Loestrin 24 Fe: An Overview of Birth Control in Pill Format

Birth control methods have been practiced for decades.  With health implications, many women today struggle to make the right decision with regard to the optimal method of birth control choices.   For women choosing The Pill, the options are just as varied from hormone variations to dosing levels.   With the use of the FDA approved Loestrin 24 Fe, women are offered a birth control option while providing an iron supplement concurrently and an option for decreasing the menstrual cycle to as little as three days.

Loestrin 24 Fe, manufactured by Warner Chilcott, provides a birth control method, in a pill, with a supplemental release of iron and the addition of three extra pills which allow for a shorter menstrual cycle.   Under the concept, Loestrin 24 Fe provides 24 days of active, hormone releasing pills instead of the traditional 21 days.   In doing so, the inactive pills are taken only four days out of the month, resulting in a significantly shortened menstrual cycle.   The added component of iron further enhances the production of health red blood cells, thereby working to prevent anemia.   In most women, the shorter and lighter menstrual cycle is seen as soon as the sixth cycle takes place.

The use of Loestrin 24 Fe, does not come without side effects.  Most commonly reported side effects, which may not dissipate with use of the pill, include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight fluctuations and fatigue.  Loestrin 24 Fe is not indicated for all patients.  For women seeking hormonal balance, after menopause, and for women who smoke, the Loestrin 24 Fe birth control pill may be contraindicated.  Additionally, for women with a history of cardiac disorders including stroke or blood clots should not use Loestrin 24 Fe or any other type of birth control pill.