Loestrin

Loestrin is a highly effective and therefore popular contraceptive that contains both oestrogen and progestogen to give you 99% protection^[1] against pregnancy when used correctly as well as other benefits such as period control and reduced menstrual cramps. Loestrin is a combined pill that can be used by a wide range of women and is available to buy in both Loestrin 20 and Loestrin 30 from OnlineClinic. If you tend to experience some side effects with combined pills, the alteration in dosage could be an ideal option, with a supply of either three months or six months.

Buying contraception like Loestrin online has a number of benefits over the traditional face-to-face appointment. You needn't spend time booking and attending appointments for a contraceptive method you know works and delivery is sent directly to your door.

Loestrin is a combined contraceptive pill – also referred to as 'the pill' – that contains both artificial oestrogen and progestogen. The primary use is to prevent pregnancy, and it is 99% effective^[1] at doing so when used correctly. The synthetic oestrogen is Loestrin is ethinylestradiol and the synthetic progestogen is norethindrone acetate, and when influencing the menstrual cycle, there can be additional advantages such as lessening a heavy flow and easing menstrual cramping.

Loestrin 20 and Loestrin 30 work in exactly the same way with the same hormones, however Loestrin 20 is a slightly small dosage in a pale blue tablet. Loestrin 30 typically comes in a pale green tablet.

Loestrin is highly effective, and will immediately prevent you against pregnancy when taken on the first day of your period.

It works in the same way all other combined pills work by protecting you against pregnancy in three ways. Firstly, Loestrin stops an egg from being released by tricking the body into thinking the ovaries has already produced one. In the effect of an egg being produced, it is unlikely that the sperm will reach the egg due to a change in the cervical fluid (thickening) and the womb lining becoming thinner meaning an egg will struggle to attach itself.

Loestrin 20 and Loestrin 30 come in a three-month supply or six-month supply. This will be either three blister packs or six blister packs. Each contains 21 pills that should be taken for 21 consecutive days followed by a seven-day break where you will experience a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

• When first buying Loestrin, if you begin your medication on the first day of your period, you will be immediately protected
• Continue to take every pill for 21 days (one every day) at around the same time
• Once finished, you will have a seven-day break from Loestrin, experiencing a period-like withdrawal bleed
• On the eighth day, begin your next pill pack and continue with the same pattern

Loestrin comes in two dosages, which is fairly unusual for a combined pill, but both are as equally effective and easy to take. Depending on the consultation you complete, our partner doctors will be able to advise which Loestrin will be most suitable for you.

The Loestrin 20 contains 1mg of synthetic oestrogen ethinylestradiol and 20mcg of synthetic progestogen norethindrone acetate. Loestrin 30 contains 1.5mg of ethinylestradiol and 30mcg of norethindrone acetate.

Side effects of Loestrin pills are usually very well tolerated, especially the lower dose, however some may occur. Whilst these tend to be temporary and mild, disappearing after the first three months of medication, they include headaches, nausea/vomiting, vaginal thrush, spotting (irregular bleeding) and breast tenderness. For the full list regarding side effects, you can check our patient leaflet at the bottom of the page.

Precautions of Loestrin, for both 20 and 30, can include:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have heart, liver, circulation problems
• If you have had a stroke
• If you have high blood pressure
• If you have varicose veins