Levlen Oral Contraceptive: How It Works, Benefits, Risks & FAQs
Quick Takeaways
- Levlen is a combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen).
- Take one tablet daily, ideally at the same time, for 21 days followed by a 7‑day hormone‑free break.
- Typical benefits include reliable pregnancy prevention, lighter periods and reduced acne.
- Possible side effects range from mild (nausea, breast tenderness) to rare but serious (blood clots).
- Speak with a GP or pharmacist to confirm it’s safe for you, especially if you smoke, have hypertension, or a history of clotting disorders.
What Is Levlen?
Levlen is a brand‑name combined oral contraceptive (COC) marketed in Australia and several other countries. Each tablet packs 150µg of levonorgestrel and 30µg of ethinyl estradiol. The mix works by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and altering the uterine lining, which together make it very hard for sperm to reach an egg.
Unlike the progestogen‑only mini‑pill, Levlen provides a steady estrogen dose, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle. For many women the pill also eases PMS symptoms, reduces heavy bleeding and can improve acne. That’s why it’s often prescribed not just for contraception but also for these secondary benefits.
How to Take Levlen Correctly
- Start the pack on the first day of your period, or on the first Sunday after your period begins if you prefer a “quick start”.
- Take one tablet each day, at roughly the same time (morning works for most people).
- Finish the 21 active tablets, then take the 7‑day placebo week. Your period should begin during the placebo phase.
- If you miss a pill, refer to the patient‑information leaflet - usually you’ll take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, then continue as normal. If more than two active pills are missed, use a backup method (condoms) for 7 days.
- Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Sticking to a daily routine is the biggest factor in keeping the pill’s effectiveness above 99%. Many women set an alarm or use a phone reminder - pick whatever works for you.
Benefits Beyond Birth Control
While preventing pregnancy is the headline feature, Levlen offers a handful of extra perks that can be a deciding factor for some users:
- Cycle regulation: Most women notice a more predictable period length (usually 4‑7 days) after a few months.
- Reduced menstrual cramps - estrogen helps keep uterine lining thinner, which means less prostaglandin production.
- Lighter bleeding - the placebo week often brings a ‘spotting’ flow rather than a heavy period.
- Acne improvement - the hormonal balance can calm skin‑oil production.
- Lower risk of ovarian cysts and endometrial cancer - long‑term COC use has a protective effect.
These benefits vary from person to person, but many Australian women report a noticeable quality‑of‑life boost after switching to Levlen.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
All hormonal pills carry some level of risk. The key is to weigh them against the benefits and your personal health profile.
| Common (up to 10%) | Less common (1‑10%) | Rare (<1%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea, headache, breast tenderness | Weight gain, mood swings, decreased libido | Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) |
| Spotting or breakthrough bleeding | Elevated blood pressure | Stroke, heart attack (mostly in smokers over 35) |
| Changes in menstrual flow | Gallbladder disease | Liver tumors (extremely rare) |
Most side effects ease within the first two to three months as the body adjusts. If severe nausea or persistent headache occurs beyond that, talk to your GP - sometimes a different pill formulation works better.
Serious complications such as venous thromboembolism are linked to estrogen exposure and are more likely if you:
- Smoke cigarettes (risk skyrockets after age 35).
- Have a personal or family history of clotting disorders.
- Are over‑weight or have uncontrolled hypertension.
- Take certain medications (e.g., some antibiotics, anticonvulsants).
In those scenarios, a progestogen‑only pill or a non‑hormonal method may be safer.
How Levlen Stacks Up Against Other Combined Pills
| Pill | Estrogen (µg) | Progestogen | Typical Use Failure Rate | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levlen | 30 | Levonorgestrel 150µg | 0.3% | Widely used in Australia, good for acne control |
| Yaz (drospirenone) | 20 | Drospirenone 3mg | 0.3% | Lower estrogen dose, can reduce water retention |
| Microgynon 30 | 30 | Levonorgestrel 150µg | 0.3% | Same hormone combo, often cheaper generic |
| Loestrin 20 | 20 | Linolegestrel 100µg | 0.4% | Lowest estrogen dose, good for sensitive users |
All listed pills offer similar contraceptive reliability when taken correctly. The main differentiators are estrogen dose, type of progestogen and any added benefits (like reduced bloating with drospirenone). If you’re especially worried about estrogen‑related side effects, a low‑dose option like Loestrin 20 might feel lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take Levlen if I’m breastfeeding?
- No. Hormonal contraception can reduce milk supply. Talk to your doctor about progestogen‑only methods which are safer for lactating mothers.
- What should I do if I vomit within two hours of taking a pill?
- Take another tablet as soon as you can, then continue with the next dose at the usual time. No need to double‑dose later in the day.
- Will Levlen protect me from STIs?
- No. It only prevents pregnancy. Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
- Can I take Levlen after a miscarriage?
- Yes, you can start immediately if you’re cleared by your GP. Some doctors even recommend starting right away to regulate the cycle.
- Is it safe to travel overseas while on Levlen?
- Absolutely. Just keep your pack handy and maintain the same daily schedule, adjusting for time‑zone changes gradually.
Next Steps and Troubleshooting
If you’re thinking about trying Levlen, follow these simple actions:
- Make an appointment with your GP or a family planning clinic. Bring a list of any medications you’re on and any health conditions you have.
- Ask about a trial of Levlen vs a low‑dose alternative if you’re nervous about estrogen.
- Get a prescription and fill it at a local pharmacy - many Perth pharmacies also offer a quick “script‑to‑pill” service.
- Start the pack on day1 of your next period. Set a daily reminder on your phone.
- Track your first two cycles for any unexpected side effects. If nausea or heavy bleeding persists, book a follow‑up.
Common hiccups and how to fix them:
- Missed a pill: Take it as soon as possible, then continue as normal. If you miss two or more, use condoms for the next 7 days.
- Breakthrough spotting: Usually resolves after 2-3 months. If it’s heavy, talk to your doctor - a switch to a slightly different formulation might help.
- Weight gain concerns: Most weight changes are water‑related and subside. Keep a balanced diet and stay active.
Remember, hormonal contraception is a personal choice. Levlen works well for many women, but it’s not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution. Keep the conversation open with your healthcare provider and adjust as your body or lifestyle changes.
Write a comment