Light spotting turned into crazy AF. Heavy, painful periods while ttc.

AF wasn't due until 7/22. On 7/20 I had light pink spotting, very small amount and only when I wiped. The morning of 7/21 I had brown spotting, again only a small amount and only when I wiped. Went to work, I was ok in the morning then someone asked me to help lift something, and boom. Full on AF. It sucks. (I really thought the spotting was implantation bleeding.)Anyway, AF is here full force as usual and taking control of my life. Aside from going back on birth control, are there any options for a lighter less painful period? I have to plan my days off work around AF, and lay in bed two days and typically can't eat an actual meal until day 5 of AF. I have a drs appt with my regular dr on Thursday and plan on making a gyno appt also, it just takes long to get an appt with my gyno.