Both birth control pills Alesse and Lo Loestrin Fe (Lolo) are low dose combination contraceptives that use both estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. In this article, we will take a closer dive into various aspects to consider when choosing either pills. The areas we will investigate are various such as effectiveness, what reviews have to say, price differences, side effects, benefits and more.

Alesse vs Lolo effectiveness compared

When used as directed, Alesse is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, while Lolo is between 96-98 percent effective. 

How Do Alesse and Lolo Work?

Combination pills are the most common type of birth control pills prescribed. Combination pills use synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. 

The amount of estrogen in various combination pills vary. Pills containing less than 0.05mg are considered low dose contraceptives. Both Alesse and Lolo are low dose combination pills, as they contain 0.02 mg and 0.01 mg of estrogen, respectively. 

AlesseLolo
Each pack of Alesse comes with either 21 or 28 tablets. The pack with 21 pills contains only active pills, while the 28 pill packet comes with 21 active pills and seven placebo pills. 
When using the 21 pill pack, one pill should be taken at the same time of day, every day. When the 21 pills have all been taken, no pills should be taken for seven days. During these seven days, the user should get their menstrual period. When the seven days are complete, a new 21 pill pack should be started.
For the 28 pill pack, the 21 active tablets should be taken at the same time of day, every day. When all of the 21 pills have been taken, a placebo pill should be taken once a day, every day, in the same manner as the active tablets. The tablets in the package are labelled so that the active and inactive pills can be differentiated. During the seven days that the placebo pills are being taken, the user should get their menstrual period. 



The way that Lolo is packaged is unique when compared to Alesse. Each pack of Lolo contains 28 tablets which consist of:
24 active pills containing 0.01 mg of estrogen and 1 mg of progestin
2 active pills containing 0.01 mg of estrogen
2 inactive (or placebo) pills containing 75mg of ferrous fumarate (iron)
The ferrous fumarate in the placebo pills is not sufficient to treat anemia and therefore does not serve any purpose as it relates to iron deficiency

Alesse and Lolo prevent pregnancy

Both Alesse and Lolohen taken as directed, both Alesse and Lolo prevent pregnancy by doing the following:

  • Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg
  • Thickens vaginal fluid, which in turn prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg
  • Alters the lining of the uterus making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant within the womb
  • A fertilized egg that is unable to attach to the uterus will pass through the body. 
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Benefits of Alesse and Lolo:

Both Alesse and Lolo are highly effective in preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Users of either form of birth control can choose to skip their periods if they wish (a doctor or medical professional’s approval/guidance is recommended.) In both cases, users should take all of their active pills. When the active pills are finished, a new pack of active pills should be taken with no breaks or placebo pills in between. For users of Alesse, the total number of active pills (in both the 21 pill pack and the 28 pill pack) is 21, and for Lolo users, the total number of active pills is 26.

As combination pills, both Alesse and Lolo share similar benefits, including the following:

  1. Regulates menstrual periods
  2. Minimizes blood loss 
  3. Lighter shorter periods
  4. Less painful periods
  5. Acne management
  6. Decreased risk of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer

Alesse and Lolo Side Effects

Similarly, both Alesse and Lolo have similar disadvantages, including the following:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Skin changes (acne)
  • Bloating 
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fluid retention
  • Weight changes
  • Spotting between periods (in the early months of use)
  • May raise blood pressure

Contact your doctor or medical professional if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

  • Mood changes (depression)
  • Breast lumps
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding
  • Dark coloured urine

What do reviews have to say for both Alesse and Lolo?

Alesse ReviewsLolo Reviews
The average reviews in various sites suggest an average review of 5.2. Most women on Alesse had minor side effects, breakthrough spotting and swelling of feet being the most common ones. Other side effects include nausea, mood swings, and anxiety.
Besides, many women are happy that Alesse aids in improving their menstrual cycles and prevents cramps.
The average reviews in various sites suggest an average review of 5.7. The majority of the women do not face any adverse effects. Even females who do face have minor side-effects such as headaches, nausea, or diarrhea that settles within a few days to weeks.
All in all, Alesse and Lolo have similar reviews.

Alesse Vs. Lolo: Do they Cause Acne?

Both Alesse and Lolo do not cause acne.

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Acne is a kind of skin irritation that can range from mild to moderate to severe. There are also different causes for acne, including infection, oily skin, and hormonal imbalance.

Androgens, a type of male hormone, are present in both men and women that activate in teenagers. This hormone may cause your oil glands in the skin to produce more sebum, increasing the risk of acne.

Hormones in the birth control pills may help reduce the secretion from the glands and lessen breakouts.

Studies suggest that combined birth control pills may be an excellent alternative to antibiotics for managing acne in women.

So, Both Alesse and Lolo help in preventing or managing acne. The prevalence of acne in women taking these pills is extremely rare.

Which one causes more weight gains, Lolo or Alesse?

Weight gain is extremely rare with Alesse and Lolo. Even in women who gain weight, the effect is temporary and is due to water retention and not related to fat. Besides, the weight gain differs for everyone taking this pill. For instance, some may gain 5 pounds, while others may gain 10 pounds.

Weight gain is thus a rare incidence in women on either of the birth control pills.

Alesse vs Lolo price comparison

The average cost of Alesse is between $68 – $82, while that of Lolo is $52. So, Lolo is comparatively cheaper. However, the generic version of Alesse is about $50. 

Alesse may cost about $800 for a month, while Lolo may cost $600.

How Do I Get Alesse or Lolo?

A visit to your doctor or medical professional is required, as both Alesse and Lolo require a prescription from a doctor or medical professional. During this visit, your doctor or medical professional will be able to review your medical history as well as any other medications you may be taking.

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Both Alesse and Lolo have their advantages and disadvantages. Selecting one over the other is a personal choice that should be made after consulting with your healthcare professional. Whether you choose Alesse, Lolo, or any other method of birth control, be sure to reach out to PocketPills and speak to us about how we can help make using birth control an easier experience.

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