Exreme Mood Swings

OK, if it PMS and it is cyclical I can suggest what helped me - exercise #1, I upped it a lot! loosing weight (I am thin to begin with so I did not lose much, but when I started training regularly, it showed) #2, and #3 is mega doses of Primrose oil (1000 mg daily). I used Primrose oil daily for first 2 cycles, it worked miracles for depression, anger, other emotional symptoms, now I just start using it 2 days before I anticipate feeling crabby or at the first signs of emotional distress - it works! Exercise and weight loss got rid of excessive bleeding, cramps, swelling all that jazz. If I am still edgy, I can use Xanax at night, so I wake up very calm in the morning. I may do it for 1 night in 2-4 months if needed. Good luck!

I would think that you need to go to the doctor. I know that some birthcontrol can really help with this. Also, there is an over the counter med called Premysin that helps quite a bit. But, something is wrong, especially since this is new, and you should talk to your gyno.

I have felt like that and it really really sucks!! for everyone involved. Good luck, but don't let it go.

It wouldn't hurt to get your thyroid levels checked.

Are these recent changes? My OB has always told me major changes in blood flow and symptoms in periods, are cause for at least a check up.

How old are you? My mother started going through this about 10 years ago in her late 30's/early 40's. She definitely started going through "the change" early, and she went through similar symptoms.

With all that said, exercise, magnesium supplements, sunshine, healthy diet, and lots of water help my period symptoms.

Acupuncture!! When I was 31 (I'm 50 now) I went to acupuncture for asthma. I would go once a month to keep it in check. (I did this for 6 years until I moved to LA and had trouble finding an acupuncturist). A surprising result of those treatments was that my PMS went away. My mother said I became a new person. PMS never came back. Once in a while I would have cramps but I never had the mood swings. Now I found someone in LA that I like and I go for acupuncture every few months. Hope this helps!

You need to sleep more - 6 hours is not enough. Try to have 8 hours more often. Lack of sleeping hours is damaging your brain and body.

Things to try:
Estroven
Vit D
Sam E
Exercise
Journaling

I'm going to echo the person who said it could be perimenopause, or hormonal changes if you are in your 40's. I also have been experiencing those same type of mood swings prior to my period. I'm so irritable during that time and I never used to be. It's noticeable! My doctor recommended a supplement of Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc (it's an all-in-one supplement). I haven't been taking it long enough to give you my results, but I'd rather try a vitamin than a drug if it helps. I, too, need to get more sleep also!

I could of write this myself- my dr prescribed very small dose of zoloft for extreme Pms-- I've been on for about 3 months the results are incredible- I was very hesitant to try it but soooooo glad I did- even my family/husband notices a huge difference in me!

You don't state your age, I'm 43 and you described my symptoms to a tee. I went to OB because my cycle started getting too out of my normal. I was diagnosed with perimenopause to my surprise I was told these symptoms can go on for ten years before I actually go through menopause :( It's been two years and I told my primary physician at my last visit, get me on any treatment as soon as possible because I can't take this for ten years. Your best start is with your doctor, because there could be other conditions going on that need to be ruled out. Good luck

Look up premenstrual disphoric disorder: http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/pmdd/pmdd-premenst...

This same thing happened to me as well. I changed my birth control pill to the kind where you get your period once every 3 months so now it only happens 4 times per year. I feel so badly for people who suffer from daily depression because just getting this once per month is such an awful feeling. I sit there intellectually knowing that everything is good in my life, but can't seem to break the feeling of depression or apathy, etc.

Good luck!
S.

I second the suggestion to get your thyroid checked. Even in women with no prior history of thyroid problems, the birth of a child can trigger a thyroid imbalance. Thyroid issues present as both emotional and physical symptoms and can be worse during the premenstrual timeframe.