Women who want to avoid pregnancy take Lo Loestrin Fe, an oral contraceptive. It can be used to prevent pregnancy in women of childbearing age with a BMI of less than 35 kg/m2.
Side Effects: Positive and Negative
Like many medicines, Lo Loestrin Fe has a handful of usual side effects that you could encounter while using it. These consist of:
- Nausea (upset stomach)
- Breast sensitivity
- A little erratic bleeding (some light spotting between cycles is normal)
- Headaches
Contrary to many drugs, Lo Loestrin Fe also has certain potential side effects that you may not notice while using it. Among these is the potential for:
- Most women who take Lo Loestrin Fe experience shorter menstrual cycles, typically lasting under two days.
- Lighter than typical periods
- Less agonizing cycles
A Woman's Typical Hormonal Cycle
The usual menstrual cycle for women lasts four weeks (28 days). This cycle is primarily regulated by the hormones "estrogen" and "progesterone," respectively. In response to the release of the egg, your progesterone levels rise after your estrogen levels reach their greatest point in week 2.
The growth of a fetus is significantly influenced by both hormones. Progesterone aids in preparing the uterus for implantation of the egg, should it become fertilized, whereas estrogen releases an egg.
Your period will start if you are not pregnant by week four of your cycle. This aids in eliminating the egg and all other pregnancy-related preparations still present in the uterus. This process starts over when your menstruation is over.
What Effect Does Lo Loestrin Have on Pregnancy?
Hormonal birth control tablets supply your body with a set, daily dosage of estrogen and progesterone. There is no increase in estrogen and no egg is produced when both hormones are present in this stable quantity. Pregnancy is not possible without an egg.
Additionally, because the egg was not released, progesterone levels did not rise, which prevented the uterus from preparing for pregnancy. Due to the fact that there is less to "get rid of" during a period, periods are frequently shorter and less painful while using birth control.
In week 4 of a 28-day birth control pack, there may be 2 to 7 hormone-free pills to allow your body to experience a "withdrawal bleed" that resembles a regular period. You won't be able to become pregnant during this phase of your cycle.
- 24 blue, round tablets containing 1 mg of norethindrone acetate and 10 mcg of the estrogen ethinyl estradiol (a progesterone).
- 2 white, hexagonal pills with a 10mcg ethinyl estradiol content (an estrogen).
- 75 milligrams of ferrous fumarate is included in 2 brown, round tablets (iron). These pills don't contain hormones and don't work to prevent pregnancy.
Why Lo Loestrin Fe Instead of Other Contraceptives?
This 24/2/2 regimen involves taking blue estrogen and progesterone tablets for 24 days, white estrogen tablets for 2 days, and brown non-hormonal tablets for 2 days. Contrary to many birth control pills, which frequently require a 7-day hiatus from hormone supplements, this one does not. A 2-day interval is advantageous because it generally shortens and lessens the intensity of your menstruation. Compared to the "sugar pills," which are the most prevalent hormone-free tablets in birth control packets, the two brown pills include a tiny quantity of iron that may have some health benefits.
Additionally, Lo Loestrin has the least amount of estrogen of any combined birth control pill. A lower estrogen level is advantageous because it implies you are less likely to experience negative effects.
Uses for Lo Loestrin Fe
Before beginning Lo Loestrin Fe, finish the pack of any other birth control pills you are taking.
The first 24 hours after the onset of your period are the ideal time to begin your fresh Lo Loestrin Fe pack. If you follow these instructions, the birth control should start working immediately away, eliminating the need for a backup pregnancy prevention technique.
You can start the pack on any day of your cycle, but you must use additional birth control for at least 7 days if it is not within 24 hours of the beginning of your period.
You must take the tablets in the correct order: blue first, then white, then brown. It's crucial to take your medications every day at the same time.
A Reminder to Use Birth Control Every Day
Try to begin your pack at a meal that you know you can always have your tablet with. For example, breakfast. In order to remember to take their medication, many women also set an alarm. Your pills will work to prevent pregnancy more effectively the more frequently you take them on time.
Who Should Not Use This Drug?
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you shouldn't use Lo Loestrin Fe. If you have any other health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or breast cancer, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
If you take any of the following medications, you should also see your doctor before using Lo Loestrin Fe:
- Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital or amobarbital)
- St. John's wort
- Rifampin
- Phenytoin
- Carbamazepine
- Oxcarbamazepine
- Topiramate
- Felbamate
- Griseofulvin
- Bosentan
FAQs
Does birth control work?
Yes, if used properly, birth control is quite effective. They are 99% effective if you take your pills as directed each day and never forget to take one. Even with typical use, tablets are 91% effective, even though most individuals don't take them exactly as directed.
What if I forget to take a hormonal blue or white pill?
As soon as you recall, take the missed medication, even if that means taking two medications at once.
Can I omit taking the two brown pills with no hormones?
Yes, you can omit the two brown iron pills since they have no effect on preventing pregnancy. It doesn't matter if you take the tablets as long as you remember to start your next supply of birth control on the scheduled day.
Should I continue using condoms and other birth control methods?
Yes! You cannot be protected against sexually transmitted illnesses by using any hormonal birth control. In order to prevent infections, having additional physical protection is a wonderful idea.
Does using a birth control pill prevent me from becoming pregnant?
Although it is significantly less common, getting pregnant is still possible. The less likely you are to become pregnant, the more consistently you take your tablets at the same time each day and never miss a dose. Even more risk reduction is achieved by utilizing a second kind of defense, such as condoms.