My girlfriend has been on Ortho Lo for about 7 months now. She always had a longer cycle (about 33 days), but her period usually lasted 3-5 days. She never had bad cramps. Ever since she went on the pill, she has started experiencing terribly painful cramps during menstruation. The cramps aren't enough to warrant severe action, like stopping the pill, but obviously this is the opposite direction she hoped to go with the pill. Her periods are also lasting much longer, sometimes even 8 days. The lowest number of days since starting the pill is 5 days. We work together to make sure we never miss a pill and take it on time. Is this a common complaint? I thought the pill was supposed to shorten and ease your period. I just hate to see her suffer for the sake of taking the pill. Thanks for your help.