, 2011 @ 6:17 pm

  191. Dear Gma,

    The Loestrin 24 fe is supposed to give girls a very light period. In your case, if you already had light periods before going on loestrin 24 fe, that may be why you are not getting your period at all. If you are worried, talk to your doctor about it.

    Comment by Janine — August 9, 2011 @ 9:52 am

  192. Ok thanks. I was just worried that I started it too late. So should I give it at least a month to begin working fully?

    Comment by KayC — August 10, 2011 @ 6:42 am

  193. Dear KayC,

    That is correct. It also takes 3 months for side effects to go away, so if you are experiencing side effects it is recommended you stay on it for at least 3 months to see if they disappear before you start considering switching birth control pills.

    Comment by Janine — August 10, 2011 @ 9:27 am

  194. I have been taking the Loestrin for about 5 months now. Up until last month I was having two periods a month. Last month I only had one. I went to my OBGYN and she think my body is just now getting use to the medicine. I had my last period, which was very light and short, approximately 10 days ago. I had protected sex (im on the pill, he used a condom) 8 days ago. I spotted some today and my face is breaking out. Should I be concerned for anything, or is this normal?

    Comment by Brenda — August 15, 2011 @ 6:13 pm

  195. Dear Brenda,

    It does sound like your body is just getting used to the pill now because Loestrin 24fe gives girls lighter and shorter periods. Write down these symptoms in a little dairy to keep track of and see if the spotting comes back the next time you have sex. Acne may be caused by the pill or by other things such as lack of sleep, stress, etc.

    Comment by Janine — August 17, 2011 @ 9:28 am

  196. This is my second time taking Loestrin24Fe. I have been taking it for 18 days now, and had unprotected sex last night. Are my chances of getting pregnant high? Should i consider getting the Plan B pill?

    Comment by Natalie — August 18, 2011 @ 12:47 pm

  197. Dear Natalie,

    Sounds like you may be protected. If you are worried you can take a Plan B pill just in case.

    Comment by Janine — August 18, 2011 @ 1:54 pm

  198. After reading that birth control like Loestrin 24 fe isn’t recommended as emergency contraception because it’s not as effective as other types, I used it anyways because it was all I had and I couldn’t afford Plan B. It was about 10 days after my last period, and I took 2 pills after unprotected sex and 2 more pills about 16 hours later. I started my period the next day. It’s been heavier than usual, but the Loestrin 24 fe definitely worked for me.

    Comment by Heather — August 22, 2011 @ 2:43 pm

  199. I have just started my second pack of Loestrin 24. At the end of my first pack, I had very light spotting (one day) instead of an actual period. I’ve followed the instructions, used back up for the first week (I did the sunday start) like the paperwork said…but I’m still nervous. Anyone else experience this and not be pregnant? I went back on the pill because my husband and I have decided that we are done–we have two great kids and aren’t looking to have any more.

    Comment by TGE — August 24, 2011 @ 3:26 am

  200. Dear TGE,

    Girls on Loestrin 24 fe do have lighter periods. As indicated on our Loestrin 24 fe blog post (http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/blog/2006/10/loestrin-24-fe-birth-control-pill.html), girls on loestrin 24 fe will have a later period with light bleeding that lasts, on average, less than 3 days. Continue taking your pill as normal and you should notice another light period at the end of the pack. If you are worried, you can take a pregnancy test to ensure that you are not pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — August 24, 2011 @ 9:31 am

  201. I am on my period right now but missed a brown pill last night–my last one for the pack (I take it at around 11pm)–took it this morning at around 7:30am. Am I ok? Tonight I should be able to take my white pill at the normal time and be ok?

    Comment by Vanessa — August 26, 2011 @ 5:05 am

  202. Dear Vanessa,

    It is okay to miss the brown pills because they are the inactive pills.

    Comment by Janine — August 26, 2011 @ 9:26 am

  203. I just started taking loestrin fe about 3 weeks ago and i didn’t start taking it the first sunday after my period but i began taking it 11 days before my usual period. Should my period still begin during the days of reminder pills?

