More Cramping as You Get Older?

I would have your doctor check you out. It can be anything from fibroids to endometriosis to pelvic inflammatory disease. Just because it is tied to hormonal swings does not necessarily mean it is because of your period. Having said all that, I am 50 now, and started my period at age 15 and it would always "surpise" me since I was not super regular and had zero side effects. I could never understand why girls could not do gym when they had their periods, and also thought "headaches" were just an excuse people used to get out of stuff. But with age, I have experienced both headaches as well as more cramps with my periods. My pain and swelling is relieved with 400-600 mg of ibuprofen, but I did have a thorough doctor's exam when a year ago I had a period that lasted 21 days and was extremely heavy. After the fact diagnosis was an ovarian cyst. So take the ibuprofen but bring it up at your next routine exam or simply call the nurse at your doctor and ask if they think the symptoms warrant coming in sooner. Good luck.

I was going to ask pretty much the same question last week! I'm 34 with 3 kids & have never had issues with pms...until the last few months. In the past I've never really had cramps or anything but lately it's horrible! The cramps leave me curled up in pain and not wanting to move. I'm sorry you are going through this but glad that it seems normal!

I have found this to be true also. I would say all in all there are 10 good days a month. My main problem is bloating so bad that I can go up a size :-( Whereas I used to bloat at PMS-immediately before and at the very start, now it is then plus a day or 2 when it ends and then several days mid cycle at ovulation. Cramps are a little worse too and so is my mood.

Everything Mallory said.
I'm also 34, and have 2 kids.

Same exact thing.

Yes.... I don't remember how old I was, but I remember at one point being puzzled by the cramping... it was like I was back in high school! I was even taking ibuprofen to help with the cramping. This was probably late 30's, if I remember correctly.

Also, in my 40's, my periods got much heavier..... I finally talked to the doctor about it, and found out I was having problem with fibroids..... and that was part of what was causing the cramping.

I have 4 kids, also... born when I was 24, 26, 28, and 34.