Good day, I m sorry you are experiencing such unfortunate side effects. As a physician who has often worked with such medications, I will assure you common side effects of Ortho Evra patch absolutely include but are not limited to menstrual cramps; and or irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting. I might add that other known side effects include abdominal pain and discomfort, breast swelling or tenderness, headache, nausea, anxiety, depression and or other mood alterations, as well as skin irritation, rashes and other similar manifestations. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and they can present at any time, and may have waxing and waning and or continual character! Nonetheless for those that do, it is completely acceptable to identify that there is a problem, and developing a plan with your physician to start on something for which you can be more comfortable and content. I recommend setting an appointment with your OB to describe exactly what you are feeling. The beauty of contraception is there is a great variety of alternative medications, with a great diversity of application. There can be injections, patches, medications, intrauterine device placement (some even non-hormonal and all natural). I would write down a list of what you DO want with contraception and or these medications, and what you don t want, and then bring this to your OBGYN and or PCP. From there they can hone in on exactly the medication that is right for you. I wish you the best, and think you will make the right decision.