I have had mine in place since 2005...I hate it! Weight gain, no energy, depression, not to mention the planets forming on my face at any given time...acne is so horrible I call out of work!!! I can not wait to get rid of this thing! The last few months I have had severe cramping, constipation....and on and on. Basically, it doesn't matter how much time you allow it to work it will not!