WSChick, I recently got on BC and this is my experience.
I have never had been on BC and my hormones were actually very bad. I would get incredibly depressed, dark thoughts, and would just have a sense of hopelessness. My OBGYN and regular doctor felt it would be best to try BC and I choose a higher dose for the actually baby control, but you can just get something for hormonal control if that is an issue.
I got put on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but my pharmacist gave me the generic, which is called Trinessa. That was three months of absolute ****. The first month I was sick, nausea 24/7, the second month it was for most of the month, the third same. So I switched to the non-generic and WOW what a difference! My body and this pill go well in hand and I'm feeling great. I was a bit sickly the first month, but I do get a bit sickly during the first active pills in the pack, but it lasts for a day or two. The first month of Ortho I did get sick for three days, but it wasn't a big deal to me. My hormones are regulated and I'm loosing weight.
I did gain on Trinessa, most of that was bloat I feel and I did have severe cravings. Ortho I do not, I am fine.
My hormones are totally in balance and such.
However, saying that, this is my personal experience. Every BC pill is different and to be honest research helps, but it does come down to your needs, your body, and you personally. One person may LOVE Yaz another person may hate it. One person may love Ortho, another person may hate it. It just depends. If you do want something other than a pill there are other methods including shots you can get. Talk to your doctor for other options. I did do a lot of reading though on the pill options, but in the end I listened to the advice given by my OBGYN.
Usually you experience a 2-3 month period, according to my doctors, in order to see if the pill will help you. I'm currently going into my re-evaluation on the 28th and will be hopefully continuing to take Ortho as I love it so far, it works for me. I mean this month my period was awesome. I was actually happy!
Weeeeee! haha.