Hiyer,
Me!
I currently have everything you describe except the period pains, but then I've never had period pains in my life at 'normal' times. I am however getting the griping bowel feeling I used to get a the start of a period. I'm 50 and now heading to 60 days without a period, and would honestly say that for the last two weeks I've been convinced every day that my period is about the start/is starting! All my past 'clues' to the period coming have been there; mood fluctating between crying despair and coping, forgetting things, spots, water retention. I can't provide huge amounts of experience on this, as its the first time in my life of it happening too. I've had a few years in peri-meno, the last 12 months have been the most erratic- 18 day cycles and 40 day cycles. Prior to that I had 4-5 years of very heavy periods and shorter cycles. I know there are loads of people on here who have had similar to what you are describing, as I've read their experiences on these boards during my time here....and I'm sure some will be along shortly. Just thought I'd reply and let you know you aren't alone!