"i switched from orthotricyclen lo because i was constantly spotting/bleeding in between my periods. i am also mild anemic so my dr. said this would be a good option since it has a bit of iron, but also to take iron pills. my period would last 5-7 days. now that i am on microgestin, my periods became only 3-4 days, i still have terrible cramps, i&#039;m still spotty if i&#039;m not consistent with taking my pills on time but my skin has been clear even transitioning between the two, even though my family tends to have terrible acne, i somehow got blessed along the way. everyone&#039;s experience is different i suppose "