"i switched from loestrin 24 to this pill because i was having spotting for 3 weeks out of every month.  as soon as i started this pill, the spotting stopped and now i only have my period from the middle to the end of the last week of pills (4 days).  overall, i have few side effects besides some bloating at the end of the month and a pretty bad headache the first day of my period.  i did gain 5 lbs. within a few months of starting this (on top of 5 lbs. from loestrin), but a few months ago i started a modest diet/exercise plan and have lost 6 lbs. fairly easily.  well worth it for pregnancy prevention and regular periods!"