to, notsosureaboutthis, I had the exact same problem, excruciating menstral cramps, and i would have to call out of work every time i got my period, I went on depo and gained 40 pounds the first 6 months and stopped taking it. I lost the weight by taking hydroxycut the one with ephedra. This was about6 years ago before the big ephedra scare... Now i cant even drink coffee or soda with caffeine or i get really bad heart palptations. Any way i had 3 kids in the meantime. got my tubes tied and i am on the pill for the cramps and i am trying to lose the weight with alli and a low fat diet. i also excersize about 4 times a week at the gym. I started alli 4 days ago with no side effects. blah blah theres my story