I have a son with asthma, so I can sympathize. We buy Advair from Canadian pharmacies, about 1/3 the price.
I think the difference is that almost all women have menstrual cycles, not all people have asthma, therefore the argument that drugs for menstrual cramps should be covered has some merit. As long as we're on the topic, I don't think Viagra, Cialis, etc. should be covered.
No. All of these things are not treating an illness or a symptom and are easily available without a prescription. Medications for menstrual cramps treat a symptom and require a prescription.
Then following your logic - should contracetive pills be provided only to women needing them for menstrual cramps by physician prescription and not as a contraceptive method?
It is a problem. I'd leave it up to the insurance companies. If they so choose they can say they cover contraceptive pills for menstrual cramps but not for birth control. As you say, this would lead to an epidemic of menstrual cramp symptoms, which would lead to insurance companies raising their rates some more.