13/09/2019

Loestrin 20

Combined pill

About the reviewer

Age:

18-25

Time used:

3 - 5 years

Had children:

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.