I am 28 years old and have been taking Ortho-Tricyclen for about 12 years (about 6 years ago my doctor switched me twice, which really screwed my hormones up and so I went back to Ortho-tri-cyclen). Anways, in January of this year I started my period one week before I should have (third week of active pills), and then the next week when I should have started I quit. I went to the doctor in February for my yearly exam and she gave me a pregnancy test, which was negative and said not to worry about it, it was probably just a one month thing. Well after that everything was fine until last month. Last month I started my period a week early again. This time however, it was a regular flow and it lasted like that for two straight weeks (through the third week active pills and the placebo pills). After I started a new pack of pills my period stopped but this entire month I have been a complete hormonal mess. I have had crazy moodswings - crying alot or getting angry easily (which is VERY unlike me), I have had trouble sleeping (also very unlike me), trouble concentrating, naseau, etc. Anyways I was starting to worry that I may be pregnant so I took a test even though I had not missed my period, of course it came back negative. Well last week (one week before my period) I woke up and had horrible cramps in my stomach and lower back. I began spotting dark brown, the next day it was mixed with blood and by the third day I was bleeding very heavily and having the worst cramps that I have ever had since before birth control, it felt alot like something scratching the inside of my lower abdomen (and my breast hurt as well, which I rarely get before or during my period). Yesterday was the day that I SHOULD have started my period and when I woke up yesterday most of the cramps were gone (including the sore breasts) and I was once again just barely spotting dark brown. Today, almost nothing at all. Has anyone else had this happen? I have an appt next week, I was thinking that the birthcontrol after all these years just isn't right for me anymore. I was thinking about just getting off completely, because I would like to have a child in the next couple of years. However, I am kind of scared because I hope my periods won't be like this every month! I'm sorry this is so long, I guess my question is has anyone else experienced this and what was it? Thank You
P.S.: I took the pill everyday (at same time), so I know this wasn't cause from not taking the pill correctly.