I used to try not to use midol or any other pills in general. At the dentist I wouldn't even get numbed. But what changed is that I realized things dont really change like some say they will. The pain would make me faint and puke and act like I'm in active labor from pain (I work on l&d) so I finally chose to take midol. Its not addictive and its not going to hurt your body when your only taking it for a couple days per month.

A few ideas

Breathing. Sometimes my period starts without warning and I don't have time to take midol before I start puking and stuff. I actually take something called apo mefanamic acid from doctor now. But apo has strong warnings so midol is prob better. What has helped with the pain when I can't keep a pill down is Lamaze breathing. Seriously! It helps with intense period pain.

Vocalizing. This only works if you don't feel self conscience about making noise.

Heat or cold packs

There is a Mayan fertility massage that you can do yourself to your belly that can reduce period pain by moving things into place. Some people have a tilt that makes things more uncomfortable.

Bad cramps! :(