    Comment by Ceci — August 26, 2011 @ 10:30 pm

  204. Hi, I started taking loestrin24fe 6 days ago 7 days after my period started (my period started late on Sunday so I started my first pack the following Sunday). I had intercourse with my boyfriend and the condom broke. The packet says it is safe to have unprotected sex 7 days after you begin taking the pill, but like I said, it has only been 6. Should I take Plan B? Or is there no cause for concern?

    Comment by sara — August 28, 2011 @ 10:30 pm

  205. Dear Cici,

    Yes, it should. When starting on the pill, your period during the first 3 months may be different from what you would normally expect (ie. lighter periods or no periods at all). This is an indication that your body is adjusting to the pill and after being on the pill for 3 months you would notice your regular period is a lot lighter than what you normally have.

    Comment by Janine — August 29, 2011 @ 9:31 am

  206. Dear Sarah,

    If you are worried, take Plan B – although my reply may be too late. Wait for your period to come in the next two weeks. If you get your period, you are fine. If you don’t, take a pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — September 1, 2011 @ 5:01 pm

  207. how do i know when i will start my period?

    Comment by baller — September 5, 2011 @ 8:39 am

  208. Dear baller,

    Your period will start when you are on the inactive pills (the 4 brown pills).

    Comment by Janine — September 6, 2011 @ 9:54 am

  209. I have been on loestrin 24 Fe this is my third month and I’m not due for my period until tomorrow(Wednesday) but I have had spotting on Monday and Tuesday while still on the white pills. Is this normal?in three months this is the first time.

    Comment by Lisa — September 6, 2011 @ 12:46 pm

  210. Dear Lisa,

    Spotting is common especially in the first three months. After your period is over, the spotting should stop.

    Comment by Janine — September 7, 2011 @ 9:26 am

  211. I have been on loestrin for 4 months and have had no problems until now. I have been bleeding for the last 3 weeks. Is this normal?

    Comment by Crystal — September 10, 2011 @ 5:51 pm

  212. Dear Crystal,

    The bleeding may be from stress, but I would definitely advise you make an appointment with your doctor. Let him/her know of any questions or concerns you may have.

    Comment by Janine — September 12, 2011 @ 9:44 am

  213. I have been on Loestrin 24 for the past 7 months. Every month my period has been coming on time and at a managable level and I am loving it! ha.

    This past month I got spotting (or maybe my period?)a week before my period is scheduled to start. I was wondering if it would be safe for my husband and I to have unprotected sex when im on the brown pills?

    Comment by Mrs G. — September 14, 2011 @ 3:48 pm

  214. Dear Mrs G.,

    Technically, you shouldn’t get pregnant but whenever you have unprotected sex, there is always a risk of getting pregnant. Even though the chances of getting pregnant is low, I would not recommend it – just to be safe.

    Comment by Janine — September 15, 2011 @ 9:28 am

  215. I’ve been on Lo estrin Fe for 7 months now. I started gaining weight two months ago (fine whatever) and as should be expected but last month I had no period. I’m confused. Is that normal? I should have one again in a week. Should I expect to miss that one as well?

    Comment by julie — September 18, 2011 @ 11:29 am

  216. Dear Julie,

    How light were your periods during the first 7 months of being on Loestrin 24 fe? If they went from normal to light and from the regular 7 full days to 3-4 days, then it might be normal to have no periods. Every girl on this pill reacts to it differently, and in your case, it may be that your body has slowly gotten used to the hormones from the pill and after 7 months gotten better control of your periods. If you are worried that you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test. If it is negative, then you can expect no periods, but if the test is positive, make an appointment with your doctor and get another more accurate pregnancy test done.

    Comment by Janine — September 19, 2011 @ 9:06 am

  217. I’m on my third week of the pill and before that I had the implanon in my arm,I am experiencing sever abdominal pain for about two days now should I be worried or is abdominal pain normal?

    Comment by tonia — September 22, 2011 @ 2:35 pm

  218. Dear Tonia,

    Stomach pain is a serious side effect and you should stop using loestrin 24 fe and contact your doctor immediately.

