I'm 51 and it's been five weeks now with constant period pains. My last period was at the end of March. I have seen my GP and she's done a blood test, normal and booked me in for an ultrasound scan. I'm taking ibuprofen 2 or 3 times a day and paracetamol. It feels as if someone is wringing out my lower regions like a wet towel. I never used to get bad period pains with my regular periods. Any idea how long this will go on for? It's really annoying. I don't feel at all premenstrual - not ratty or strung out. In fact I feel very well apart from this constant pain. When the painkillers wear off it's miserable. I did try going without but ended up going to bed with a hot water bottle - I've never had to do that before. I go for walks and do line dancing - moderate exercise seems to help a bit, but when I'm driving or working at my computer the cramps are really severe.