What Causes Continuous Periods?

I am a 49yr old female who until the 8th of this month has had a regular some what painfull menstral cycles. I have not stopped mentrating from the 8th of June and still going, not that heavy as usual, but still having cramps every now and then.Do you think it is that time of my Life, I had a pap smear only about 5 months ago and everything was normal. Can you please give me any clues, as I dont want to panic about this. Thank You Diane