DG - yes, I did get your message. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been managing ok apart from when I am on my break, so I doubt it is the hormone in the pill that is causing the problem, but rather the lack of it. As I will have to wait 6 weeks to see my GP again anyway, I am going to try running the packs together to see how I get on. If that doesn't work, then I will ask her about trying something else, but I want to give each option a good chance before deciding it doesn't work.
Thanks for your suggestions about seeing a specialist or emailing Dr Currie - I am in a rural area and don't have the money to travel to see a specialist or to pay £25 for an email consultation - if my financial situation improves, I will consider it.
My GP has actually been very open to any suggestions (she checks out articles on MM and actually recommended I use the site myself!). It's not that she is insistent on BCP, just that she feels it is the best option for me at the moment, but every time I see her, she says to come back if things aren't working.