I was on it for contraception until 49. I was happy on it but had symtoms during the week off. I had been on it for years so you may feel differently about it if you are taking it for the first time.
The main week off problem was the oestrogen withdrawal headache which became worse. The way to avoid it was to keep drinking water and never feel thirsty. Others included light urge incontinence and itchy 'bits' (all the time in spite of the high oestrogen content). I always felt much better the day I took my first pill again.
The positives were light periods (which became lighter) and my skin was getting better. I aways preferred the pill because it kept my moods even. However, I have found out since coming off it that it also suppressed my libido and I had not realised the extent of this. It was ok at the time, but I did not know better!
I have read that you can avoid the problems in the week off with extra oestrogen, or by 'tri-cycling', ie taking 3 packets back to back. I am not sure that I would have been happy with either of these. When I have had to take packs without a break, I have felt a bit 'migrainey'
It is not the same sort of oestrogen that is used in hrt. The prime purpose for it is for contraception. It works by stopping the FSH so that you do not ovulate, and replacing the homones with the artificial ones. HRT supplements your homones and does not give the cycle control (although I have found it helps).
