"I have been taking Loestrin 24 for a year now, and have to say that it is amazing. I&#039;d been through three birth control pills before this one, which all lead to serious infections and had little effect on my extreme PMS symptoms. Since starting Loestrin, I have had shorter, lighter, predictable periods. To have one last for more than four days is rare, and I am able to continue my active lifestyle which was inhibited by unbearable cramps that would keep me in bed for several days before. I have not experienced any weight gain as a side effect of this medication. However, I did, and continue to, notice a change in mood on my &quot;off&quot; days, which can be best described as generally sad and down."