Sexual Health Birth Control Prescription Options The Benefits and Risks of Lo Loestrin Fe By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC twitter linkedin Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial process Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on September 23, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on December 02, 2019 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Before Taking Dosage Side Effects Interactions Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination birth control pill that contains a low dose of ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen, and norethindrone acetate, a synthetic form of progesterone, also known as progestin. Lo Loestrin Fe provides effective contraception with the lowest dose of estrogen possible, which may reduce side effects, especially in perimenopausal women. Uses Lo Loestrin Fe is used to prevent pregnancy. When you choose to use Lo Loestrin Fe for contraception, you may experience some benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, including: Easing of endometriosis-related painReduction in severe menstrual crampsRegular and more predictable periodsLighter and shorter periodsAcne managementA decreased risk of ovarian cystsA decreased risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer Weight and Birth Control Failure Before Taking The effectiveness of Lo Loestrin Fe has not been studied in women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35. Discuss your birth control options with your healthcare provider if weight is an issue for you. Women over 35 who smoke cigarettes should not use Lo Loestrin Fe due to the increased risk for heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. Your risk increases due to age as well as the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. People with liver disease, breast cancer, and another estrogen- or progesterone-sensitive cancers should not use Lo Loestrin Fe. The pills are also be avoided by women at high risk of conditions related to blood clots, such as thrombotic stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis. Dosage Lo Loestrin Fe is considered to be a low-dose hormonal contraceptive, as it contains only 10 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen. The pack contains 30 pills, which is why the drug is categorized as a mini extended-cycle pill (typical birth control packs have 28 pills). The first Lo Loestrin Fe 26 pills are combination estrogen and progestin pills. This is followed by two days of estrogen-only pills and two more days of placebo pills containing no hormones. To use, take one pill at the same time every day, and avoid skipping pills. The pills should be taken in the order indicated on the blister pack. Research has shown that taking estrogen for two extra days may make your period shorter and lighter than normal. Side Effects Verywell / Cindy Chung The most common side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe include: NauseaVomitingHeadachesBleeding irregularities In premarket clinical research, around 4% of women also reported breast tenderness, menstrual cramps, or changes in weight, while 3% reported acne or abdominal pain. Compared to other combination birth control pills, the lower estrogen dose appears to minimize some of the common side effects, both in duration and severity. Interactions Some medications or herbal supplements may decrease the effectiveness of Lo Loestrin Fe or increase your likelihood of experiencing breakthrough bleeding. If you're using any of these drugs or herbs, talk with your doctor about the need for backup contraception or if you should use another method: BarbituratesBosentanCarbamazepineFelbamateGriseofulvinOxcarbazepine PhenytoinRifampin St. John’s wortTopiramate A Word From Verywell Lo Loestrin Fe is just one of many effective methods of oral contraception. Talk with your healthcare provider before deciding to switch to a low-estrogen birth control pill. Choosing the Right Contraceptive Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lo Loestrin Fe. Frequently asked questions. Lo Loestrin Fe. Potential side effects. Nappi, R.; Kaunitz, A.; and Bitzer, J. Extended regimen combined oral contraception: A review of evolving concepts and acceptance by women and clinicians. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2016;21(2):106-15. doi:10.3109/13625187.2015.1107894. American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Noncontraceptive benefits of birth control pills. Updated 2011. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of prescribing information: Lo Loestrin Fe norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl estradiol and ferrous fumarate. Updated August 2017. Nappi RE, Kaunitz AM, Bitzer J. Extended regimen combined oral contraception: A review of evolving concepts and acceptance by women and clinicians. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2016;21(2):106-15. doi:10.3109/13625187.2015.1107894