I think you're having breakthrough b/c of the low estrogen in Alesse (only 20 mg. I think, compared to Nordette which has 30 mg.) I am on Seasonale, which is the pill that lets you only get your period 4 times/year. It is the same as Nordette (just marketed and packaged differently). I've been on several pills and this one is the best I've ever been on. Good luck! Cyndee