"i took ortho tri-cyclen for a few years when i was younger. during the first month i gained 5 lbs, but that was it.  i did notice i was very emotional for the first couple of months and i was told by others that i got angry or upset easily.  however, while taking ortho tri-cyclen, i never got pregnant. it helped decrease my acne, my period went from 5-6 days to 3-4 day, my period was also very light (almost no heavy days), and i almost never had cramps. i switched to ortho tri-cyclen lo after and i was less moody and less emotional so i guess the decrease in estrogen was better for me and the pill was just as effective as the regular ortho tri-cyclen for me."