I use BC to control my heavy 3 week long bleeds. I'm 43, and went from PCOS bleeds to perimenopause bleeds. This one worked well, but did cause breakthrough bleeding a little in the first few packs. By breakthrough I mean an actual period gush, not spotting, I also had spotting off and on. It did shorten my periods to about 7 days. My mood seemed down a bit more, and my libido did decrease a little. However, I had the big O just fine, with my previous one(elinest) I couldnt. I'm starting Amethyst which is a slightly lower dose of the same hormones, hopefully that helps even me more. Overall, I would take Aviane again if I had to.