I was using Nuvaring for almost 5 years until last month... I've been having some bad breakouts (esp around my chin and jaw), so my dermatologist recommended that I switch BC -- preferably to Yaz as it's been 'proven' to help acne.

My OB/GYN decided that the jump in hormones would be a little much for my body (apparently the progesterone/estrogen amounts are very different b/w Nuvaring and Yaz), so she prescribed Ortho Tricyclen Lo to sort of bridge the gap between the two.

I had been taking OTC Lo for about a week when I first started getting some spotting... which then turned into an all-out period flow. (I was *not* happy, since I had just finished up my previous cycle about 10 days before!) I called the nurse a few days later and told her what was happening, and was reassured that it may take a few months to adjust.

Anyway, that was a week ago... I'm still bleedin'... which is annoying, as my periods on the ring were about 4 days and pretty short. And I've gained 5 lbs and feel just YUCK! On the bright side, I think my skin is a little clearer - but that may have to do with the new topical cream I got from my derm.

Here's my question -- a) should I be alarmed if I start bleeding again next Sunday when I start the placebo pills, and b) how big is the jump from OTC Lo to Yaz? I'd like to get off OTC Lo, but am afraid I'll go through the same weight gain/random period song-and-dance when/if I switch to Yaz!

Thanks!