Lo-estrin, Breakthrough bleeding

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Lo-estrin, Breakthrough bleeding
11
Tue, 06-15-2004 - 2:19pm
Hi I'm new to this service. I've just started my 3rd week on the Lo-estrin generic substitute. I have had breakthrough bleeding and cramping for 7 days now, eventhough I've been consistent in taking the pill daily. This is becoming very frustrating, has anyone else experienced similar symptoms?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2004
Tue, 06-15-2004 - 4:11pm
Hi,

I faithfully take microgesting fe 1/20 which is supposed to be the generic for Loestrin. I am in the middle of my third pack. When I first started taking the pill, I had breakthrough bleeding on my second week which lasted 7 days and I had no period during the sugar pills. On my second pack I had breakthrough bleeding during the third week and it ended the day before the sugar pills. I am now on my third pack and midway through my second week to now, which is into my third week I am experiencing breakthrough bleeding. I think that because the pill is low on estrogen this happens. It's not abnormal because I just saw my doctor on this on Tuesday (June 8) and she said that I may never get my period on the sugar pills and might always get it during the hormone pills. She was going to change the pill but I decided against it because I was barely getting over so many of the other side effects that I thought if this is all I have in the end, I can deal with it. If you can't, you may need to change your pill. Hope this helps some. The big side effect I am currently dealing with is depression on this pill. Hopefully it will clear up soon and I hope you don't have that. Good luck to you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2004
Tue, 06-15-2004 - 8:02pm
Glad to know I am not alone. I am also on the generics of Loestrin 1/20. I am finishing my third pack as well. I have the exact same problem. Major breakthrough bleeding and then no period when it should be there. Oh, and the depression thing - I am on the verge of tears at all times. It's bad!!! If you happen to switch and have luck with something else let me know, I've got my Dr appt July 7th. These pills have got to go!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 8:18am
Just an FYI though...if you're still in your first pack of Loestrin, this might be a short-term thing. Breakthrough bleeding is very common when you first start a new pill, particularly in the first month or two. If you continue to have bleeding during the active pills after the first three months or if it's worse the second month than the first, then you should call your doctor to see about what to do next.

I took Loestrin 1.5/30 for about four years and didn't have any bleeding issues at all, but I had other problems (significant lack of estrogen) that caused me to stop taking it.

Good luck, I hope it works out!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 11:55am
Thanks for all the responses!! It's nice to know that others are experiencing the same symptoms on Lo-Estrin. My plan is to stick with it for at least another month and see if things stabilize. This is my last week before my sugar pills, (I'm still bleeding)I was wondering if it would be ok to skip my sugar pills and go directly to my next packet. I really don't want to run the risk of getting my period again next week. Any thoughts?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 12:08pm
It wouldn't hurt to give it a try. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2004
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 4:16pm
Hi girls,

I was so relieved to read your post because now I know I'm not the only one experiencing breakthrough bleeding. I am also on Loestrin 1/20 (I'm taking the generic form Microgestin). I've been on it for three months. The first month I had breakthrough bleeding on the 2nd and 3rd weeks. Last month I got what I think is my period on the third week of active pills and no period (just very light spotting for two days) during my placebo week. This month I am on the third week of actives and I'm bleeding (this is my third day of week number three). We'll see what happens during the no-pill week.

I experience some emotional side effects (moody, depressed) but only before my period. My main concern is that I am not 100% protected. I've read on other threads that getting your period early may be a result of your pill not being strong enough. I don't mind getting my period a week early, but I do worry that what I'm taking might not be effective. Any advice?

Thank you!!

Nino

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 5:35pm
Hi Nino, welcome!

Ovulation suppression and endometrium management are two different functions of hormonal contraceptives. So, if you have been taking your pills correctly then even though you may be experiencing irregular bleeding you should still be protected. Thanks for stopping by.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2004
Wed, 06-16-2004 - 9:18pm
Thank you Jill!!

Nino :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2004
Fri, 06-18-2004 - 4:25am
Hmm... I was only on that pill for two and a half weeks. I had no breakthrough bleeding while I was on it, but it DID almost kill me! (See my post "the pill almost killed me!") Now, don't get scared, I'm the one person in a million that has the rarest, most serious side effect. But anyway, I've been off of it for about a month now, and have had 3 periods since. Ridiculous. 3 periods within a month's time! Anyway, let us know how it goes.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2004
Fri, 06-18-2004 - 12:24pm
Hi Car,

Thanks for sharing this information. What were the first symptoms you noticed? Three periods in a month is a lot! I hope you feel better soon!

Nino

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