Hi, I'm trying the Loestrin 24-day pack (for sexual and more importantly, hopefully, real health troubles I'm having) for the 1st time.

Before this, I used "standard" "medium" dosage 21-day packs - i think the specifics were 1.5/30 or whatever. I had that for about 2 years before switching over this month.

No BC pills ever before that.

I am apparently having break-through bleeding now, in my 3rd week.

I don't think it's supposed to be a big deal, but should I be anxious at some point? The packs' directions say if it goes on for several days, but don't be surprised in the "1st few months" of using pills.

This last statement is not clear to me. Do they mean 1st months of using specifically, the LOW-dosage? Or do they mean, ANY dosage? The former would mean I don't worry now. The latter, yes worry, because I've been on some kind of BC pill for 2 straight years by now.

Can anyone help me out?

Even general knowledge, such as "it's no big deal"?

Breakthrough bleeding on low-dose pills is especially common. Don't worry about it. If it doesn't improve or gets worse after 3 months, you might have to switch to a higher dose pill to control it. BTW, breakthrough bleeding can occur on any hormonal birth control, but especially the low-dose. It can just start randomly, for no reason, even when you take the pill perfectly and always at the same time. I had breakthrough bleeding on ortho-tricyclen lo that started after I was on it for 6 months and just kept getting worse and worse...

Thanks for the assurance. However, I just realized something else this might be causing me.

Last week, I had a HORRIBLE bout of burning gut - all over, including low down. It ended up as almost fainting, sweating, and diarrhea for a few hours. Ever since I've been feeling a vague burn all over - stomach, lower gut, around belly button, on sides (often, it's symmetric).

You can read about my horrible night and general history (includes GI issues the last year) on the DIGESTIVE DISORDERS board, where I started a thread which was never answered (look for the "0" replies!).


Now, I'm wondering if this Loestrin has anything to do with that, at least the BURNING part. The "GI episode" happened about 3 days before I got break-through, and the burn has been occuring still (as has the bleeding, constantly and quite heavy) since.

I assumed this was GI-related as I've been having so much problem - but generally, it's all upper GI, not lower. But now I wonder if the Loestrin switch has put a strain on it, or even maybe my uterus is having some kind of problem because of the new BC? Didn't occur to me until yesterday the new BC might be causing THAT problem! What do you think?

I have had the same problem and I have been told that the first 3 months this is normal for some people. I am in my fourth month of it and still am having the breakthrough bleeding. I have been told that I need a higher dose to keep that from happening. So wait through the 3rd full month and see how your 4th turns out. Go back to your doctor if it doesn't quit.

i second militarywife's response. the breakthrough bleeding, as you described it, is nothing to worry about and is actually pretty common on loestrin. im towards the end of my second cycle. and i had breakthrough bleeding for 7 days at the end of my second wk during both my first and second cycle. let your body acclimate. if it continues past 3 mos, talk to your doc. good luck.

I am going to tell you what has been my experience now. I am in the last week of my 4th pack and have had breakthrough bleeding for 5 days now. This is not a light bleeding or a pink coloration when I wipe...this is full on bleeding. I have dealt with it through 4 months now and it has gotten worse. In my first 3 packs it lasted 3 days and was fairly light. I have read that bigger women (such as myself) need more estrogen and a low dose may not be effective to stop that breakthrough bleeding. I would bet that you'll experience this problem in the months to come. My Dr's answer was higher dose. Not for me....I am done.