Really difficult first day

I went off the pill last September to give my body a break (was on it since I was 15 and I'm 28 now)

It took a while for my hormones to level out but now everything seems pretty regular.

The problem is that the first day of my period now I feel like I've been hit by a bus.

Majorly drained of all energy. Huge headache, aches and pains all over but especially neck and lower back.

It's like I've got the flu every time.

Today I actually had to take a day off work because I couldn't get up or focus.

I can usually power through anything so I feel bad about not going in.

How does everyone else on here with a similar type of symptom range deal?