"i started taking minastrin in november after loestrin was discontinued, i was told it was the same pill just a different name (i disagree). like loestrin i take minastrin every morning at 8 a.m. i have been taking minastrin now for almost a year. i find i have cramps all the time, i get mad very easily, no sex drive whatsoever. i&#039;m not sure if this is related but i get hot and sweat very easy now. i have gained a good bit of weight in my thighs and lower stomach, again not sure if that is related to minastrin. when i go for my yearly exam i will be looking at switching."