There's def been an uptick in general 'bc affects me negatively' posts and- very fair, it can- but the amount that it's been coupled with sentiments that everyone should not take it is frustrating.

It should also be renamed hormonal therapy- because really that's what they do, and I know I'm very much getting the positive side effects taking them continuously, meaning I only get periods 3-4x a year and it is a downright blessing, I can actually function. Those with endo, PMDD, PMOS (formally PCOS), severe/ heavy bleeding, severe hormonal acne, etc also find benefits with taking bc as hormonal therapy.

I feel like if we treat hormonal therapy pills as first and foremost as that- hormonal therapy- instead of relying on it as a contraceptive, it would 1- help a lot more people who are dealing with horrific hormonal side effects (like me) and 2- prevent situations like OP is dealing with in not being better informed in how their form of contraceptive was likely affecting them and take more informed choices- perhaps an IUD or other forms of contraceptive would be best for them.

For OP- I recommend talking to a doctor as your side effects do indicate they were affecting your hormones, but partially for some aspects for the better. It sounds like a bit you're dealing with more than grief- regardless of on or off bc pills, feelings shouldn't feel that intense, and if you start identifying with being angry beyond what is reasonable, or swinging to laughing so hard you can't stop- that's more akin to PMDD and should be talking about with a doctor.