I have been having painful periods on and off since I was about 11. Im 44. Birth control pills helped as long as I was on them, but I have had some liver problems and feel that Im am too old to do birth control any more. Seeing your Gyno is a good suggestion. They can do whatever tests are necessary to help find out what may be the problem, endomistros, csysts, fibroiods, etc. I am finally going in for a hysterctomy since my problem seems to be just serious painfull cramps that include vomiting and diarreaha and over the counter meds just don't touch it. Good luck with the Doc, don't put it off.