When I was on BCP years ago I had no problems with cramps. For about 5-7 years I've had problems, I'm 46 now. I have mildly elevated blood pressure, so doctors would prefer I not take BCPs, although they gave me some sample packages to try and see if it raises blood pressure. I thought i read somewhere that when period starts you can take a high dosage of pills for just a few days to stop the bleeding. Is that possible? I only have cramps and heavy bleeding for about 2 days, but I have to take a lot of cataflam or other NSAID to control the cramps. I'm thinking with all the negative news about NSAIDS and cardio health, it might not be any more dangerous to take the Birth Control Pills than the NSAIDS.