    Comment by Janine — September 23, 2011 @ 8:29 am

  219. I started Loestrin 24 about a month ago. I started the pack about a week before my real period and ended up having an extremely heavy period for about 2 weeks. I just took the brown pills and did not have a period. Am I protected and will the period cycle regulate again?

    Comment by DL — September 27, 2011 @ 7:48 am

  220. Hello, I’ve been taking Loestrin 24 for about two years now. My period is like clockwork every month when I’m on the brown pills and only lasts about three days or so. I’m leaving on a Caribbean vacation right around the time I should be starting my brown pills (should’ve planned better)is it very harmful if I continue taking the active white pills until my vacation ends? It would be an extra 7 days of hormones. Seems like I shouldn’t but thought I’d ask anyhow. Thanks.

    Comment by Brooke — September 28, 2011 @ 10:46 am

  221. Hi Brooke,

    It is safe to continue taking your active pills for another 7 days to postpone your period. You can also take your brown pills a week earlier as well. Beauty of taking the pill is that you can control when you have your period. Have fun on your vacation!

    Comment by Janine — September 30, 2011 @ 10:07 am

  222. I took Lo Loestrin Fe pills for only one month without missing any pills. I did not begin the 2nd pack. It has passed 2 weeks now and I haven’t seen my period. Is this normal? May I be pregnant?
    Thanks

    Comment by Desi — September 30, 2011 @ 6:53 pm

  223. Dear Desi,

    Your body may be adjusting to you starting and then stopping the pills. Wait another month to see if your body returns to it’s own rhythm. If it doesn’t take a pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — October 3, 2011 @ 10:53 am

  224. I used to take loestrin 24 fe about a year ago everything work well no side effects or anything. Now my problem is I took what I had left in august before getting my period because it wasn’t coming idk jus skipping I guess. I don’t have unprotected sex so I know its not a pregant thing but I like to regulate my period. So I took it and then got my period like 2weeks later and then ofcourse ran out so basically I got my new prescription filled at my doctors and I got the bc on Friday and took it even tho I didn’t get my period yet but it skiped sep also anyways so took it last Friday when should I expect to get it I mean a week after taking it like before or the end of the pack? I jus looked everywhere I need to know please help :]

    Comment by annette — October 3, 2011 @ 11:19 pm

  225. Dear annette,

    To be able to regulate your period you have to consistently take the pill. Now that you started the pill again last Friday, you should not expect your period until the end of your pack. I would advise you that next time you get your prescription for Loestrin 24 fe, fill it at BirthControlBuzz.com. We will mail you the pill before your pack is done. Our staff will call you before you finish your prescription and remind you to refill so that you don’t miss your pill due to forgetting to fill your prescription. Hope this helps you regulate your period!

    Comment by Janine — October 4, 2011 @ 12:01 pm

  226. Thank you for your help :)

    Comment by annette — October 6, 2011 @ 7:28 pm

  227. I have been on loestrin 24 fe for about a year now and I have not gotten my period at all since the first pack… I have have sex with out a condom, I let my boyfriend come inside me the other day I’m wondering what my chances of getting pregnant are… I always get paranoid and take a test almost every month because I’ll never know if I miss a period without getting one ever, am I even releasing eggs if I’m not getting my period & how do I know if I am ovulating ?

    Comment by Blank — October 9, 2011 @ 7:00 pm

  228. Has anyone has yeast infection side effects? I just started this Loestrin 24FE yesterday.

    Comment by Eka — October 10, 2011 @ 2:25 pm

  229. Hi, I’m not sure if I missed seeing this somewhere, but how old do you have to be to start taking the pill? I’m 14 but my periods are extremely heavy (ultra tampons full in less than 3 hours) and I’m really tired of it.

    Comment by Madeline — October 10, 2011 @ 7:14 pm

  230. Dear Madeline,

    As long as you are getting your period, you can get on birth control to control your period. Make an appointment with your doctor to get more information on the side effects the pills can have.

