Menstrual cramps

What could possibly be fun about menstrual cramps? I woke up this morning with some serious kickers. Why does this time in every girl's life have to be so painful and messy? Where's the RED TENT where I can go and be comforted by all the women in my life and not feel the least bit odd, conflicted or harassed with what's going on inside and outside of me? Pain distracts from everything good. This pain draws me inside from all that I want to be and be with. It's a forced sabbatical. Right now, I'd rather check the "opt out of" box, thank you.