"previously, i was on a microgestin pill from planned parenthood, but i wanted a pill that would let me have my periods so they switched me to chateal. it was a bit more potent than the one i was previously on but i really did not experience any worse side effects. i experienced moderate weight gain - i am already pretty petite though so this did not bother me. the only time i experience any mood problems is the few days preceding my period. the pack that i have has the 4th row of reminder/sugar pills, and i usually do not start bleeding until my 3rd or 4th day in, and the periods are light and very manageable. all in all i have had a great experience, however my transition from microgestin pills to chatel may have played a leading role."