Periods do suck. I was on the ring for a year and only had a period every 3-4 months. When I got off (it also gave me mood issues) I was so angry to have to deal with my period again. But my cramps are actually better now. The only things I miss are clear skin, infrequent periods, unprotected sex, and... the big boobs :)

Having a sex drive and not being totally moody and depressed, however, trumps it all.

You should definitely look into the IUD, though. I've been thinking about it, too.