What is Lindynette 20? A Comprehensive Guide

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With typical use, the failure rate of combined oral contraceptive pills is around 9% [1.7.1]. Understanding your medication is key to effective use. So, what is Lindynette 20? It is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy [1.2.1, 1.3.1].

Quick Summary

Lindynette 20 is a hormonal birth control pill containing ethinylestradiol and gestodene. It works by preventing ovulation and changing cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy.

Key Points

What it is: Lindynette 20 is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill with 20 mcg ethinylestradiol and 75 mcg gestodene [1.2.2].
How it works: It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining [1.2.1].
Dosage: Take one pill daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free break during which a withdrawal bleed occurs [1.3.1].
Effectiveness: Perfect use is over 99% effective, but typical use has a failure rate of about 9% due to human error [1.7.1, 1.7.2].
Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, nausea, and mood changes. A rare but serious risk is blood clots (VTE) [1.4.2].
Contraindications: Not suitable for those with a history of blood clots, certain cancers, severe liver disease, or for smokers over 35 [1.4.2, 1.3.1].
Drug Interactions: Efficacy can be reduced by other medications like certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and St. John's Wort [1.2.1].

What is Lindynette 20?

Lindynette 20 is a type of combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), often referred to as "the pill" [1.2.1]. It is considered a low-dose formulation because it contains a smaller amount of the estrogen component compared to some other birth control pills [1.3.5]. Each tablet contains two active ingredients: 20 micrograms (mcg) of ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and 75 micrograms of gestodene (a progestogen) [1.2.2, 1.3.2]. These synthetic hormones work together to provide effective contraception when taken correctly [1.2.1]. The medication is typically prescribed to prevent pregnancy but may also have non-contraceptive benefits, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing dysmenorrhea (painful periods) [1.3.5, 1.5.4].

How Does Lindynette 20 Work?

The primary function of Lindynette 20 is to prevent pregnancy through a multi-faceted mechanism of action [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. The combination of ethinylestradiol and gestodene works in three main ways:

Inhibition of Ovulation: The hormones suppress the mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the brain [1.5.5]. This action prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, a process known as ovulation [1.2.1, 1.5.4]. Without an egg, fertilization cannot occur.
Thickening of Cervical Mucus: The progestogen component, gestodene, alters the consistency of the mucus in the cervix [1.5.1]. This makes the mucus thicker, creating a barrier that is difficult for sperm to penetrate, thus preventing them from reaching the uterus and fallopian tubes [1.2.1].
Alteration of the Uterine Lining: The hormones also change the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) [1.5.1]. It becomes thinner and less receptive, making it unsuitable for a fertilized egg to implant and grow [1.2.1].

How to Take Lindynette 20

Proper administration is crucial for the effectiveness of Lindynette 20. The medication comes in a pack of 21 tablets [1.2.1]. One tablet should be taken orally at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days [1.3.1]. After completing the pack, there is a 7-day pill-free interval [1.2.1]. During this break, a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a menstrual period, will typically occur [1.3.1]. The next pack of 21 tablets should be started on the 8th day, regardless of whether the bleeding has stopped [1.2.1]. Using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, is recommended for the first seven days of the first pack to ensure protection [1.7.5]. If a pill is missed by less than 12 hours, it should be taken as soon as remembered, and contraceptive protection is maintained. If it has been more than 12 hours, the pill's effectiveness may be reduced, and a backup contraceptive method should be used for the next 7 days [1.2.1].

Potential Side Effects and Contraindications

Like all medications, Lindynette 20 can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects often improve as the body adjusts and may include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and spotting between periods [1.4.2].

More serious, though rare, side effects are associated with an increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism or VTE), which can lead to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [1.4.2]. The risk of VTE is higher in users of combined hormonal contraceptives containing gestodene compared to those containing levonorgestrel [1.7.4]. Immediate medical attention is required for symptoms like severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or painful swelling in a leg [1.4.2].

Lindynette 20 is not suitable for everyone. It is contraindicated in individuals with [1.4.2]:

A current or past history of blood clots
A history of stroke or heart attack
Severe liver disease or liver tumors
Known or suspected pregnancy
Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer
Unexplained vaginal bleeding

The risk of serious cardiovascular side effects is also significantly increased in women over 35 who smoke [1.3.1].

Lindynette 20 vs. Other Contraceptive Pills

Choosing a contraceptive pill depends on individual health factors, tolerance, and medical history. Lindynette 20 is a low-dose pill, which may be preferable for those sensitive to estrogen [1.6.5]. Here is a comparison with Microgynon 30, a commonly prescribed combined pill.


Feature	Lindynette 20	Microgynon 30
Estrogen Type	Ethinylestradiol	Ethinylestradiol
Estrogen Dose	20 mcg (low dose) [1.2.2]	30 mcg (standard dose) [1.6.6]
Progestogen Type	Gestodene [1.2.2]	Levonorgestrel [1.6.4]
Potential Benefits	May be better for those with estrogen-related side effects like nausea [1.6.5].	Higher estrogen dose can provide better cycle control with less breakthrough bleeding [1.6.4].
VTE Risk	Associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots compared to levonorgestrel pills [1.7.4].	Associated with a lower risk of blood clots compared to gestodene pills [1.7.4].

Drug Interactions

Certain medications and supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of Lindynette 20, potentially leading to an unplanned pregnancy [1.2.1]. These include some antibiotics (like rifampicin), anticonvulsants, and the herbal supplement St. John's Wort [1.3.1]. These substances can induce liver enzymes, which break down the hormones in the pill more quickly, reducing their levels in the blood [1.5.6]. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Conclusion

Lindynette 20 is an effective low-dose combined oral contraceptive that works by preventing ovulation and creating barriers to fertilization and implantation [1.2.1, 1.5.4]. While it offers reliable contraception and potential non-contraceptive benefits, it also carries risks, including common side effects and a rare but serious risk of blood clots [1.4.2]. The decision to use Lindynette 20 should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can assess individual health status, discuss the benefits and risks, and determine if it is the most appropriate contraceptive choice. For more information, you can consult authoritative sources such as The Lowdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are less than 12 hours late, take the pill as soon as you remember and continue as normal. You are still protected. If you are more than 12 hours late, take the most recent missed pill, continue your pack, and use a backup method like condoms for the next 7 days [1.2.1].

If you start on the first day of your period, you are protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start at any other time, you should use an additional method of contraception, like condoms, for the first 7 days of taking the pill [1.7.5].

Weight changes are listed as a possible side effect of oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol [1.4.7]. However, studies show that for most people, the pill does not cause significant weight gain.

No, oral contraceptives like Lindynette 20 do not protect against STIs such as HIV, chlamydia, or herpes. You should use barrier methods like condoms to reduce the risk of STIs [1.2.4].

During the 7-day pill-free interval, you will likely experience a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period. This is your body's reaction to the drop in hormone levels. You are still protected from pregnancy during this week [1.2.1].

You should not take Lindynette 20 if you are pregnant, have a history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke, have severe liver disease, have certain types of cancer, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Women over 35 who smoke should also avoid it [1.4.2, 1.3.1].

Yes. Your fertility should return to normal soon after you stop taking the pill. Most people who want to get pregnant can do so within a year of stopping oral contraceptives [1.7.3].

The main difference is the dose of estrogen. Lindynette 20 contains 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol, while Lindynette 30 contains 30 micrograms. Both contain the same amount of gestodene (75 mcg) [1.2.2].