Changes in period

[Heisenberg17]

Is it normal to have changes in your menstrual cycle as you get older?
I ask this because for as long as I can remember I have had rather bad periods always lasting from 7 to 8 days and they were always very heavy.
Now, my last 2 cycles have been different. Last month I bled for 4 days and this month it was 3, neither were as heavy as I’m used to but have been painful. Painful enough to take paracetamol which is rare for me, I only take them when I really need too.
I am only 29, but this is concerning me because like I say it’s not ‘normal’ for me.
Is this the norm? Or would it be worth me speaking to my GP?
For context I have fertility issues and have polcystic ovaries could that be something to do with it?

Please go and see the GP. Such changes should always be reported to the GP. You should be referred to a gynaecologist because painful and heavy periods are not normal nor they are something that you should just live with.

I would also keep a daily pain and symptom diary if you do not already do this. This can give these people clues.

PCO would not cause painful periods to arise (I have PCOS) but endometriosis and polycystic ovaries can co-exist. Endo can also cause heavy bleeding as well as pain.