Understanding Early Bleeding on OrthoCyclen: Causes & What to Do

Question
I am 26, I do not have any children, and my last period started this past Saturday morning. I started taking OrthoCyclen when I was 22. I took it without any problems for about 2 years when I started to bleed earlier than expected each month. Rather than bleeding a couple of days after I finished the active pills, I would start bleeding about a day before taking the last active pill. I continued taking OrthoCyclen as my doctor recommended, but the bleeding continued coming early almost every month. In January my doctor switched me to OrthoNovum 1/35, thinking that the higher dose of progestin would regulate the bleeding. The first 2 months on the new pill were normal (bleeding began about 2-3 days after the last active pill). The 3rd month I missed my period completely, but was not pregnant (confirmed by blood test). The next month was normal. But this last month I had the same problem that I was having on the old pill - I was scheduled to take the last active pill on Saturday night and I began bleeding early Saturday morning. When the bleeding begins early it is not just spotting before a regular period. Once the early bleeding begins, it is a regular flow and continues for about 4 days. My cramps are normally worse when bleeding begins early, but they are not terribly painful. Do you have any idea what might be causing this? My doctor doesn't seem to think it is anything serious or infertility-related. She is having me go in for a pelvic ultrasound to check for polyps. She suggested that increasing the estrogen dose as well may help, but I am hesitant to take more hormones if it can be avoided. Do you have any other suggestions for what could be causing this, what potential causes should be ruled out or what could correct the problem? I would appreciate any advice you can give. Thank you!  

Answer
It is not uncommon to start bleeding just as you complete the active pills in the pack. I do not think you need to increase your estrogen component any more than you have. I would remain on the OrthNuvum 1/35. It is considered normal if you get your period anytime from cycle day #21-35. Usually it will regulate after a number of months. It is not dangerous to bleed in the manner you are bleeding and it will have no effect on the contraceptive effects of the pill nor cause any problems with infertility. It is merely a variant of your cycle and is not significant. I doubt that you have polyps.