Anyone Experiencing Missed Periods And Slight Weight Gain On Lo Loestrin Fe Birth Control (Page 2)

I have been on this pill since March and only got my period the first month I was on it and it was very light and only lasted a couple of days. haven't gotten it since. I have taken tests...all negative. Any one else experiencing this?

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Thank you this was really helpful do you have more research I can read on?

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@ Sparrow22
Can you expand a little about getting your hormone level checked? Do you have to be off birth control? Is a naturopath better than an online service such as zrtlab? I would love to read more of your research!

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@ Lala flower,
I have had my hormones level check while on birth control (and also while off birth control, but this was when I was younger and before I had a need for it--they were checked since I started my period a bit later than normal, at 16). I would recommend a naturopath over an online site, at least initially. Both provide the same results, but a naturopath (or, a family doctor, if you have one who is willing!) can help interpret the results and really explore options with you.

Here are some online research articles linking insulin resistance to birth control and exploring the effects of androgenic contraceptives:
sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/002072929091021H

press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jcem.74.1.1530790

ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2886%2980024-2/abstract

If you just read the abstract/conclusions, it gives a good idea of the total outcome, but I also really enjoy reading the whole article for the details.

Most of my other research is on my work computer, so I will try to post it tomorrow when I am back at work.

Sparrow

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Yes. I've not had a period in five months and have been on it for about seven or eight.

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I want to constantly eat things I never used to eat. I'm always hungry and have so many more cravings. I have gained weight, too, and nothing seems to help. It just keeps adding up. Some is from the unhealthy eating habits I've begun, I'm sure, but I often feel swollen and bloated, too.

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Wow this is incredibly helpful. My daughter experienced the same side effects. She put on 12- 15 pounds in 3 months Could you send me the research you did?

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I've been taking lo lo Estrin Fe for almost three months now. 1st month, very light period for about one day. 2nd month no period. Just about to finish third pack. I haven't any mood swings but wow has my appetite changed... For the worse... I went from 132 to 140 in what felt like a week.. I have a larger appetite and I want food all the time. Before taking this BC I was very conscious of what I was eating, went to the gym regularly, and had more self control and now- forget it! Also a bit more tired but I think that's from the poor eating habits. I am also breaking out on my chin a lot. Never have I ever broken out so much, especially on my chin. I want to give maybe another month for my body to get used to this medication but if I don't start to see changes in my appetite and the scale doesn't go down I might have a melt down. Lol. Can anyone recommend another low dose BC that they like?

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Hi I am having similiar issues as discussed above and was hoping you would share your research resources?

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I am 51 and have not been on birth control for 15 years. I still have monthly periods, but a typical cycle now lasts 26 days rather than my prior 29-31 days. My doctor prescribed lo estrin fe for me to give me "that little boost" of estrogen that he thinks will keep me from having night sweats and mood swings. I'm on the 2nd week around day 13 and I cannot stop eating. I'm nauseated and feel EXACTLY like I am 8 weeks pregnant. I just ate 2 peptos then ate a klondike ice cream bar. I know without even looking that I've gained 4-5 pounds in a matter of days. So I'm going to stop cold turkey today and just let whatever happens happen. I have to say though that I had an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured 15 years ago. Ever since then I have not used birth control and I have been closely attuned to my body's cycles...almost dying will make you do that. The pill takes that away from you. And at 51 it's probably best for me to be able to read my body's signals. There's got to be a better way to get through this menopause s*** than to take this!

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I totally understand! I started taking it in August 2013 and gained 10 pounds. I was so frustrated! It is all in my belly :( I went to my gyno and she said that some people are just sensitive to estrogen which causes the weight gain. She said getting an IUD would likely not cause weight gain, but I'm definitely not going through with that. I was stressed out a few months ago and didn't eat as much as usual and I lost some weight so I think it's possible, but you just need to exercise probably more than you used to. Hope this helped!!

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Elizabeth,
I know it's been a while since you posted this, but how long was it before you got your period back after stopping Lo Loestrin?
I am thinking of stopping it too because of weight gain - packed on probably 7 lbs in 3 months :(

I am 41 and very hesitant of even trying another pill. Took me a month to get over the nausea and exhaustion of starting this pill, and then the weight gain came.

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I started to feel like my old self a couple of days after going off the pill. I chose to not go back on any form of bc after this experience as it was really just for the sml amt of estrogen my DR thought I needed. I seem to be find without at 45. Wasn't worth it in my opinion. After about a Ming my periods were back to normal

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Thank you for your quick reply!

Glad you are feeling much better!

Another side effect that I noticed was that my migraine attacks became more frequent ... In fact, I read that they do not recommend this pill to women with a history of migraines as they may cause a stroke!

I have just 3-4 pills left and am looking forward to seeing my old self. My periods have always been very regular (28 days long) and not heavy at all.

Did you notice being more easily agitated and more moody?

Not sure if this was the pill or my kids driving me crazy :)

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Old post but, wanted to share. I was on lo loestrin fe for about 2 1/2 years straight. I had maybe three periods within that time and didn't gain any weight or have mood issues. One thing I have noticed is lethargy but this could be related to other things.

