For the past few months, when my cycle starts, it's brownish and i'm cramping when i didn't use to....

Probably period: Brown equals old blood. It sounds like that was your period although likely not a normal period for you. It is typical to have an "off" period every now and then. This usually corrects itself over the next few cycles. If it continues see your doctor to discuss cycle regulation. Birth control is very effective at regulating the cycle and preventing pregnancy.