    Comment by Janine — October 11, 2011 @ 9:51 am

  231. Dear Blank,

    Whenever you go on the pill, you are technically not ovulating. For more information, please make an appointment with your doctor and he/she can answer any other questions you may have.

    Comment by Janine — October 11, 2011 @ 10:36 am

  232. I took one pill and found out I had an allergy to the loestrin bc. however my normal period day passed three days ago now. Will taking only one of these pills affect when I get my next period? That one pill does cause spotting after stopping the bc. My boyfriend has never ejaculated inside me but i am still worried I may be pregnant, i have only ever been two weeks late once other than that I am on time by a day or so. Can you help me?

    Comment by jill — October 19, 2011 @ 8:13 am

  233. Dear Jill,

    Taking one pill may have affected when your next period will come. If you are going to have sex, make sure you use other contraception (ie. condoms, spermicide, etc). Wait for your next period to come. If your period does come then you are fine. If your period doesn’t come, take a pregnancy test. If negative, you should be fine. If positive, make an appointment with your doctor for a more accurate pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — October 19, 2011 @ 10:06 am

  234. How much can taking only one birth control affect my period? How irregular can it make me for awhile?

    Comment by jill — October 20, 2011 @ 4:29 pm

  235. Dear Jill,

    Every girl gets affected by the pill differently. You will just have to wait it out to find out.

    Comment by Janine — October 21, 2011 @ 9:49 am

  236. Hello.
    So this is my first time taking birth control. & This is my third week of taking Loestrin 24, and for the past week now I been spotting, almost everyday.
    When will I stop?!
    Cause my boyfriend and I want to have sex but i’m always uncomfortable because I’m spotting or bleeding so we can’t ever do anything. Any suggestions ?

    Comment by Melissa — October 23, 2011 @ 9:56 am

  237. Dear Melissa,

    Breakthrough bleeding is very common with girls starting the pill. This should stop by the third month of being on the pill. If it doesn’t, make an appointment with your doctor and let him/her know about your situation.

    Comment by Janine — October 24, 2011 @ 10:07 am

  238. I recently started Loestrin24Fe and haven’t started my period. My period was always regular and I’ve never been late…is this normal?

    Comment by Shemiece0620 — October 25, 2011 @ 5:36 pm

  239. Dear Shemiece0620,

    You should be getting your period at the end of the pack, not when you normally have your period – unless you started the pill on the first day or Sunday of your period. If this is the first time taking the pill it is very common for missed periods during the first 3 months of being on the pill because your body is adjusting to the hormones.

    Comment by Janine — October 26, 2011 @ 10:21 am

  240. Help! I’ve taken many different branded and generic pills before and never have experienced bloating back pain and irritability and fatigue like this!!!! I’m on my 7th week. I feel like the loestrin is the only change. I’ve lost weight but my stomach Is sticking out? What should I do!?!

    Comment by K — October 26, 2011 @ 9:28 pm

  241. Dear K,

    Every girl reacts to the pill differently. I would advise you to stay on the pill for 3 months. If the side effects you are experiencing now does not go away after being on the pill for 3 months, make an appointment with your doctor and let him/her know about the side effects you have been experiencing over the past 3 months of being on the pill. If the side effects is disrupting your daily routines, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

    Comment by Janine — October 27, 2011 @ 9:47 am

  242. Hi.
    I have question.
    if for this month i just took 1 week of birth control in the pack. can i continue to use the rest on next month?

    thanks
    Crystel

    Comment by CRYSTEL — October 27, 2011 @ 12:01 pm

  243. Been on pill 4 months solid. Never missed a pill and always take within the same 2-4 hour window. Never had any prolems. Boyfriend ejaculated inside me after our condom broke. Talked to my pharmasist and she insists I don’t need anything else, such as Plan B. Is she correct?

