Loestrin 24 Fe is an oral contraceptive. It is a combination contraceptive containing 2 kinds of hormones (ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate). A pack of 28 pills contains 24 active (which contain the hormones) and four inactive pills (they don’t contain hormones). The four inactive pills are iron (ferrous fumarate) pills.
There is a debate on the benefits of this newer contraceptive option of Loestrin 24 Fe. There are both benefits and consequences to following this option.
How Loestrin 24 Fe Works
Three results occur due to hormone composition in a Loestrin 24 pill. These results directly affect the uterus.
Result 1: Stops ovulation – The very initial production, growth and release of eggs from the ovaries is prevented.
Result 2: Changes cervical mucus – Cervical fluid composition is altered thereby making it more difficult for sperms to enter the uterus.
Result 3: Alters uterus wall – The endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, is made hostile to any possibly developing embryo.
These three results together greatly decreases the chances of pregnancy happening.
Benefits
Advocates of Loestrin 24 state the following benefits:
• This is an easy-to-follow and convenient birth-control option
• Lesser inactive pills decrease the duration and flow of menstruation making it a more comfortable option
• The pill has proven in being very successful in preventing pregnancies.
• The iron content in Loestrin 24 Fe decreases the chances of anemia due to blood loss during periods.
• The pill results in regular menstrual cycles
• There is lesser pains and cramps during menstruation.
• Some studies show a lower risk in ovarian and uterine cancer
• It has been found to be beneficial against premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Consequences
With all the benefits it provides, there are also controversial side-effects attributed to consumption of Loestrin 24. Some of the common ones include:
• Headaches and migraine
• Increased cases of blood clotting
• Increase in acne
• Increased breast sensitivity
• Mood swings, sometimes leading to depression
• Spotting (bleeding between periods).
• High cholesterol
• Weight gain
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Increased occurrences of common cold
• Increased cases of heart–related disease and complications
There are reported cases of women having very short periods after going on Loestrin 24. Some extreme cases do not have period for a couple of months together. This imbalance in timely periods throws off the women and results in confusion and worry.
Not all the side-effects can always be attributed to Loestrin 24 Fe usage. It could also be a contradiction to a prevailing health condition to which the composition in the pill had an adverse reaction. Otherwise it could also be due to general health and environmental conditions which resulted in the problem.
Conclusion
Every human is made-up differently physiologically. It is up to the individual consumer to decide whether Loestrin 24 Fe is suitable to her and her decision to continue its usage.