Sarah replies:

It's not at all uncommon to experience some changes in your withdrawal bleeds (remember, you don't have real "periods" on the pill since you're not ovulating) when you are on the pill. In fact, one of the things that often happens is that withdrawal bleeds become shorter and lighter with lessened or no cramping.

For some people, it is also not uncommon to notice withdrawal bleeds shifting around a bit the longer you are on the pill. Even though your hormones are being regulated by the pill, there is still some natural shifting that occurs with the hormone production of your own body. So as your own hormones change, your body's reaction to the pill may change as well. As long as your withdrawal bleeds are generally regular (approximately around the same time, etc.), there is probably nothing to worry about. If it starts to become a problem or if you notice other side effects that bother you, it is a good idea to talk to your health care provider and see about switching to another pill formulation or to another method of birth control entirely.

As to taking a "break" after being on the pill, that is a question that is best brought up with a healthcare provider. Based on the current research, we know that the pill does have some health benefits (beyond the obvious contraceptive pluses) and that (especially for certain groups) the pill can have drawbacks. That's why speaking to your healthcare provider is a sound option, as they'll have the best grasp of your risk factors. If you have certain health risks (like smoking, heart problems, or a family history of certain cancers and issues), your provider might want you to spend less time on the pill. The recommendations also might be different depending upon your age. But the best thing to do is check it out in terms of your own specific situation at this point.