Period Pain

Hi,

I am a 19 year old girl and have being getting my period since I was 13 years old. In the first year or two of first getting my period I got my period with no symptoms and no issues. For the last 3 years I have being suffering with painful cramps when I start my period. These cramps only happen on the first day of my period for any where between 2-6 hours. I usually take Panadol for the pain and I find it is a hit or miss. The cramps are very uncomfortable and most of the time if I start my period at work I will have to go home as the pain is too much. The rest of my period is smooth sailing and I have no cramps at all. Also, when I ovulate I can sometimes have some cramps but nothing that will be that bad that I have to stop my daily activities. What should I do and is it normal?