13/09/2019
Loestrin 20
Combined pill
About the reviewer
Age:
18-25
Time used:
3 - 5 years
Had children:
No
Height:
5'4"/162.5cm
Weight:
50kg - 55kg / 7st 12lb - 8st 9lb
Currently using:
No I've stopped using it
Experience
This was generally a very good pill for me, as it lightened my periods significantly and did not cause any other physical symptoms. I also credit it with improvements in my skin, although I was not diagnosed acne prior to taking the pill and just had normal, irregular spots. However, I stopped using it because my periods became so light that I began to worry about pregnancy. Furthermore, I had a couple of pauses of about 3-6 months due to my then-partner going travelling, and when I went back on the pill each time, it was difficult to readjust. For the first 3 months of being back on the pill, I experienced moderate-high levels of anxiety, which I had never previously suffered from. I believe this to be linked to the pill because the pattern was consistent over 4 years of coming off and on, plus I am now off the pill for the foreseeable future and am experiencing no anxiety. Overall, I would recommend it, but encourage users to monitor their mental as well as physical health, and take appropriate steps during any difficulties.
Impact whilst taking
Mood:
Somewhat negatively
Weight:
No change
Periods:
Lighter periods
Sex drive:
I don’t know / can’t tell
Side effects whilst taking
No effects on the head
Tender breasts
Better skin
Back pain
No effects on the nether regions
Impact after using
Mood:
Somewhat positively
Weight:
No change
Return to cycle:
2 months
Sex drive:
Increased sex drive
No effects on the head
Spots or acne
Nausea or vomiting
Tender breasts
No effects on the nether regions
Experience after taking
I had been suffering from moderate anxiety at the beginning of my time periods on the pill, which would then subside after about 3 months. This happened each time I began the pill after a break over a 4 year period. I was 3 months into the pill again 12 months ago, and decided to simply stop rather than wait it out, and my mental health returned to normal within a month or two. I am now using condoms exclusively with my partner, which has a share of its own concerns, but my general anxiety is non-existent. I also noticed an increased sex drive, but that could be to do with a change of partner.