Lo/Ovral

For some, hair loss is a hormonal issue. Since Lo/Ovral contains hormones, it's possible that the pill may worsen your condition, especially if hair loss runs in your family. It's not permanent, though — discontinuing your Lo/Ovral will get things back to normal within a few months.

Since it's hormone-based, some people may experience flare-ups from Lo/Ovral. However, there’s a good chance that Lo/Ovral will help with your acne problem. Dermatologists have even prescribed birth control pills just to help women with acne problems.

Many people think this is the case, but studies show that it's looking more and more like a myth. Water retention may mislead you into thinking you're gaining weight. Also, the estrogen in the pill can possibly cause fat cells to become a little larger, but it doesn't create more of them.

Be sure to discuss anything you're taking, including nonprescription drugs and herbal supplements, before starting Lo/Ovral. Many things can react with Lo/Ovral or make it less effective. It's especially important to bring up drugs that you're taking for cancer, HIV, seizures, or chronic hepatitis C. Lo/Ovral may interfere with some lab tests, such as blood exams. If you get any lab work done, make sure they know about your Lo/Ovral prescription. As with any birth control pill, it's not 100 percent guaranteed that you won't get pregnant. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea soon after taking your pill, you should consider it a missed dose and use extra precaution during sex. Since your period may stop completely when taking Lo/Ovral, it's a good idea to watch for one of the many other signs of pregnancy.

All birth control pills have the potential for side effects, though less than 10 percent of women experience them significantly. They’re a very small risk overall. Some of the minor ones associated with Lo/Ovral include nausea, vomiting, headaches, breast tenderness, water retention, high blood pressure, and swelling. Your period may also be affected — you could experience spotting, missed periods, or irregular flow. Serious side effects are extremely rare with Lo/Ovral but have been documented. Some of these are stroke-like symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, fainting, and numbness or pain on one side of the body. Others include blood clots, heart problems, migraines, changes in vision, shortness of breath, mood changes, depression, and unusual sweating.

As with any birth control pill that contains hormones, there's a very small chance of an allergic reaction. You can also react to some of the inactive ingredients in the pill. Allergic reactions can include rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, and swelling (especially around the face, such as the lips, tongue, or throat). Be sure to discuss any allergies you have with your doctor or Nurx professional. Those who smoke, especially when they're over 35 years old, have a higher risk of serious side effects. The more you smoke, the greater the risk.

Yes! It's a popular choice and available at pharmacies nationwide. A prescription is required, though. We partners with real doctors in every state we work in, so choosing the right pill and getting a prescription is easy. We're dedicated to protecting your privacy and accept many forms of insurance. Lo/Ovral is also available in generic form under the names Cryselle, Low-Ogestrel, and Elinest.

Lo/Ovral is a daily pill that should be taken at the same time each day. Choose a time that's best for you and stick with it. Many women prefer taking Lo/Ovral before bed or just after dinnertime to cut down on any stomach upset or nausea. Be sure to follow instructions from your doctor or Nurx advisor when first starting on Lo/Ovral. It needs to be timed according to your cycle to work properly.