    Comment by A — October 27, 2011 @ 12:05 pm

  244. Hi, I just started taking the pill last Sunday and i had my period about a month or more before that. It is thursday now and the directions state that I can have unprotected sex after this sunday(itll be a week). Can i be positive i will not get pregnant when having sex. And was it okay that i started the pill after not having my period for a while? Loestrine24 seems very confusing to me. Could someone please note the full directions on taking the pill and how things will go from there? Thanks a bunch!!
    Courtney

    Comment by Courtney — October 27, 2011 @ 1:33 pm

  245. Dear CRYSTEL,

    To prevent yourself from becoming pregnant, you have to consistently take the birth control pill every single day. As soon as you stop taking the pill, you are not protected against pregnancy. If you are trying to avoid your period you can take the active pills one week before or after your period so that you are either moving up your period a week early or delaying it a week late.

    Comment by Janine — October 28, 2011 @ 1:56 pm

  246. Dear A,

    Your pharmacist is correct. If you want, you can take Plan B if you are worried because the pill is not 100% effective.

    Comment by Janine — October 28, 2011 @ 1:59 pm

  247. Dear Courtney,

    If you haven’t had your period in awhile, I would suggest you wait for your period to come first before having unprotected sex. Having your period will ensure that you are not pregnant (if you have been sexually active before you started the pill) and that you are now fully protected from pregnancy (that is if you did not miss any pills during that month).

    Take Loestrin 24 fe every single day. The white pills are active pills (pills with active ingredients that prevents pregnancy) and the brown pills are inactive pills (they are iron supplements and during the time you are taking the brown pills is when you will have your period). Take a pill every single day at approximately the same time every day to ensure full protection against pregnancy. If you ever miss any pills use back up contraception that week to ensure you are protected from pregnancy. Read this post on what to do if you ever miss one or more pills: http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/blog/2007/07/what-happens-if-i-miss-a-pill.html

    Comment by Janine — October 28, 2011 @ 2:22 pm

  248. Hi i took first brown pill missed the second and i have my period. i will take the 3rd and fourth brown pill but wanted to know if it would be okay to start a new pack a day or two after i take the last brown pill.

    Comment by taj — November 16, 2011 @ 12:07 pm

  249. Dear taj,

    Its okay to miss the brown pills because they are inactive pills. While taking your brown pills, you are supposed to get your period during this time so you should be fine. You don’t need to start the next pack later, carry on and continue on your next pack when you finish the last brown pill.

    Comment by Janine — November 17, 2011 @ 11:13 am

  250. I have been on Loestring Fe 24 for about 2 years now. I missed my period last month and took a pregnancy test which was negative. I still haven’t gotten my period this month either and I am supposed to start the new pack on Wed (in 2 days).

    What could be the reason for this? My exercise and eating habits have not changed. Maybe more sex than the usual these past 2 months… Would that affect anything?
    Should I just continue taking the next pack?

    Comment by NS — November 21, 2011 @ 11:07 pm

  251. Dear NS,

    I would advise you to continue taking the pack. Loestrin 24 fe may cause changes in your period. If you are worried, make an appointment to speak to your doctor about any questions you may have and to also take a more accurate pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — November 22, 2011 @ 8:04 am

  252. ive been on Loestrin 24 FE 1mg/20mcg for over a year. I had unprotected sex on the 19th and 20th of this month and I was supposed to be ovulating on the 22nd I think. Am I still protected if I have taken every pill around the same time everyday? I just started to have a light light bleeding today and im nervous about it.

    Comment by Kim — November 27, 2011 @ 11:26 am

  253. oh and I am supposed to get my period 9 days from now :/ Could this spotting be implementation bleeding? or just regular spotting?

    Comment by Kim — November 27, 2011 @ 3:06 pm

  254. Dear Kim,

    If you are taking the pill the same time every day for over a year, you should be protected. Although the pill is not 100% effective, there is a small chance that you can get pregnant even when you are on the pill. When you do get your period this month that should be a good indication that you are not pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — November 28, 2011 @ 2:20 pm

  255. Dear Kim,

    Spotting can be caused by many things including stress or if you are taking antibiotics that interferes with the birth control pill. Continue taking your pills as you normally would and see if your period comes 9 days from now. If it doesn’t, take a pregnancy test. If it does then you are not pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — November 28, 2011 @ 2:23 pm

  256. I have been taking loestrin 24 fe for almost a year now. During my last pack, i missed a white one during week 2 and got a period for about a week. I took the missed pill the second I realized I forgot it and continue to take one pill everyday after it. I didn’t think much of it when I didn’t get my period on the brown pills of that pack since I already got one earlier during October. I was just wondering if it’s normal for me to not get a period during the next pack about a month later. I was also wondering if I was protected during that time since I continued to take the pills as directed.

