I'm 46 this year. My periods are more or less regular, that is every 4 or 5 weeks. They last for around 7 days. I have noticed though, for the last 3 maybe that i get very bad backache and cramping with them - something that i didn't really get before. 'I've always got the headaches though.
Another thing i have noticed is the 'Flu' like symptoms, the aching body and feeling rubbish, either just before i'm due on or when i have just finished. I'm not on any pill (because of the headaches). I feel quite bloated too and windy! I wonder if its just my age, could be pre-menopausal or something?