I've been on Alesse for a year. I was orignially on OrthoTriCyclen, but I the dose is higher (35 mcg) while Alesse is the lowest on the market (20 mcg). I think Ortho did a much better job of clearing my face so I'm thinking of switching over to Yasmin. But I've had the same problems as you. I barely have any heavy periods...just a few drops. And I'm never on the pill schedule-- I don't get my periods on the right day and sometimes I feel like I'm going to get my period (breats are sore, moody) but I don't. But, yeah, I asked my doctor and it IS common to have just a little period while on Alesse. But if you are getting breakthrough bleeding a lot then the dose could be too low for you. I heard that if you are over 150-160 lbs then it might be TOO low of a dose. Hope this helps!