Birth control for the first time!

I'm really excited to try birth control for the first time. Ever since I can remember I've had painful periods that result in vomiting, back pain, tremendous cramps, and crying all night long until I fall asleep. I heard there's a lot of side effects though like breast growth, weight gain, etc. I'm on Azurette and I won't be starting until next Sunday since I started my period today. Have any of you ladies tried Azurette? What's it like to be on the pill?