I have to admit, I have not had the time to read up on the links, so, I hadn't realized the 'unclean' 'low self esteem' issues.
I've never had either feelings. It has always just been something to have and be done with. I know a lot of moms who put their daughters on it {the pill} to help them with painful periods or to help regulate them. So, I've always looked at it as something we can/should have control over. Not it having control over us.
I think if it is possible to not have it for convenience sake, what a great opportunity. It isn't so nice to have to work and deal with it, that's for sure.
But, playing with my hormones does concern me. Personally. My body is on a nice even keel and while it would have helped me greatly when I was younger {although no one ever explained that it could do more than just prevent pregnancy} as I suffered greatly as it sounds like you did, CP.
Now, I have control over it not vice versa.
I even bought nice crisp white sheets.