    Comment by D — December 3, 2011 @ 4:56 pm

  257. Dear D,

    You should be protected if you made up for the missed pill and continued to finish the pack (taking it every day around the same time every day). Girls on Loestrin 24 FE usually get lighter periods. Some even don’t get periods at all, so it is normal. Continue taking the pills and see if you get your period at the end of your next pack. If not, you can take a pregnancy test to be sure.

    Comment by Janine — December 5, 2011 @ 9:54 am

  258. I am in my first month of taking loestrin. I chose the quick start method, and began taking loestrin on a random Sunday before my period had begun. After two weeks, I decided to start my period early so I took the four brown placebo pills. I had my period while taking the brown pills. After the four placebo pills, I continued taking the rest of the active pills in the pack. I have been taking the active pills for five days now. How much longer should I continue to use a back up form of protection?

    Comment by Amy — December 5, 2011 @ 10:30 am

  259. Dear Amy,

    Thank you for being very informative of your situation. I would recommend you to continue taking the rest of the first pack with back up form protection until you start your next pack of pills. Girls who choose the quick start method are recommended to use back up contraception until they are starting on their second pack.

    Comment by Janine — December 5, 2011 @ 3:26 pm

  260. I started Loestrin 24 two and a half months ago and I haven’t had a period since. I just had blood work done and I have a high iron count my regular doctor is concerned about and I don’t know if it has anything to do with the iron in the sugar pills or from not bleeding for so long or something totally different but I feel like an emotional witch all the time too. Has anyone had iron problems with this pill? I was taken of off yaz and put on the Loestrin because I was bleeding too much, now I’m not bleeding at all!

    Comment by Jennifer — December 21, 2011 @ 9:50 am

  261. Dear Jennifer,

    Your body could be adjusting to Loestrin 24. Girls who are on Loestrin 24 FE do experience lighter and shorter periods. I would advise you to wait until you are done with the third pack and see if you get a light period. If you still don’t, talk to your doctor about maybe putting you on the extended cycle pill.

    Comment by Janine — December 21, 2011 @ 10:14 am

  262. Well I have pretty much read all the comments on this page & legit none of them have Answered my question. I can’t even call my doctor at this time of night. I just started taking the pill about a week and 2 days ago. I did a quick start because my period is completely irregular. I am not sexually active-I just want to regulate my period. Well now I have a yeast infection-is that normal? I did some research on Loestrin 24 Fe & they say it’s common with the pill. What do you guys suggest? I am in so much pain. I am discharging a clear liquid-nothing really gross. I am hoping my hormones are just getting used to the pill.

    Comment by Mercedes — December 22, 2011 @ 8:36 pm

  263. Dear Mercedes,

    I would recommend you see your doctor today to get treatment for the yeast infection. Make sure you mention to him/her that you are on birth control pills. He should be able to get you something to clear it up. If the yeast infection comes back again, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about the re-occurrence and he/she will run some tests to make sure you have no major health issues.

    Comment by Janine — December 23, 2011 @ 10:02 am

  264. I have been taking Loestrin 24 Fe for about 2 weeks. I have NEVER missed a pill, and I have been taking them at the same time every day (*timer on my phone reminds me*) I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend on Saturday night(I took my 2nd week, Saturday pill) Is there a chance I could get pregnant from that? Or am I full protected?

    Comment by Jessy — January 1, 2012 @ 7:19 pm

  265. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend the other day.
    I have been taking Loestrin 24 fe for 2 weeks (I was on my last day on row 2), never missed a pill, and I always take them at the same time.
    Should I be worried?