Recently I changed insurance and had to try other pills. First thing they gave me was microgestin. It was awful. My face exploded in seborrheic dermatitis (I had not had a flare up this bad since being on the lo loestrin) and I had about two weeks of severe mood swings. I also had the worst cramps of my life when on my period again. Now I am trying Lutera and am still having skin issues.

I would definitely recommend the lo loestrin for anyone who, like me has sensitive skin and is not prone to weight gain .. and of course anyone who prefers not having a period monthly. But am sure it is not for everyone.

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A little history about me. I am 41, do Crossfit 3 times a week and have never had skin issues. I am not prone to weight gain and have been trying to keep a Paleo diet as close as possible.

Since I started the pill 3 months ago, I have had this ravenous appetite, strangely enough mostly for carbs. I've always had a flat stomach and even a 6-pack. Now, it's very well padded and my whole mid-section is visibly thicker ...

I used to be able to go on 6 hours of sleep and be OK, now I am exhausted and can't run at night ... Sure this attributed to the weight gain.

I also noticed an increased frequency of my migraine attacks. According to the med info, history of migraines is contra indicative.

I am stopping the pill tomorrow. Not being in control of my body and even moods has not been fun. The only good part about taking this pill was not having a period. I did have some cramping and spotting at almost 45 days the last month, which was very uncomfortable. I'd rather have a regular period, which was always on time and 28 days long, than gain so much weight.

Would be curious to see if other women 40 and over have had similar issues. I am positive age is a big factor. If you look at reviews on message boards, most women on birth control pills are in their 20s or early 30s.

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i feel incredibly disgusting on this pill! i am very active and am always working out. iHave gained 4 pounds in less then 2 weeks and i feel extremely bloated all the time. I feel as i have gained like 10 pounds and i feel incredibly unhappy. do not take this pill!

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The doctor's nurse told me the same thing about the weight gain. Such a small dose should not cause any weight gain. I went on assuming that I was becoming menopausal so I didn't question it again. I took the pill for about three years and saw my mid-section get thicker and my weight gain up to 20 lbs. I have always been a slim petite person and this was very depressing. I recently (about 2 weeks) have been taken off the pill so the doctor could check my estrogen levels, and hello - starting to see the decrease in my mid section ! I so wish I would have known this was the cause, and I could have eliminated my struggle for so long. Happy to be off now. I am have severe headaches after stopping but hope after some time they will go away.

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I found your post to be very informative. I too am struggling with issues which I believe are related to bc. I've been on different methods of bc for years, and had some babies in between. I was always a very slim person and had a,lot of energy. But after starting bc, about 10 years ago, I had to start dieting. But at least I would be able to slowly drop my excess weight, but my weight slowly climbed up, still within reason. Then I tried the nuvaring, it's easier than taking the pill every day. After being on it for approximately 2 years, I finally figured out its making me gain weight , I have no energy, I have to drag myself around all day, no libido, not feeling normal, need to eat all the time of I don't I feel weak. So I went to my doctor, she switched me to lo loestrin, saying it has the least amount of hormones. But after being on it for 3 months I gained even more weight and even with dieting and exercise is so hard to lose a pound. Also I still have all my other symptoms. It was interesting to me that you suggested going on a higher dose estrogen pill. I read the article you suggested, to figure out which pill is the right one for you, and on the chart, it says if you have weight gain, you should go on a lower estrogen pill than you are now. So I'm wondering, since you seem so knowledgeable, which pill you would suggest I try, cuz my doctor is out of ideas, and I'm considering the iud. I've tried nuvaring, and now I'm on loestrin.

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My Dr put me on this in February and since then I have completely missed 3 periods. Pregnancy tests are negative. I've had weight gain and I hate it. I expected to have light periods..not take them completely away. I'm going off this at the end of my pack and going back on my previous pill. I hate thinking that I'm pregnant 24/7... I'm 44 yes old!

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Im 43 yrs old. I was on loestrin for 3 months, i lost my period, I was terrified I was pregnant, but the tests were negative. I was so relieved, but it was driving me nuts. I decided to go off bc and i got an iud. I was very worried before, i was afraid it will hurt and also afraid of side effects. But I must say it wasn't bad at all, the insertion, and after 6 weeks, I finally got my period. Bleeding was stronger than before but not bad at all and hardly cramps. My body is still stabilizing from the pill, still struggling with my weight. Im hoping it will get easier over a few months. I'm glad I made the switch.

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I accidentally missed a Lo Loestrin Fe pill on a Friday due to being busy at work. I took a pill the next evening (Satur...

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I been on birth control for about a year and a half the first five months being on the pill I had my period the 6 month ...

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I started this birth control on the Sunday after my period, with the first row of a brand new pack ... So will my period...

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I've been taking Lo Loestrin Fe at the same time every day consistantly for two months with no period... is this nor...

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I am on my 3rd pack/month. I am spotting/feeling very PMS during the second week and have been getting my period during ...

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I am 1 week out from finishing my first pack of Loestrin 24 Fe. I started the pill on the first day of my period and hav...

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I have been on many birth controls and had issues such as mood swings, anxiety, no libido, and i was very angry all the ...

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I have been taking Sprintec for about 5 years and I have never had this happen until now. On the second Monday of my pac...

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I am on Sprintec birth control, and I am always bad with taking my pills, and this month I have tried to given myself my...

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I have been taking Loestrine Fe for over 2 years and have had spotting about every few months. A few days ago I had a ve...

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