I was a very happy LoEstrin Fe consumer and then they discontinued the product. I had zero complaints. I was told that Minastrin, a chewable BCP, was the same thing and would replace LoEstrin. I switched somewhere around October/November of last year.
Initially, I had no problems, although I do think my weight gain began around that time. Then in Feb, I started spotting mid-pack. I take the pills continuously to avoid periods and the migraines I get with them. Well, it had been a long time since I'd taken the placebos and the OBGYN told me that if I started spotting, I probably needed to let my body have a "period", so I spotted until the placebo pills, took the placebos, had a normal cycle, then started a new pack. About 1.5-2 weeks into that pack....same thing started happening, except heavier spotting. I am also ridiculously bloated, I have terrible cramps (which normally are not a problem for me), I'm moody and my breasts hurt. I feel pregnant, but I'm not (I tested because I had to have a CT scan).
I started to do some reading and found that quite a few others who had made the switch to Minastrin are dealing with the same thing. I'm about 95% certain these pills are wreaking havoc on my body. Oh, and they are causing serious acne too, which has also never really been a problem, even as a teen. I called and asked to be switched to a generic version of LoEstrin, as it seems that one is now available, so I'll be curious to see if that is better.
I was just wondering if anyone else was dealing with these issues as a result of taking Minastrin? I know there were a few of us who had to switch.