Major period changes; paranoia, or cause for concern?

I can’t decide if I think I should be concerned or not.

Since the very first month I took BC at 16, until long after I’ve stopped the pill at 29, I’ve had 24-48 hour, painless periods. Before the pill, I had the textbook 5-day, moderate cramping type, and I always just attributed the change to being on the pill. But this month, after being off the pill for 2-3 years, with no indications of reverting back to the old pattern, I’ve suddenly got spotting in advance and intense cramping (probably really only moderate pain, I’m just not used to them any more and being a baby). It’s the change in cramps that most alarms me. Am I being dramatic, or am I justified in being alarmed?