The pill is a great solution...HOWEVER...

It can cause a whole new set of problems. I was having hideous crapms and other problems, and I was put on the pill. Voila, no more cramps! I gained a few pounds, but it wasn't a big deal. About six months later though, I developed an allergic reaction to caffeine. I've been off the pill for over two years now and I still have problems drinking even a small amount of soda or anything caffeinated. I was really sick for a few months before I figured out what was going on.

On the plus side, the pill tends to CUT DOWN on sex drive significantly, which was one BIG reason my mother agreed to put me on it at 14 to regulate my period and cut down on cramping.