The pain level before period is getting worse

Has anyone experienced the pain level getting worse before their period? My pain level has gotten much worse lately and this type starts at least 3-4 days prior. It makes it so that I have a hard time making it through the day. I'm wondering if this has anything to do with me getting closer to menopause. I'm also wondering if my hormone levels are going even more crazy now and that's what the cause might be.