"i was previously on ortho tri cyclen lo but had constant breakthrough bleeding so i decided to give a monophasic pill a try.  turns out the estrogen dosage was too low for me.   i experienced small breakthrough bleeding on the first month, but then terrible break through bleeding on my third month.   i had cramps and a full blown period for 2.5 weeks.  when i didn&#039;t have break through bleeding this did shorten my period to about 4.5 to 5 days, and it was lighter.   this was great, because off the pill i had heavy periods that lasted 7 days.  sex drive remained the same.  i gained about 5 lbs, but i&#039;m not sure that was the pill because i started it on my honeymoon and was eating a ton.  acne was bad, and i have good skin. trying 1.5/30 now"