I've been on the Pill on & off since I was 12... when I've been off it (usually because I was broke & couldn't afford a gynecologist or the prescription & there were no low-cost clinics in the area I was living in) I was miserable - I get cramps in my lower back & thighs, boobs swell, I get irritable & feel like I'm walking thru mud - heavy, tired legs & back... and nothing made me feel better - ibuprofen, hot water bottle, heating pad, nothing. The Pill makes it all go away except the boob-swelling thing. I just usually wear a tighter bra.

My chiropractor told me that Omega-3 fatty acid & evening primrose oil can help w/the inflammatory aspects of the menstrual cycle, and I know fish oils are also very good for your brain & alertness.