Just started the pill- period question.

[PollyMorph]

I have had awful periods for years so decided to go on the pill to try to control them a bit. I was told to take the first pill on the first day of my period, at the first sign of bleeding I started taking them but my period still hasn't kicked in properly. I am six days into takin the pill and I'm stlll only spotting- what is going on? Can it just halt a period like that or will I keep with the spotting until I have my seven day break and have a proper period then?
Any advice or information would be gratefully recieved as I am baffled. Thanks Polly