Does rigevidon pill cause period like cramps?

As someone who experienced heavy and long periods, this pill helped to shorten the amount of days (from 7+ down to 5) and helped ensure regular periods to plan around. As I took this pill for 12+ years, I have recently decided to take a break

Used for 9 months and at the start I really liked it kept my periods regular but I did notice they became longer. They lasted around 8 days long and became more heavy. Went on this pill to help with the heaviness and the pain but it didn’t help either. In the last 3 months of taking it I began getting random sharp pains that weren’t like cramps they were right at the enterence of the vagina and they became more and more regular to the point it was multiple times a day.

Started taking this pill 8 years ago when I was 18 for contraception and to lighten periods that were on the heavy side and quite painful. The first few years were great, periods were lighter and less painful, no notable side effects. I started tricycling packets a few years back allowing me to plan periods around events. I think with time periods on this pill became more painful and heavier, with some infrequent almost unbearable pains, maybe once per period I would have 10 mins of agony. My blood pressure is now slightly raised and I have been having heart palpitations/high Heart rate. I had a migraine with aura a few weeks back (during my pill free week so probably linked to hormone changes). My skin has worsened in the last few years with big chin and jaw cysts but again these are infrequent. I hadn’t noticed mood changes maybe as I had been on this pill for so long. My sex drive was also none existent and I would never think of initiating sex. Due to all these symptoms I have come off birth control all together. I was incredibly anxious about coming off the pill as the thought of no longer having control over my periods was so alien to me. Since coming off my heart symptoms have improved, migraines improved, skin has improved (but I have been using prescription medication too), mood has improved (apart from the few days before my period!). The first period back came exactly 28 days after stopping the pill and has been heavier but less painful and manageable using a menstrual disc. My sex drive Increased immediately after stopping the pill and even more so around ovulation. I had lost about 6lbs from around my hips and stomach in a few weeks with no diet changes. My boobs feel slightly smaller and are more sensitive. I am now looking for the right alternative contraceptive for me whilst tracking my monthly cycles and getting to know my body better. The doctors immediately recommended I switch to a POP which I haven’t done yet, as maybe non hormonal would be better. Coming off the combined pill has prompted some open conversations with friends, and to my surprise all have had their own struggles with combined pills and no longer take them. I think we need more support as young women to make informed decisions around these topics rather than get dumped on the cheapest medication available that have symptoms that impact so many aspects of physical and mental health. In summary it was good for a while and may be better for some people but don’t let yourself feel trapped by the convenience of this pill. Don’t ignore any negative side effects as ultimately your body knows best.