Early and heavy period

[janebees]

My periods have always been regular but this time I started 5 days early and have been extremely heavy. I have to use tampon and towel and change both every two hours which is unusual for me. I normally have very painful periods but this time it is just a dull ache.
I also have what feels like nerve pain which shoots down front of left leg and up my left side abdomen. This shooting pain only happens when i'm menstuating.
I'm not on BC, have had two c-sections and i'm 34 yo

[Mr. Hugh Byrne, MRCOG]

This may be a once off.
I would do a pregnancy test just in case and if it keeps happening, ask for a pelvic ultrasound.
The left side pain could be due to endometriosis, adenomyosis or internal scar tissue (adhesions) from your sections.