    Comment by Jessica — January 2, 2012 @ 6:41 am

  266. I am taking Loestrin 24 and I was supposed to start my new pack yesterday (Sunday) but I forgot to pick up my prescription what with all the New Year festivities. I know I just have to double up tonight and I’ll be fine but when is it “safe” to have sex without a condom if I missed a day? I’m going to use condoms just to be sure but I’m curious if I’ve been consistently taking it for months now if it’s neccessarry.

    Comment by Jennifer — January 2, 2012 @ 6:36 pm

  267. Now I started taking the lo loestrin fe. I’m on my first pack on my third week. I haven’t had any bad symptoms but breast tenderness and some growth. But I feel like the pills haven’t been working for my acne problem. Should I wait and see if it takes any effect or should I ask my doctor about other birth control pills to help get rid of my acne?

    Comment by Vanessa — January 3, 2012 @ 12:29 am

  268. Dear Vanessa,

    Definitely wait it out. It may clear up after 3 months of use. If you want to take birth control pill just to clear your acne, there are other pills that your doctor can recommend you if your acne doesn’t clear up after 3 months of being on Loestrin 24 fe.

    Comment by Janine — January 4, 2012 @ 3:31 pm

  269. Dear Jennifer,

    Glad to hear that you have been consistently taking the pill. You can use back up contraception during the week you missed your pill.

    Comment by Janine — January 4, 2012 @ 3:34 pm

  270. Dear Jessica,

    If you have not missed any pills and you started the pill under the guidance of your doctor, then you shouldn’t be worried.

    Comment by Janine — January 4, 2012 @ 3:35 pm

  271. Still have a yeast infection-went to the gyno. They now put me on flagyl. I am in so much pain. It’s not even funny. Everything is swollen. I am burning inside. I think I might have to go to the hospital. Because I’ve already seen two doctors & seriously nobody has been able to cure this.

    Comment by Mercedes — January 4, 2012 @ 8:35 pm

  272. Dear Mercedes,

    Your doctor may have prescribed you Flagyl because he/she might have thought you have Trichomonas because Flagyl treats anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites including Trichomonas. Trichomonas is a vaginal parasite that causes inflammation in the vagina. If you are taking Flagyl topically (cream), you may be experiencing a reaction to the cream. If you are taking it orally (pill), then the swelling and burning may be from the vaginal discharge. I would definitely recommend you to go see a doctor to let them know your condition so that they can give you a better diagnosis so that you would receive better treatment.

    Comment by Janine — January 5, 2012 @ 4:40 pm

  273. I started the pill pack on a random sunday and got my period after about 2 or 3 weeks and it was a heavy period. I only had about a couple drops of blood on the brown pills, and I’m on my second pack and I haven’t gotten a period but I start the brown pills in half a week. I was on antibiotics when I started the pack and I didn’t know they make your birth control completely useless. My boyfriend and I had sex for about 5 minutes or so before putting on a condom for the whole time about 5 times and I’m worried about not getting my period on the brown pills. Should i take a pregnancy test?

    Comment by Dianna — January 6, 2012 @ 6:00 pm

  274. Dear Dianna,

    Yes, you should take a pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — January 9, 2012 @ 9:07 am

  275. I’ve been on Beyaz, and just got a prescription change a couple days ago to Loestrin. However, I’m on my last Beyaz month, but only into the second week. Can I just stop taking them now, wait for my period to come, and then start Loestrin? Or should I follow through for the rest of the month? I only ask because I really want to quit Beyaz as soon as possible because of the blood clot risk. I’ve been getting some chest pains for the past month or so and paranoia is setting in that its from Beyaz.

    Comment by Sam — January 11, 2012 @ 9:31 pm

  276. Dear Sam,

    I would advise you to talk to your doctor who prescribed you to Loestrin 24 fe to find out when it is appropriate to make the switch.

    Comment by Janine — January 12, 2012 @ 9:11 am

  277. If you take this pill could you miss a period and not be pregnant?

    Comment by Sue — January 21, 2012 @ 7:01 am

  278. Dear Sue,

    Girls on this pill do experience lighter periods. Some even not get a period. If you are worried that you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test.

    Comment by Janine — January 23, 2012 @ 10:24 am

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