Aviane and estrogen

I have been on Aviane for about six months and I too have experienced weight gain (after working very hard to get rid of it prior to going on Aviane...), mood swings, which are horrible just before and continue the first few days of my period, mild depression (probably a result of the weight gain), and similar pregnancy-type symptoms (swollen breasts, going to the bathroom more often, and cravings). This is the first month that I've put two and two together to recognize that the symptoms/side effects are probaby related to the birth control. I've been on so many different types of birth control, I really don't know what to switch to next. I know that I need a lo-dose of estrogen, because I frequently experience a lessened sex-drive on BC pills.

I was previously on Trivora which has a high estrogen level. Unfortunately, it gave me headaches every night at the time it was to take my pill (give or take 30 minutes). So my gynecologist insisted on going to the bottom of the scale seeing that the estrogen was what was giving the problem. I was then perscribed Aviane 28. This pill has given me more problems than I could have ever imagined.

The list is as follows: weight gain (20 lbs.), mood swings, swelled/tender breasts around 8-9 days before period, alternation between increased and decreased appetite, spotting/breakthrough bleeding. Basically the pregnancy symptoms. It's actually very frustrating because the purpose of the pill is to REGULATE hormones and to prevent pregnancy.

I've been on this pill for about 7 months now and have just (in the past 2 months) noticed spotting. As furiating as it is, my periods became so light, it seemed like they were alomst not existing. This persists and becomes worse every month.

Throughout the past months, I have encountered no sexual intercourse which is why I found the symptoms quite odd. I researched many different side effects but none stated the amount of spotting that was occuring. Again, this month, I have had spotting.. beginning in a dark brown and now, a bright red thin texture(sometimes clotts). There are times that I'm thinking of it stopping but other times that I go back to the bathroom and only notice it when wiping. I'm not sure if I'm the only one experiencing this, but it would be nice to see that someone else has related problems.

I am a 18yr. old female. I have been taking avaine for 1 year this month (July 2004). So far Avaiane has treated me greatly besides the pregnancy symptoms- swelling breast, increased appetite, mood swings. I have had a regular period up until June---It never showed up, I must tell you I have waisted countless numbers of dollars because of pregnancy related feelings. I must worn all those who take this pill that feelings of depression causes an imbalance in your harmones, which throws the estrogen level off.