Hi, I Am 48 Years Old And Feel Exhausted. Family

hi, I am 48 years old and feel exhausted. Family life! However, I have noticed a definite shift in body temperature. I am hot and sweaty it seems all the time. My period is extremely painful ( has always been but i had relief on Yasmin birth control over the years) and I experience blood floods at times. Cycle is 21 days apart and lasts 2/3 days. It is causing me distress. I can't work on the days i am bleeding. Panadol is not getting on top of the pain . Is taking the pill an option here to balance things out? Or have i turned the corner down the path to menopause and just have to put up with it.
thanks
Lisa