"loestrin was the first birth control i used. i&#039;ve had minimal problems with my period before and was using it purely as a contraceptive. unfortunately, i was quickly disappointed with it. my emotions were all over the map and it didn&#039;t help that i had a period for 12 days straight. this wasn&#039;t a nice, light period like i was expecting. it was about twice as heavy as it normally is. my breakthrough bleeding was almost daily as well. i have now switched birth control (to portia) and am very satisfied. plus, loestrin hurts the bank account! there is no generic alternative. "